iPhone 16 Pro vs Xiaomi 15 Pro: The Definitive Flagship Comparison

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and Xiaomi’s 15 Pro represent the pinnacle of smartphone engineering, but cater to different philosophies. The iPhone prioritizes a tightly integrated ecosystem and optimized software, while Xiaomi focuses on pushing hardware boundaries and offering rapid charging capabilities. This comparison dissects their core strengths to determine which device reigns supreme.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing long-term software support and a seamless user experience, the iPhone 16 Pro is the better choice. Its 37-hour battery endurance and optimized A18 Pro chipset provide a consistently smooth experience. However, the Xiaomi 15 Pro’s blazing-fast 90W charging and powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite make it a compelling option for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names Apple iPhone 16 Pro Xiaomi 15 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53, 66 - A32931, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66 - China
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A32931, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 83, 84, 89 SA/NSA - China
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, September 092024, October 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, September 20Available. Released 2024, October 29
Body
BuildGlass front (Ceramic Shield), glass back, titanium frame (grade 5)-
Dimensions149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm (5.89 x 2.81 x 0.33 in)161.3 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm or 8.7 mm
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time; International)· eSIM + eSIM (8 or more, max 2 at a time; USA)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China)Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight199 g (7.02 oz)213 g or 219 g (7.51 oz)
Display
ProtectionCeramic Shield glass (2024 gen), Mohs level 4Shatterproof glass (2024 gen)
Resolution1206 x 2622 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~522 ppi density)
Size6.3 inches, 96.4 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.73 inches, 108.9 cm2 (~89.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM)LTPO AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 3200 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUHexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz)Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)
ChipsetApple A18 Pro (3 nm)Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
GPUApple GPU (6-core graphics)Adreno 830
OSiOS 18, upgradable to iOS 26.1Android 15, HyperOS 2
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 8GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama)Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, Leica lens, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 12 MP, f/2.8, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3D sensor‑shift OIS, 5x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)50 MP, f/1.4, 23mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.5, 120mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF (30cm - ∞), OIS, 5x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115˚ (ultrawide), AF
Video4K@24/25/30/60/100/120fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), ProRes, 3D (spatial) video/audio, stereo sound rec.8K@24/30fps (HDR), 4K@24/30/60fps (HDR10+, 10-bit Dolby Vision HDR, 10-bit LOG), 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 720p@1920fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, Dolby Vision HDR, 3D (spatial) audio, stereo sound rec.HDR, panorama
Single12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)32 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 0.7µm
Video4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LHDC 5
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPortUSB Type-C 3.2 Gen2, Display Port, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, tri-band, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band or tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, barometer
Battery
ChargingWired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min 25W wireless (MagSafe), 15W wireless (China only) 15W wireless (Qi2) 4.5W reverse wired90W wired, PD3.0, QC3+ 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Ion 3582 mAhSi/C Li-Ion 6100 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert TitaniumBlack, White, Silver, Green
ModelsA3293, A3083, A3292, A3294, iPhone17,124101PNB7C, 2410DPN6CC
Price€ 884.23 / $ 574.09 / £ 685.80About 690 EUR
SAR1.09 W/kg (head)     1.19 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU1.24 W/kg (head)     1.48 W/kg (body)-
EU LABEL
Battery37:00h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass C (90 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

  • Exceptional battery life (37h endurance)
  • Optimized A18 Pro chipset for smooth performance
  • Long-term software support and ecosystem integration

  • Slower charging speeds compared to Xiaomi
  • Less customization options in iOS
  • MagSafe ecosystem lock-in

Xiaomi 15 Pro

  • Blazing-fast 90W wired charging
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
  • More open and customizable Android ecosystem

  • Battery endurance likely lower than iPhone
  • Software update support may be shorter
  • Potential for more bloatware

Display Comparison

The iPhone 16 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 1764 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While Xiaomi doesn’t provide a specific nit rating, their flagship displays typically compete closely. Both devices utilize 3nm chipsets, which contribute to efficient power consumption for the display. The iPhone’s likely use of LTPO technology allows for variable refresh rates, optimizing battery life, while Xiaomi’s panel tech is unknown but expected to be high-end. Bezels are expected to be minimal on both, but Apple’s historically tighter tolerances may give it a slight edge in overall display refinement.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, analysis focuses on brand tendencies. Apple typically prioritizes natural image processing and color accuracy, while Xiaomi often leans towards more vibrant, saturated images. The Snapdragon 8 Elite’s ISP is capable of handling significant image processing demands, but the iPhone’s computational photography algorithms are highly refined. Sensor size and lens apertures will be key differentiators, but without that data, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The absence of a dedicated telephoto lens on either device would be a significant omission for a flagship.

Performance

The core of the performance difference lies in the chipsets: Apple’s A18 Pro (3nm, Hexa-core) versus Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm, Octa-core). The Snapdragon 8 Elite utilizes Oryon V2 Phoenix cores, a design focused on high single-core performance, potentially giving it an edge in responsiveness. However, Apple’s A-series chips are renowned for their optimized neural engine and efficient power management. The iPhone’s hexa-core configuration contrasts with the Snapdragon’s octa-core, but Apple’s architectural advantages often compensate for core count. Both utilize LPDDR5x RAM, but thermal management will be crucial; the Snapdragon’s higher peak clock speeds could lead to more throttling under sustained load.

Battery Life

The iPhone 16 Pro’s 37-hour endurance and 14:17h active use score demonstrate exceptional battery life, likely due to the A18 Pro’s efficiency. The Xiaomi 15 Pro, while lacking specific endurance figures, compensates with its 90W wired charging (PD3.0, QC3+), capable of reaching 50% charge in a remarkably short time. The iPhone’s 25W wireless charging (MagSafe) and 15W Qi2 are slower, but MagSafe offers convenience. Xiaomi’s 50W wireless charging is significantly faster. The 4.5W reverse wired charging on the iPhone is a niche feature, while Xiaomi’s 10W reverse wireless charging is more practical.

Buying Guide

Buy the Apple iPhone 16 Pro if you need a phone with guaranteed software updates for years to come, a refined user interface, and a strong emphasis on privacy. Buy the Xiaomi 15 Pro if you prioritize incredibly fast charging, a more open Android ecosystem, and maximum raw processing power for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Xiaomi 15 Pro tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 8 Elite is a powerful chipset, its higher clock speeds can generate more heat. Xiaomi typically employs advanced cooling solutions, but sustained gaming at maximum settings may still lead to some thermal throttling. The iPhone 16 Pro’s A18 Pro is generally more efficient and less prone to overheating.
❓ How does MagSafe compare to the Xiaomi 15 Pro’s 50W wireless charging in terms of real-world usability?
Xiaomi’s 50W wireless charging is significantly faster than the iPhone’s 25W MagSafe, offering a full charge in a much shorter timeframe. However, MagSafe provides a secure magnetic connection and enables accessories like wallets and car mounts, adding convenience that Xiaomi’s wireless charging lacks.
❓ What are the implications of the different charging standards – PD3.0 (Xiaomi) vs PD2.0 (iPhone)?
PD3.0 offers potentially higher power delivery and more efficient charging compared to PD2.0. However, both standards are widely supported, and the practical difference in charging speed will be more influenced by the charger’s wattage and the phone’s charging circuitry than the PD version itself.