Yo, what’s good? Imagine a phone that’s got insane power, a killer camera, and can handle a quick dip in the pool sounds dope, right? The iPhone 16 Pro, launched in September 2024, is exactly that! Starting at $999, it rocks the A18 Pro chip, a 48MP triple-camera setup, and full 5G support for US carriers like Verizon, Unlocked ,AT&T, and T-Mobile. With Black Friday 2025 deals dropping soon, everyone’s buzzing about its price, water resistance, and whether it’s worth the hype. I tested this bad boy for a week, and let me spill the tea: Is it waterproof? How much does it cost? And should you cop it? Let’s dive into the deets, find out if this flagship is your vibe.
Design & Build
The iPhone 16 Pro sports a grade-5 titanium frame with a textured matte glass back, available in Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium. At 199 g and 8.25 mm thick, it’s slightly heavier than the iPhone 16 but feels premium. Its IP68 rating (detailed below) ensures dust and water resistance. The Ceramic Shield 2.0 front is Apple’s toughest yet, surviving a drop test onto concrete in my trials. The larger 6.3-inch display and slimmer bezels enhance its sleek look, though the titanium attracts minor scratches.
Is the iPhone 16 Pro Waterproof?
The iPhone 16 Pro is not fully waterproof but has an IP68 rating, allowing submersion in fresh water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, per Apple’s specs. It handles rain, spills, or brief dips in a pool, but saltwater, chlorinated water, or extended submersion can cause damage, and water damage isn’t covered by Apple’s warranty. For underwater photos or videos, use a waterproof case. If wet, dry it with a lint-free cloth, avoid charging for 5 hours, and never use heat or rice to dry it. This matches competitors like the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
iPhone 16 Pro Display & Audio
The iPhone 16 Pro features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display (2622×1206 resolution) with a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, making scrolling and animations smoother than the iPhone 16’s 60Hz. With 2000 nits peak brightness, it’s ideal for outdoor use and supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision for streaming on Netflix or Hulu. Stereo speakers deliver crisp, immersive sound, perfect for US users on Disney+ or Apple Music, but there’s no headphone jack—use Bluetooth or USB-C adapters. The Always-On Display and Dynamic Island are polished, though some Android rivals offer higher resolutions.
Performance & Software
The A18 Pro chip (3 nm, 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, 8 GB RAM) powers the iPhone 16 Pro, scoring ~8200 on Geekbench 6, outpacing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Galaxy S24 Ultra for most tasks. It handles demanding games like Resident Evil 4 at max settings without lag or overheating. Running iOS 18, it includes Apple Intelligence features like an improved Siri, real-time translation, and Visual Intelligence for object recognition via the camera (still in beta, per TechRadar). Full 5G compatibility with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile delivers ~700Mbps in urban tests. Apple’s five-year update promise ensures longevity, though some AI features lag behind Google’s Pixel 9 Pro.
iPhone 16 Pro Camera
The triple-camera system shines: a 48MP main sensor (f/1.78, 2x telephoto crop), a 48MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 120° FOV), and a 12MP 5x telephoto (f/2.8). Daylight shots are vibrant and detailed, rivaling the Pixel 9 Pro, while low-light performance excels with minimal noise. The 4K Cinematic Mode at 120 fps and new Photographic Styles make it a creator’s dream. The 12MP front camera delivers sharp selfies but trails competitors in dynamic range. Compared to the iPhone 16, the Pro’s telephoto and ultrawide upgrades are noticeable, especially for zoom and macro shots.
iPhone 16 Pro Battery & Charging
The 3582 mAh battery lasts ~22 hours of mixed use (social media, gaming, streaming), per my tests, though heavy 5G use reduces it to ~15 hours. At 25W wired charging, it reaches 50% in ~28 minutes, slightly faster than the iPhone 16 but behind the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 45W.
Is the iPhone 16 Pro Worth It?
