Over the past few years, Apple’s standard iPhone looked a little neglected. The Pro models got new chipsets, camera features, and a customizable Action Button, while the standard models made do with the leftovers.
Design and Display
- Sleek and Modern: Both models feature a sleek, modern design with rounded corners and a glass back.
- Larger Displays: The iPhone 16 Plus boasts a larger, 6.7-inch display compared to the 6.1-inch screen on the iPhone 16.
- Dynamic Island: The Dynamic Island, introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro models, is now available on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, offering a more immersive user experience.
iPhone 16: A Stylish and Durable Companion
The iPhone 16 offers a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to use with one hand. Its aerospace-grade aluminum construction ensures durability, while the Ceramic Shield glass provides additional protection against scratches.
- Compact Size: The iPhone 16's smaller size makes it convenient for one-handed use.
- Lightweight Design: The aerospace-grade aluminum construction keeps the weight down.
- Durable Materials: The Ceramic Shield glass and aluminum frame provide protection against scratches and drops.
Tips for Maintaining the iPhone 16's Appearance:
- Use a Screen Protector: A screen protector can help prevent scratches and maintain the display's clarity.
- Invest in a Case: A protective case can shield the iPhone 16 from accidental drops and bumps.
iPhone 16 Design: A Blend of New and Familiar
The iPhone 16 introduces several design changes, including a return to the vertical camera arrangement, the addition of the Action Button and Camera Control, and the continued use of a USB-C port.
Key Design Changes:
- Vertical Camera Arrangement: The vertical camera arrangement allows for support for Spatial video and photo capture.
- Action Button: The customizable Action Button provides quick access to various functions.
- Camera Control: The Camera Control button offers intuitive camera controls.
- USB-C Port: The iPhone 16 retains the USB-C port introduced in the iPhone 15, although it still operates at USB 2.0 speeds.
| iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | iPhone 15 | |
| Display size | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.2-inch AMOLED | 6.1-inch OLED |
| sRGB (%) | 112.2% | 137.5% (Vivid), 120.8% (Natural) | 114.4% |
| DCI-P3 (%) | 79.5% | 97.4% (Vivid), 85.5% (Natural) | 81.1% |
| Delta-E | 0.27 | 0.22 (Vivid), 0.24 (Natural) | 0.18 |
| Peak brightness | 1,348 nits | 1,416 nits | 1,401 nits |
Apple iPhone 16 review: Camera Control
While the ability to launch the camera with a dedicated button is not entirely new, the Camera Control button's swipe-through functionality sets it apart. This feature makes it easier to adjust settings without obstructing the viewfinder, providing a smoother and more consistent shooting experience.
However, as with any new feature, there may be a learning curve. Users may need to adjust to the new button placement and functionality. Additionally, some users may find that the Camera Control button is redundant, especially if they are already comfortable with other methods of launching the camera.
Overall, the iPhone 16's Camera Control button is a welcome addition that enhances the camera experience. Its innovative design and intuitive functionality make it a valuable tool for photographers and videographers alike.
Expanding the iPhone 16's Camera Capabilities: A Wishlist
While the iPhone 16's camera improvements are impressive, there's always room for enhancement. Here are a few features I'd like to see Apple incorporate in future updates:
/p>
Manual Controls
- Shutter Speed: Allowing users to manually adjust shutter speed would provide greater control over exposure and motion blur.
- ISO: The ability to manually set ISO would enable photographers to adjust image sensitivity and grain.
- Focus: More precise manual focus control would be beneficial for macro photography and other specialized shots.
Additional Photographic Styles
- Black and White: Expanding the black and white options to include more nuanced tones and textures.
- Vintage: Adding vintage-inspired filters to create a nostalgic feel.
- Artistic: Introducing more experimental and artistic styles for creative expression.
Advanced Video Features
- Log Mode: Enabling log mode would provide more flexibility for color grading and dynamic range in video.
- Time-Lapse Stabilization: Improving stabilization for time-lapse videos to reduce shake and jitter.
