# iPhone 16 Plus Upgrade: 2 Suggestions to Consider if You Wish to Bypass the Pro
Transitioning to a new iPhone is always thrilling, but it can also feel a bit daunting, particularly when choosing between the Pro and standard models. With the introduction of the iPhone 16 series, numerous users are pondering whether they truly require the additional features of the Pro models or if the basic iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus would be adequate.
Having spent over a month with the iPhone 16 Plus, I can assert that the transition from my iPhone 14 Pro was worthwhile, despite some early hesitations. In this article, I will outline two crucial factors to assess if you’re thinking about switching from a Pro model to the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus. These factors will assist you in determining if you can do without the Pro functionalities or if it’s best to remain with the premium models.
## 1. The Camera: Is Zoom Really Essential?
A notable distinction between the iPhone 16 Pro and the standard iPhone 16 models is the camera system. The Pro variants come with a 12-megapixel tetraprism zoom camera capable of up to 5x optical zoom, whereas the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus maintain a dual-camera layout devoid of advanced zoom features.
If you frequently utilize the zoom functionality on your current iPhone, this may be a crucial factor. However, after upgrading from the iPhone 14 Pro, which included a 3x optical zoom, to the iPhone 16 Plus, I discovered that I didn’t miss the zoom as much as anticipated. In fact, my use of the zoom on my previous phone was rare, and the dual-camera arrangement on the iPhone 16 Plus has more than fulfilled my photography requirements.
Before reaching a conclusion, I advise evaluating how often you use the zoom feature on your current device. If it turns out that you seldom use it, you might not require the additional camera enhancements offered by the Pro models. Conversely, if zoom photography plays a significant role in your mobile experience, you may want to consider the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max.
Moreover, the Pro models provide additional camera advantages such as Night Mode portraits, Apple ProRaw, Log video recording, and a four-mic array for superior audio capture. These features are excellent for professional photographers and videographers, but for the everyday user, the standard iPhone 16 camera system will likely suffice.
## 2. The Display: Can You Manage Without 120Hz?
Another major distinction between the Pro and non-Pro iPhones is the display. The iPhone 16 Pro models are equipped with a 120Hz ProMotion display, delivering smoother scrolling and animations compared to the 60Hz display on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. The ProMotion display also offers Always-On functionality, keeping vital information visible even when the phone is not active.
At first sight, switching from a 120Hz display to a 60Hz one may seem like a notable downgrade. However, I found the change to be less disruptive than anticipated. In fact, I had already deactivated the Always-On display on my iPhone 14 Pro to extend battery life, and I had adjusted the refresh rate to 60Hz for similar reasons. Thus, moving to the iPhone 16 Plus’s 60Hz display felt seamless, and I hardly noticed any significant change in everyday usage.
If you’re uncertain about your ability to forgo the 120Hz display, try this experiment: Access your iPhone’s settings to disable the Always-On display and switch the refresh rate to 60Hz. Use your device this way for a few days and observe if you perceive any significant differences. If the 60Hz display doesn’t bother you, then the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus may be a suitable option. If you realize that you miss the fluidity of the 120Hz display, then the Pro models may justify the additional expense.
It’s also important to mention that the ProMotion display adjusts its refresh rate dynamically based on user activity. This means that even on a Pro model, the display isn’t perpetually operating at 120Hz—it will only increase when optimal, such as during gaming or browsing content.
## Conclusion: Is the iPhone 16 Plus Satisfactory?
In the end, the choice between the iPhone 16/16 Plus and the Pro models hinges on your individual preferences and usage habits. If you are someone who appreciates advanced camera features and a high-refresh-rate display, the Pro models are probably worth the purchase. However, if you can manage without these enhancements, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus should meet your needs.
