Should I get 128GB or 256GB for the iPhone 16 Pro?

I’m trying to decide between the 128GB and 256GB iPhone 16 Pro. Right now, I only use about 65GB, and I back up my photos to Google Photos. I also heard I can back up to an SSD. What do you all think?

I went with 256GB. With all the new AI features and the updated Siri taking up space, I figured it was better to have extra storage.

My rule is: if you have any doubt, go for the bigger storage. If you’re absolutely sure you won’t use the extra space, 128GB is fine. I switched to 256GB a few years ago because the 128GB models were sold out, and I’ve stuck with it ever since. It’s been surprisingly useful, especially for storing things I can’t fit on my iPad.

One big plus with 256GB: peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about running out of space anytime soon. But keep in mind: storage tends to fill up faster than you expect.

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I got the 256GB Pro, and I’d say that’s the best choice. I wouldn’t recommend 128GB unless you’re planning to upgrade soon or rely heavily on external storage.

Go for the higher storage. You won’t regret it.

I went with 1TB because I shoot a lot of video, but if you do any kind of media work, I’d say 256GB is the minimum you should get.

256GB was an easy choice for me. I take RAW photos and listen to a ton of music.

Edit: There’s a reason Apple doesn’t sell the Pro Max with 128GB anymore.

Bigger storage is always better. No one regrets getting more storage, but plenty of people regret getting too little.

128GB is fine if you pay for iCloud.

I had 256GB on my 13 Pro, and now I have 256GB on my 16 Pro Max. No regrets.

I went with 128GB since I use iCloud for everything.

I got 256GB, and now I’ve started downloading lossless music from Apple Music. I only have about 90GB left now :joy::joy::joy:. Maybe I should chill with downloading so much music.

I got the 256GB 16 Pro even though I don’t need the space right now. I’m planning to keep the phone for years, and I figure Apple’s AI features, iOS updates, and apps will only get bigger over time.

Here’s how my storage looks on my 16 Pro (256GB + 50GB iCloud):

  • iOS + Apple Intelligence: 17.79GB
  • System Data: 9.92GB
  • 62 apps + offline music from YouTube Music (high quality)
  • 203.5GB free

I originally thought about getting 128GB, but since I plan to keep my phone for a long time, I went with 256GB. That said, 128GB is totally doable if you use iCloud efficiently.

I went with 128GB and use a NAS at home for backing up photos and videos. Saves a lot of money in the long run.

256GB is the safer choice. These days, everything records in 4K 60fps, and app updates are getting bigger. If you plan to keep your phone for 3+ years, 256GB is the way to go. 128GB is becoming the new 64GB… unless Apple somehow figures out a way to shrink file sizes.

I’m a photographer, and I use my 16 Pro as a secondary camera. I shoot in DNG, so I went with the 128GB model. Here’s why:

  1. Photos in DNG go straight to my laptop for editing in Photoshop.
  2. Apple ProRes videos already require an external SSD anyway.
  3. I have USB-C SSDs and flash drives, so backups aren’t an issue.
  4. I subscribe to Apple One, which gives me 50GB iCloud storage for photos/music.
  5. I keep my storage clean, regularly deleting WhatsApp media, unused files, etc.

If you’re organized, 128GB is fine—but if you like to hoard files, get 256GB.

If you’re getting the Pro Max, 256GB is your only option.