- 4K 60fps: Supporting 4K video recording at 60 frames per second for smoother, higher-quality footage.
While the iPhone 16's camera is already a powerful tool, these additional features could elevate it to even greater heights. I'm excited to see what Apple has in store for future iPhone models.
Apple iPhone 16 review: Camera Performance 
iPhone 16's Photographic Styles: A Game-Changer for Amateur Photographers
The iPhone 16's upgraded Photographic Styles feature has made a significant impact on my photography experience. While the device boasts impressive hardware enhancements like macro mode and improved ultrawide capabilities, it's the software-based Photographic Styles that truly set it apart.
Photographic Styles are essentially pre-set filters that apply specific visual effects to your photos. They can adjust skin tones, colors, highlights, and shadows to create different moods and atmospheres.
Why are the new Photographic Styles so impressive?
- Improved Skin Tone Detection: The iPhone 16's Photographic Styles are better at identifying skin undertones, ensuring more natural-looking portraits.
- Enhanced Color Accuracy: The new styles offer more accurate color representation, making your photos look more vibrant and realistic.
- Customizable Settings: You can fine-tune the intensity of each Photographic Style to achieve your desired effect.
My Favorite Photographic Styles
I've been experimenting with various Photographic Styles on my iPhone 16 and have found the following to be particularly effective:
- Vibrant: This style adds a pop of color and makes your photos stand out.
- Stark Black and White: For a classic, timeless look, the stark black and white style is a great choice.
- Warm: This style adds a warm, inviting feel to your photos.
- Cool: For a more subdued, cinematic look, the cool style is ideal.
While the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro/16 Pro Max share a similar camera setup, there are some key differences that set them apart. One of the most noticeable distinctions lies in their ability to handle low-light conditions.
- iPhone 16 Pro/16 Pro Max: The iPhone 16 Pro/16 Pro Max excels in low-light photography, thanks to its larger sensor and advanced computational photography techniques. This allows it to capture brighter images with more detail in shadows.
- iPhone 16: While the iPhone 16's camera performs admirably in low-light, it may not be quite as impressive as its Pro counterparts. However, it still delivers excellent results in most lighting conditions.
- Telephoto Lens: The iPhone 16 Pro/16 Pro Max features a telephoto lens, providing a more versatile zoom range for capturing distant subjects.
- ProRAW Format: The iPhone 16 Pro/16 Pro Max supports ProRAW, a high-quality image format that offers more flexibility for post-processing.
- Dynamic Island: The iPhone 16 Pro/16 Pro Max features the Dynamic Island, a more interactive way to control camera settings and view notifications
iPhone 16's Macro Photography: A Game-Changer
One of the most exciting additions to the iPhone 16 is its enhanced ultrawide camera, which now supports macro photography. This feature allows users to capture incredibly detailed close-ups of small objects.
Key Benefits of Macro Photography on the iPhone 16:
- Unprecedented Detail: The iPhone 16's macro mode captures stunning detail, even in the smallest subjects.
- Autofocus: The camera automatically focuses on the subject, making it easy to capture sharp images.
- Wide Aperture: The ultrawide camera's wide aperture allows for more light to reach the sensor, resulting in brighter images.
- Versatility: Macro photography can be used for a variety of subjects, from flowers and insects to jewelry and food.
Tips for Taking Great Macro Photos with the iPhone 16:
- Steady Hands: Use a tripod or stabilize your phone to avoid camera shake.
- Natural Lighting: Opt for soft, natural lighting for the best results.
- Experiment with Focus: Try different focusing distances to find the perfect composition.
- Use the Gridlines: Turn on the gridlines in the camera app to help you align your shots.
Apple iPhone 16 review: Performance
iPhone 16's A18 Bionic: A Powerful Performer
Apple's A18 Bionic chip, powering the iPhone 16, is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The 3nm manufacturing process has resulted in a substantial boost in performance, making the iPhone 16 a formidable contender in the smartphone market.
- Faster CPU: The A18 Bionic offers a 30% increase in CPU performance compared to the A16 Bionic.
