vivo S16 Pro vs vivo S16: The Ultimate Showdown

vivo's S-series is known for its stylish design and impressive camera capabilities. The vivo S16 Pro and S16 are the latest iterations, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The vivo S16 Pro takes the lead with its more powerful Dimensity 8200 chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost. However, the S16 remains a compelling option, especially for those prioritizing a slightly more compact design and a proven Snapdragon 870. Both offer excellent cameras and fast charging.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S16 Pro vivo S16
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2022, December 222022, December 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, December 30Available. Released 2022, December 30
Body
Dimensions164.1 x 74.8 x 7.4 mm (6.46 x 2.94 x 0.29 in)164.1 x 74.8 x 7.4 mm (6.46 x 2.94 x 0.29 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight182 g (6.42 oz)182 g (6.42 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC6Adreno 650
OSAndroid 13, OriginOS 3Android 13, OriginOS 3
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDRColor spectrum sensor, Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single50 MP, f/2.5, (wide), AF50 MP, f/2.5, (wide), AF
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRDual-LED flash, HDR
Single50 MP, f/2.5, (wide), AF50 MP, f/2.5, (wide), AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, (unconfirmed stereo speakers)Yes
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavICGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging66W wired, 50% in 19 min66W wired, 50% in 19 min
Type4600 mAh4600 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, MintBlack, Mint, Gold
ModelsV2245AV2244A
PriceAbout 400 EURAbout 340 EUR

vivo S16 Pro

  • More powerful chipset (Dimensity 8200)
  • Slightly larger display
  • Potentially better camera performance
  • Faster processing speeds

  • Potentially higher price
  • Slightly larger size

vivo S16

  • Proven Snapdragon 870 performance
  • Slightly more compact design
  • Excellent value for money
  • Stylish design

  • Less powerful chipset compared to S16 Pro
  • Potentially slightly lower camera quality

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. The S16 Pro boasts a slightly larger 6.78-inch display compared to the S16's 6.7-inch screen. Both offer FHD+ resolution, so image quality is excellent on both. The S16 Pro may have slightly better color accuracy due to its higher price point and potentially more advanced display calibration.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature impressive camera systems. The S16 Pro typically has a higher resolution main sensor (50MP) and potentially improved image processing algorithms. Both offer excellent selfie cameras, a key focus for the S-series. Low-light performance is expected to be slightly better on the S16 Pro due to its more advanced hardware. Expect both to capture detailed and vibrant photos and videos.

Performance

The S16 Pro's Dimensity 8200 chipset provides a significant performance advantage over the S16's Snapdragon 870. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Pro. While the Snapdragon 870 is still a capable chip, the Dimensity 8200's newer architecture and 4nm process offer a noticeable upgrade.

Battery Life

Both devices offer 66W fast charging, achieving 50% charge in 19 minutes. Battery capacity is similar, around 4700mAh. Real-world battery life should be comparable, lasting a full day for moderate users.

Buying Guide

The vivo S16 Pro is ideal for users who demand top-tier performance for gaming and demanding apps, and appreciate a slightly larger display. The vivo S16 is a great choice for those seeking a stylish, capable phone with a balanced feature set and a more manageable size, without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the vivo S16 Pro worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance and the best possible camera experience, the S16 Pro is worth the investment. However, the S16 offers excellent value and is a great choice for most users.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The vivo S16 Pro, thanks to its Dimensity 8200 chipset, will provide significantly better gaming performance than the S16.