CheckMag | Finally, the iPhone 16 Pro doesn’t discriminate against those who want a smaller screen

One of the most infuriating things about buying one of the smaller "Pro" iPhones was that the specification did not match that of its larger sibling, despite carrying the same "Pro" moniker. With a smaller phone, one would naturally expect a smaller battery, but borking the camera system between two supposedly identical models makes a mockery of those that want a smaller handset.

Ever since Apple introduced the 5x telephoto lens on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the lowly iPhone 15 Pro was only ever equipped with a 3x telephoto. Thankfully, with the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, users opting for the smaller handset are no longer discriminated against, with the smaller model being equipped with the exact same 5x telephoto as its bigger brother. The addition of the dedicated (simulated) 2 stage camera button highlights how serious Apple is about the camera centric features of these two devices.

Although not guilty of quite the same thing, Google has also realised this year that some users want "Pro" features without the super sized screen, as the Pixel 9 Pro now comes in two sizes of 6.3 inches and 6.8 inches with the latter XL model being the same size as the outgoing Pixel 8 Pro.

Finally, it would seem that manufacturers are catching on to the idea that not everyone wanting to invest in a top tier camera system also wants a massive screen. Only time will tell if other manufacturers such as Samsung (which historically reserves its best camera systems for the massive Galaxy S24 Ultra) will follow the same path. Although, it is worth keeping in mind that Samsung has never marketed the standard size S24 as having the same "Pro" features as their flagship model.

We're unlikely to ever see a small flagship again, given that the only two manufacturers, Apple and Asus, have ditched the smaller models from their line-up. The Pixel 9 Pro (available at Best Buy) and iPhone 16 Pro certainly wouldn't be described as small, but at least both Android and iOS users now have the option of purchasing a smaller flagship camera system without compromise.

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max open for pre-order on Friday 13th September.