- Benchmark Dominance: The iPhone 16 has consistently outperformed its predecessors in synthetic benchmarks like Geekbench 6.
- Everyday Tasks: The A18 Bionic ensures smooth and efficient performance for everyday tasks, from browsing the web to running demanding apps.
While the A18 Bionic delivers impressive performance, the iPhone 16's 60Hz refresh rate may not be as fluid as the 120Hz refresh rate found on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This can impact the overall smoothness of animations and interactions.
| iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Google Pixel 9 | |
| Processor | A18 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Tensor G4 |
| Geekbench (single core/multicore) | 3,301 / 8,033 | 2235 / 6922 | 1,758 / 4,594 |
| WildLife Unlimited(fps) | 98.23 | 120.4 | 55.71 |
iPhone 16's A18 Bionic: A Gaming Powerhouse
The iPhone 16's A18 Bionic chip not only excels in CPU performance but also delivers impressive graphics capabilities. Here's a breakdown of its gaming prowess:
Graphics Performance
- 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited: The iPhone 16 achieved a remarkable 36% improvement in graphics performance compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 15.
- Demanding Games: The A18 Bionic can handle graphically intensive games like Age of Origins with ease, even during intense battle scenes.
Hardware-Accelerated Ray Tracing
- Enhanced Visuals: Ray tracing technology adds realistic lighting and reflections to games, enhancing the overall visual experience.
- iPhone 16 Advantage: The iPhone 16 now supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, previously exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro models.
- Resident Evil Village: The game runs smoothly on the iPhone 16 with impressive ray tracing effects.
Refresh Rate Considerations
- Smoother Animations: A higher refresh rate can contribute to smoother animations and a more fluid gaming experience.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max Advantage: The iPhone 16 Pro Max's 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeable advantage in terms of visual smoothness compared to the iPhone 16's 60Hz.
Apple iPhone 16 review: Battery Life
iPhone 16's Battery Life: A Solid Improvement
Apple has indeed increased the battery capacity in the iPhone 16, resulting in a noticeable improvement in battery life compared to its predecessor. While the exact battery capacity remains undisclosed, real-world usage data suggests that the iPhone 16 can comfortably handle most daily tasks.
- Enhanced Endurance: The iPhone 16 offers a 20% increase in battery life compared to the iPhone 15, as measured by Tom's Guide's battery benchmark test.
- All-Day Usage: The iPhone 16 can easily last through a full day of moderate to heavy usage.
- Light Usage: For lighter users, the iPhone 16 may be able to last for multiple days on a single charge.
iPhone 16 iPhone 15 Samsung Galaxy S24 Pixel 9 Battery size N/A N/A 4,000 mAh 4,700 mAh Battery life (Hrs:Mins) 13:19 11:05 13:28 (adaptive) 13:18 Wired Charging N/A 20W 25W 27W Recharge percentage (15 mins) 29% 26% 28% 26% Recharge percentage (30 mins) 57% 53% 54% 54%
iPhone 16's Charging Speed: A Closer Look
While there were initial claims about 45W wired charging speeds for the iPhone 16, real-world testing has revealed that the device typically charges at speeds around 20W. This is still a respectable charging speed, especially considering the iPhone 16's relatively small size.
- Wired Charging: The iPhone 16 supports wired charging speeds of up to 20W, which can charge the device to around 29% in 15 minutes and 57% in 30 minutes using Apple's 30W charger.
- Wireless Charging: The iPhone 16 supports 25W MagSafe wireless charging and Qi2 wireless charging. This allows for faster wireless charging compared to previous generations.
- MagSafe Charger Compatibility: Existing MagSafe chargers may need to be replaced to take advantage of the iPhone 16's 25W wireless charging capabilities.
Apple iPhone 16 review: Software
iOS 18: A More Iterative Update
Apple's iOS 18 update, while offering some notable improvements, is generally considered a more iterative release compared to iOS 17. The absence of Apple Intelligence, a highly anticipated feature, is a significant factor in this perception.