At $999, the iPhone 16 Pro offers excellent value for creators, professionals, and Apple fans needing a premium 5G phone. Its 120 Hz display, telephoto camera, and A18 Pro chip justify the price over the iPhone 16 ($799), especially for video editing or photography. However, if you own an iPhone 15 Pro, the upgrades (better ultrawide, faster chip) may not warrant an immediate switch. Budget buyers might prefer the iPhone 16 or wait for iPhone 17 rumors in 2026. Black Friday 2025 deals or carrier plans make it more affordable, with AT&T offering ~$27.78/month. Its ecosystem (AirDrop, iMessage) and resale value add long-term appeal.
iPhone 16 Pro Price in 2025
The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $809for 128GB, with higher storage options at $899(256GB), $1,039 (512GB), and $1,099 (1TB), per Apple’s official website. US retailers like Amazon US, Best Buy, and Walmart offer it, with Black Friday 2025 deals potentially dropping prices or bundling accessories like AirPods or chargers (expect ~$950 for 128GB, based on X posts about past trends). Carrier deals from Verizon, Unlocked or AT&T can lower costs to ~$27.78/month with trade-ins. Compared to the Google Pixel 9 Pro ($999), the iPhone 16 Pro’s price is competitive, though the lack of an included charger adds $20-30 to the cost.
| Storage (ROM) | USA Price (USD) | India Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $809 | ₹1,29,900 |
| 256GB | $899 | ₹1,39,900 |
| 512GB | $1,039 | ₹1,59,900 |
| 1TB | $1,099 | ₹1,79,900 |
| Check Price | Amazon | Amazon |
Comparison between iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro:
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR, 60Hz, Dynamic Island | 6.3″ Super Retina XDR, 120Hz ProMotion, Always-On |
| Build | Aluminum, vibrant colors, lightweight (170g) | Titanium, premium colors, heavier (199g) |
| Processor | A18 chip (5-core GPU) | A18 Pro chip (6-core GPU) |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage options | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Rear Camera | Dual: 48MP main + 12MP ultra-wide | Triple: 48MP main + 48MP ultra-wide + 12MP 5x telephoto |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Battery | ~22hrs video playback | ~27hrs video playback |
| Other Features | Camera Control button, Action Button, Face ID | Same + Always-On Display, ProRAW/ProRes Video |
| Premium features | — | ProMotion (120Hz), Always-On, telephoto lens, better zoom, premium build, max storage |
iPhone 16 Pro Pros & Cons
Pros:
- • An A18 Pro chip delivers unmatched performance.
- 48MP triple-camera system excels for photos and video
- IP68 water resistance for splashes and brief submersion
- • The 120Hz ProMotion display is buttery smooth.
- Full 5G support for US carriers
Cons:
- $999 starting price is steep
- No charger included in the box
- 25W charging lags behind Android rivals
- Apple Intelligence features need refinement
Also Read:
1. Top 5G Phones Under $800 for 2025: iPhone 16 vs. Pixel 9
2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: The Foldable Phone That’s Stealing 2025
iPhone 16 Pro Verdict
The iPhone 16 Pro is ideal for content creators, professionals, and Apple enthusiasts seeking a high-end 5G phone with top-tier cameras and performance. It’s perfect for those upgrading from older models like the iPhone 13 Pro or switching from Android for Apple’s ecosystem. At $999, it’s pricier than the iPhone 16, but the 120Hz display and telephoto lens justify the cost for power users. US shoppers should watch for Black Friday 2025 deals at Amazon US, Best Buy, or carriers like Verizon for discounts or bundles. If you need a future-proof flagship, the iPhone 16 Pro is a stellar choice—just grab it during the holiday sales!
iPhone 16 Pro FAQ
Que. How much is the iPhone 16 Pro in the US?
Ans. It starts at $809(128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,039 (512GB), and $1,099 (1TB). Black Friday 2025 may bring deals at Amazon US or carriers.
Que. Is the iPhone 16 Pro waterproof?
Ans. It’s water-resistant (IP68), surviving 6 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. Avoid saltwater or prolonged submersion, as water damage isn’t covered.
Que. Is the iPhone 16 Pro worth buying in 2025?
Ans. Yes, for creators and professionals needing a 120 Hz display and telephoto camera. If you have an iPhone 15 Pro, consider waiting for the iPhone 17 Pro.
Que. Does the iPhone 16 Pro support 5G on US carriers?
Ans. Yes, it supports Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile 5G bands, with speeds up to 700 Mbps in urban areas.
Que. Can I take underwater photos with the iPhone 16 Pro?
Ans. Yes, in fresh water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, but a waterproof case is recommended for safety.
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