A new year, a new iPhone. Most Apple users often focus on camera upgrades and new titanium finishes, but for many power users, the more practical question is: “How fast does it charge? The value of a device lies solely in its ability to maintain a charge.
With the iPhone 16 Pro, we’re answering this question directly. Does this new Apple flagship really charge faster than its highly capable predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro? And if you’re upgrading, what’s the best charger for the iPhone 16 Pro that will help you get the most out of it?
Does the iPhone 16 Pro really charge faster than the iPhone 15 Pro? Read on to see which phone wins, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments!
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Charging Capabilities
Before running real-world tests, review the official specifications. The iPhone 15 Pro supports up to 27W wired fast charging with a compatible USB-C power adapter, reaching 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes.
Overall, while the iPhone 16 Pro Charger could offer slightly faster peak charging than the iPhone 15 Pro, the larger battery may offset some of the time savings. As a result, charging times between the two devices may not differ significantly in typical use.
Here is a quick look at the spec comparison
| Feature | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|
| Connector | USB-C (USB 3) | USB-C (USB 3) |
| Wired Charging | Up to 27W | Up to 30W |
| Battery Size | 3274 mAh | 3350 mAh |
| 0-50% Charging Time | 30min | Claimed slightly faster |
The Charger Used in the Test
Consistent test conditions are essential for meaningful speed comparisons. In this test, we used the Apple 30W USB-C Power Adapter for both devices. This ensures that we are comparing the phone’s charging capabilities — not just the adapter’s power output.
The iPhone 16 Pro Charger uses Apple’s USB-C ecosystem and Power Delivery for faster, stable charging. We used an Apple-certified USB-C to USB-C cable to ensure compatibility.
Using a low-wattage adapter, slow cable, or uncertified charger could cause the iPhone 16 Pro to appear slower.
Charging Speed Test
Testing charging speeds is more complex than plugging in two phones and waiting. For accurate results, we used a consistent and repeatable method:
* Starting Point: Both iPhones were drained to 0%. We left them for 10 minutes to ensure both had equal battery temperature before charging.
* Environment: Testing took place at about 25°C. This room temperature prevents overheating, which could slow charging.
* Charger We used the same Apple 30W adapter and USB-C cable for both devices.
*Checkpoints: We timed how long it took to reach 25%, 50%, 80%, and full charge.
* Multiple Runs: We repeated each test twice to ensure consistent results.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 15 Charging Time
Here are the results of the speed test:
| Battery Level | iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| 0-25% | 11-min | 10min |
| 0-50% | 30-min | 26-min |
| 0-80% | 52-min | 46-min |
| 0-100% | 1hr-37 min | 1hr-25min |
You can see that the iPhone 16 Pro charger makes a significant difference, especially in the first 30 minutes, charging up to 50% in just under 26 minutes, which provides a significant advantage for users who rely on quick recharges.
However, this advantage diminishes when the battery reaches a full charge, as Apple slows down charging above 80% to maintain battery health.
Real-World Experience: Heat, Efficiency, and Safety
Numbers are helpful, but everyday use matters most. In our tests, the iPhone 16 Pro Charger stayed cooler than the iPhone 15 Pro Charger under similar conditions. Lower temperatures mean better efficiency and longer battery health.
Building on improved cooling, the iPhone 16 Pro also benefits from Apple’s battery management, which slows charging at around 80% to protect battery health. Charging is faster for top-ups below 80% than in the iPhone 15 Pro under similar conditions.
MagSafe and Wireless Charging Comparison
What about wireless charging? Apple’s MagSafe charging is limited to 15W for both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 Pro. However, in our tests, the iPhone 16 Pro charged more efficiently, reaching 50% wireless charge about 3 to 4 minutes faster than the iPhone 15 under the same test conditions.
For those who use wireless charging overnight, this difference is negligible. Every minute matters when it comes to quick top-ups during the day.
Final Verdict: Is iPhone 16 Pro Worth the Upgrade for Charging Speed?
The iPhone 16 Pro charger is slightly faster than the iPhone 15 charger.
If your main priority is faster charging, upgrading from the iPhone 15 to the iPhone 16 Pro may not be worth it, as the improvement is only slight. However, if you charge in short bursts, you’ll still appreciate how quickly the iPhone 16 Pro reaches 50% battery.
However, if you’re upgrading for the camera, processor, or USB-C, faster charging is a bonus that makes the iPhone 16 Pro more future-proof.
Conclusion
The iPhone 16 Pro Charger has a slight improvement in charging speed compared to the iPhone 15. Although it won’t completely alter your daily routine, it can save you valuable minutes during quick charging sessions. If speed and efficiency matter to you, pairing your iPhone 16 Pro with Apple’s 30W adapter is the best way to maximize the performance of your new device.