/p>
Key Features and Improvements in iOS 18:
- Enhanced Customization: iOS 18 introduces additional customization options for the user interface.
- Privacy Features: New privacy features help protect user data and privacy.
- App Locking: The ability to lock or hide apps using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode adds a layer of security.
While iOS 18 offers valuable enhancements, it may not be as groundbreaking as iOS 17, which introduced more significant features like Contact Posters, StandBy Mode, and Interactive Widgets.
Apple iPhone 16 review: Apple Intelligence Preview
Apple Intelligence: A Game-Changer for the iPhone 16
The absence of Apple Intelligence in the initial release of the iPhone 16 is a bit disappointing, considering its promising potential. Based on the developer beta, Apple Intelligence has the potential to significantly enhance the iPhone experience.
/p>
Key Apple Intelligence Features to Look Forward To:
- Enhanced Siri: Siri is expected to become even more conversational and capable of performing complex tasks.
- Photo Clean Up: This feature uses generative AI to edit photos automatically, saving users time and effort.
- Visual Intelligence: Similar to Google Lens, Visual Intelligence allows users to search for information by taking a snapshot of an object or scene.
Visual Intelligence: A Unique Selling Point
Visual Intelligence is a particularly exciting feature that could be a major selling point for the iPhone 16 lineup. By integrating with the Camera Control button and various apps, Visual Intelligence can provide users with quick and easy access to information and services.
Apple Intelligence: A Catch-Up Game
While Apple Intelligence offers promising features, it's clear that Apple is playing catch-up to competitors like Google in the AI space. Features like summarizing and translation have been available on devices like the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 for some time.
/p>
Key Observations:
- Feature Parity: The iPhone 16 will benefit significantly from Apple Intelligence, as it will offer the same features as the more expensive iPhone 16 Pro models.
- Competitive Landscape: Apple's late entry into the AI market puts it at a disadvantage compared to competitors who have been investing in AI for several years.
Apple iPhone 16 review: Verdict
iPhone 16: A Value-Packed Option
The iPhone 16 offers a compelling value proposition, especially considering the absence of an iPhone SE update. Despite being a more affordable model, it shares many features with the iPhone 16 Pro, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a powerful smartphone without breaking the bank.
Key Advantages of the iPhone 16:
- Feature-Rich: The iPhone 16 boasts a wide range of features, including the Action Button, Camera Controls, and Apple Intelligence (when iOS 18.1 arrives).
- Impressive Cameras: The iPhone 16's cameras capture sharp and detailed photos, especially from the main lens.
- Audio Mixing: The Audio Mix feature allows for enhanced audio control in videos.
- Affordability: The iPhone 16 offers a significant cost savings compared to the iPhone 16 Pro models.
- 60Hz Display: While the 60Hz display is a limitation, it doesn't detract from the overall user experience.
- Telephoto Lens: If a telephoto lens is a priority, the iPhone 16 Pro models offer a distinct advantage.
Apple iPhone 16 review: Battery Life
iPhone 16's Battery Life: A Solid Improvement
Apple has indeed increased the battery capacity in the iPhone 16, resulting in a noticeable improvement in battery life compared to its predecessor. While the exact battery capacity remains undisclosed, real-world usage data suggests that the iPhone 16 can comfortably handle most daily tasks.
- Enhanced Endurance: The iPhone 16 offers a 20% increase in battery life compared to the iPhone 15, as measured by Tom's Guide's battery benchmark test.
- All-Day Usage: The iPhone 16 can easily last through a full day of moderate to heavy usage.
- Light Usage: For lighter users, the iPhone 16 may be able to last for multiple days on a single charge.
| iPhone 16 | iPhone 15 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Pixel 9 | |
| Battery size | N/A | N/A | 4,000 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Battery life (Hrs:Mins) | 13:19 | 11:05 | 13:28 (adaptive) | 13:18 |
| Wired Charging | N/A | 20W | 25W | 27W |
| Recharge percentage (15 mins) | 29% | 26% | 28% | 26% |
| Recharge percentage (30 mins) | 57% | 53% | 54% | 54% |
iPhone 16's Charging Speed: A Closer Look
While there were initial claims about 45W wired charging speeds for the iPhone 16, real-world testing has revealed that the device typically charges at speeds around 20W. This is still a respectable charging speed, especially considering the iPhone 16's relatively small size.
