The arrival of a new iPhone generation invariably sparks considerable interest, and the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are no exception. While the exterior refinements might appear subtle at first glance, Apple has introduced a series of internal upgrades and new functionalities that warrant a closer examination. For those contemplating an upgrade or considering a jump to the iOS ecosystem, understanding the nuances between the standard and Pro models is crucial. Let's delve into the key aspects of these new devices and decipher whether they represent a compelling step forward.
A Fresh Look and Feel (Mostly)
While the fundamental iPhone design remains familiar with its flat sides and premium materials like glass and aluminum, subtle yet significant changes mark the iPhone 16 series. One of the most noticeable alterations on the standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus is the return to a vertical camera lens arrangement on the rear. This shift, reminiscent of the iPhone 12, is primarily driven by the introduction of spatial video recording capabilities for Apple's Vision Pro headset.
Both the iPhone 16 and the Pro models now feature two new physical controls: the Action button and the Camera Control button. The Action button, previously exclusive to the Pro iPhones, offers customizable shortcuts to various functions like launching the flashlight, opening voice memos, or muting the device. The Camera Control button is dedicated to photography and videography, allowing users to launch the camera, capture photos and videos with a press, and even control zoom or exposure through swipes and light presses. However, some find the placement and sensitivity of the Camera Control button a bit finicky and prone to accidental presses.
Aesthetically, the iPhone 16 introduces new and vibrant colour options, with some expressing a desire to see these more playful hues extend to the Pro lineup. The Pro models, while visually similar to their predecessors, boast slightly larger displays (6.3 inches for the Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max) achieved through thinner bezels. Despite the increased screen size, the physical dimensions of the Pro iPhones have also grown, making them the largest iPhones to date.
Durability also sees a potential improvement with what Apple calls a "Next Generation Ceramic Shield" on the display of the iPhone 16. While initial impressions suggested enhanced scratch resistance, later experiences indicate that a screen protector is still advisable.
Displaying the Differences
The display remains a crucial differentiator between the standard and Pro iPhone models. The iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, mirroring the iPhone 15 in brightness and colour accuracy. It also matches the Pro models in peak brightness (up to 2000 nits) and the ability to dim down to a single nit. Both support HDR content and True Tone technology for consistent colours.
However, the base iPhone 16 continues to sport a 60Hz refresh rate, a point of criticism as many Android competitors in the same price range offer smoother 120Hz displays. This lower refresh rate can make scrolling and fast-paced gaming feel less fluid. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro models are equipped with 120Hz ProMotion displays, providing a significantly smoother visual experience. Additionally, the Pro iPhones feature an Always-On display, a feature still absent on the standard models.
Performance Powerhouse with a Promise
Under the hood, the entire iPhone 16 lineup benefits from new silicon. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are powered by the A18 chip, while the Pro models get the A18 Pro. Interestingly, the performance difference in CPU and Neural Engine tasks between the A18 and A18 Pro appears minimal. Both models also receive a boost to 8GB of RAM, enhancing multitasking capabilities compared to previous non-Pro iPhones. Graphics performance sees a more significant leap, with the A18 in the standard iPhone 16 showing substantial improvements over older models.
A key selling point, heavily emphasized by Apple, is the introduction of Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features. These include advanced writing tools, summarization capabilities, custom emoji generation, improved gallery search, and a more intelligent Siri. However, a significant caveat is that Apple Intelligence features were not available at the launch of the iPhone 16 and are expected to roll out later via software updates. This delay has drawn criticism, with some advising against purchasing a device solely based on promised future features. It's also important to note that Apple Intelligence will only be supported by the iPhone 15 Pro and the entire iPhone 16 lineup.
To manage the increased processing power, Apple has redesigned the internal structure of the iPhone 16, incorporating a graphene thermal system for improved heat dissipation. While this aims to address heating concerns from previous models, some users still report the iPhone 16 getting noticeably warm under intensive use.
Capturing Moments: Incremental and Pro Leaps
The camera systems on the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro have both seen updates, but the Pro models maintain a clear advantage for photography enthusiasts and professionals. Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro feature a 48MP Main camera. This new sensor in the iPhone 16 allows for capturing full 48MP photos and enables a 2x lossless zoom by cropping from the high-resolution sensor. The ultrawide camera on the standard iPhone 16 remains 12MP but now benefits from autofocus, enabling macro photography.
The iPhone 16 Pro steps up the camera game with a second-generation 48MP Main sensor that boasts zero shutter lag when shooting in high-resolution formats. The ultrawide camera on the Pro models is also upgraded to 48MP, capturing higher resolution photos with this lens. A significant distinction remains the telephoto lens, which is exclusive to the Pro iPhones. Both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max now feature a 5x optical zoom telephoto lens, offering superior zoom capabilities compared to the iPhone 16's digital zoom.
Furthermore, professional-grade features like ProRes and ProRAW video recording and the ability to shoot 4K video at 120 frames per second are exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro models. While the iPhone 16 can still shoot impressive 4K video at 60fps and features Cinematic mode, the Pro models offer more versatility for serious videographers.
Both iPhone 16 models benefit from revamped Photographic Styles, allowing users to apply custom looks to their photos in real-time or even adjust them after capture. The iPhone 16 also gains the "Audio mix" feature, previously thought to be Pro-exclusive, which provides granular control over audio levels in videos.
Powering Through the Day (and Beyond)
Battery life sees improvements across the iPhone 16 lineup, thanks to slightly larger batteries and the efficiency of the A18 chip. The iPhone 16 Plus stands out with its significantly longer battery life, outperforming even the Pro models in certain tests. Both Pro models also boast enhanced battery performance compared to their predecessors.
Charging speeds have also been increased. All iPhone 16 models support faster wired charging up to 45W and faster wireless charging up to 25W with a new MagSafe puck. However, a fast charging adapter is not included in the box and must be purchased separately.
Making the Call: Which iPhone 16 is Right for You?
The decision to upgrade to an iPhone 16 depends heavily on your current device and your priorities.
- Upgrading from an iPhone 13 or older: The iPhone 16 represents a significant upgrade with a faster processor, improved camera, better battery life, and access to new features like the Action button and (eventually) Apple Intelligence.
- Upgrading from an iPhone 14 or 15: The differences might be less compelling for everyday tasks. However, if you prioritize the latest A18 chip, the new buttons, and the potential of Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 is worth considering.
- Choosing between iPhone 16 and 16 Pro: The Pro models justify their higher price with a superior 120Hz ProMotion display, a more advanced camera system with a telephoto lens, faster USB 3 data transfer speeds, and professional video features. If camera capabilities and display smoothness are paramount, the Pro is the clear choice. However, the standard iPhone 16 offers a very similar core experience and many of the new features at a more accessible price.
- The iPhone 16 Plus: With its larger screen and exceptional battery life, the 16 Plus is a strong contender for those who prioritize these aspects. However, its price point being very close to the iPhone 16 Pro might make the Pro a more attractive option for some, given the additional features it offers.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 16 lineup brings a set of noteworthy enhancements, particularly for those upgrading from older devices. While the absence of Apple Intelligence at launch is a notable point, the underlying hardware improvements, especially in performance and camera capabilities, make the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro compelling options. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget, weighing the benefits of the standard model's value against the Pro's advanced features. As Apple Intelligence rolls out, the true potential of these new iPhones will be further realized, marking an interesting shift in the evolution of the smartphone.