iPhone 18 Pro camera vs 17 Pro, 16 Pro and 15 Pro Max

Quick answer

The iPhone 18 Pro is the newest of the four, with three 48MP rear cameras and a variable aperture main camera that moves between f/1.48 and f/4.0. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, while the 15 Pro Max pairs a 48MP main camera with 12MP ultra-wide and telephoto lenses.

Key facts

The iPhone 18 Pro has three 48MP rear cameras: main, ultra-wide and telephoto.
Its main camera has a variable aperture of f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8 and f/4.0.
The iPhone 16 Pro has a dedicated 5x optical zoom telephoto camera.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,200, according to Macworld.
A Canadian review unit with 256 GB cost $1,749 CAD.

What the iPhone 18 Pro camera offers

Mint describes the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as Apple's latest flagship models as of November 2026. The phone has three 48MP rear cameras covering the main, ultra-wide and telephoto lenses.

The biggest change is the variable aperture on the main camera, which can switch between f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8 and f/4.0. A wider aperture lets in more light in dark surroundings, while a narrower one keeps more of a scene in focus.

It also offers 4x optical zoom and 8x optical-quality zoom, 48MP ultra-wide shots and 48MP macro photography, with Pro controls for aperture, shutter speed and white balance.

How does it compare with the iPhone 17 Pro?

The iPhone 17 Pro brought 48MP sensors to all three rear cameras, and its telephoto also gives 4x optical zoom and 8x optical-quality zoom. It added Dual Capture, which records with the front and rear cameras at once, and supports 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 120 frames per second on the main camera.

Mint cites DXOMARK testing that rates the 17 Pro well for video, exposure and colour reproduction, though some noise can appear indoors or in low light.

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro has a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide and a 12MP telephoto. Its main strength is the dedicated 5x optical zoom, which helps with distant subjects without leaning on digital zoom. It also has a Camera Control button for quicker access to camera functions.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 48MP main camera with 12MP ultra-wide and telephoto cameras, and Mint calls it a capable option for people who like zoom photography.

Is the upgrade worth it, and what does it cost?

A Canoe reviewer who tested the iPhone 18 Pro for about four weeks says there are no massive changes from the 17 Pro, but recommends it to anyone coming from an iPhone 16, 15 or older. The phone uses the A20 Pro chip, built on 2-nanometre transistors, and a smaller Dynamic Island that is about 25 percent smaller.

Macworld says Apple told it that many customers keep the same iPhone for about three years. It puts the iPhone 18 Pro at a starting price of $1,200, rising to close to $2,000 for the Pro Max with extra storage. In Canada, the 256 GB model tested cost $1,749 CAD, and the 2 TB version goes up to $3,549 CAD.

Prices change daily, one outlet notes, so check the current price before buying. That report lists the cheapest iPhone Duo, with 256 GB, at $3399 on 15 November.

Frequently asked questions

Which iPhone Pro has the best camera, according to Mint?

Mint says the iPhone 18 Pro stands out for its variable aperture and three 48MP rear cameras. Older models still offer strong camera systems.

Does the iPhone 16 Pro have a telephoto camera?

Yes, a 12MP telephoto with dedicated 5x optical zoom.

How much is the iPhone 18 Pro?

Macworld says it starts at $1,200. In Canada, the 256 GB model reviewed costs $1,749 CAD.

Should iPhone 16 owners upgrade to the 18 Pro?

A Canoe reviewer recommends it for people on an iPhone 16, 15 or older, while noting the changes from the 17 Pro are not massive.

Topics: iphone 18 pro iphone 16 pro apple smartphone cameras iphone 17 pro