- Wired Charging: The iPhone 16 supports wired charging speeds of up to 20W, which can charge the device to around 29% in 15 minutes and 57% in 30 minutes using Apple's 30W charger.
- Wireless Charging: The iPhone 16 supports 25W MagSafe wireless charging and Qi2 wireless charging. This allows for faster wireless charging compared to previous generations.
- MagSafe Charger Compatibility: Existing MagSafe chargers may need to be replaced to take advantage of the iPhone 16's 25W wireless charging capabilities.
Apple iPhone 16 review: Software
iOS 18: A More Iterative Update
Apple's iOS 18 update, while offering some notable improvements, is generally considered a more iterative release compared to iOS 17. The absence of Apple Intelligence, a highly anticipated feature, is a significant factor in this perception.
/p>
Key Features and Improvements in iOS 18:
- Enhanced Customization: iOS 18 introduces additional customization options for the user interface.
- Privacy Features: New privacy features help protect user data and privacy.
- App Locking: The ability to lock or hide apps using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode adds a layer of security.
While iOS 18 offers valuable enhancements, it may not be as groundbreaking as iOS 17, which introduced more significant features like Contact Posters, StandBy Mode, and Interactive Widgets.
Apple iPhone 16 review: Apple Intelligence Preview
Apple Intelligence: A Game-Changer for the iPhone 16
The absence of Apple Intelligence in the initial release of the iPhone 16 is a bit disappointing, considering its promising potential. Based on the developer beta, Apple Intelligence has the potential to significantly enhance the iPhone experience.
/p>
Key Apple Intelligence Features to Look Forward To:
- Enhanced Siri: Siri is expected to become even more conversational and capable of performing complex tasks.
- Photo Clean Up: This feature uses generative AI to edit photos automatically, saving users time and effort.
- Visual Intelligence: Similar to Google Lens, Visual Intelligence allows users to search for information by taking a snapshot of an object or scene.
Visual Intelligence: A Unique Selling Point
Visual Intelligence is a particularly exciting feature that could be a major selling point for the iPhone 16 lineup. By integrating with the Camera Control button and various apps, Visual Intelligence can provide users with quick and easy access to information and services.
Apple Intelligence: A Catch-Up Game
While Apple Intelligence offers promising features, it's clear that Apple is playing catch-up to competitors like Google in the AI space. Features like summarizing and translation have been available on devices like the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 for some time.
/p>
Key Observations:
- Feature Parity: The iPhone 16 will benefit significantly from Apple Intelligence, as it will offer the same features as the more expensive iPhone 16 Pro models.
- Competitive Landscape: Apple's late entry into the AI market puts it at a disadvantage compared to competitors who have been investing in AI for several years.
Apple iPhone 16 review: Verdict
iPhone 16: A Value-Packed Option
The iPhone 16 offers a compelling value proposition, especially considering the absence of an iPhone SE update. Despite being a more affordable model, it shares many features with the iPhone 16 Pro, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a powerful smartphone without breaking the bank.
Key Advantages of the iPhone 16:
- Feature-Rich: The iPhone 16 boasts a wide range of features, including the Action Button, Camera Controls, and Apple Intelligence (when iOS 18.1 arrives).
- Impressive Cameras: The iPhone 16's cameras capture sharp and detailed photos, especially from the main lens.
- Audio Mixing: The Audio Mix feature allows for enhanced audio control in videos.
- Affordability: The iPhone 16 offers a significant cost savings compared to the iPhone 16 Pro models.
- 60Hz Display: While the 60Hz display is a limitation, it doesn't detract from the overall user experience.
- Telephoto Lens: If a telephoto lens is a priority, the iPhone 16 Pro models offer a distinct advantage.
.png)
.png)
