The Apple iPhone 16 redefines what users can expect from a smartphone, blending some of the premium features of its more expensive sibling, the iPhone 16 Pro, into a more budget-friendly package. With the release of both models, consumers are now tasked with choosing between the standard and Pro versions. This review aims to highlight the key differences and similarities, offering a detailed comparison to help buyers determine if the iPhone 16 is the right choice for them without pushing their budget too far.
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16 Pro
For users who are conscious of their spending, the iPhone 16 delivers a performance that doesn’t feel like a downgrade. Although the iPhone 16 lacks some high-end features exclusive to the Pro model, Apple has ensured that the device still introduces several significant updates.
A standout feature in both models is the Action Button, replacing the classic mute switch. This button is designed for more than just muting calls. It adds new functionality, such as opening specific apps or activating accessibility settings. This customization allows users to tailor their device according to their needs, offering a glimpse into the Pro model’s adaptability but at a lower price point.
Shared Features
Another Pro feature that has made its way into the iPhone 16 is the Camera Control button. This addition elevates the photography experience by simplifying interactions with the camera. Even though the Pro model still outshines in terms of advanced camera capabilities, the iPhone 16 comes with an improved system, featuring better low-light performance, enhanced image stabilization, and AI-powered photo processing. These upgrades make the iPhone 16 a great option for casual photographers looking for impressive image quality without spending more on the Pro model.
iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence
One of the most exciting updates isn’t something you can hold in your hand just yet. With the release of iOS 18, the Apple Intelligence feature will bring a suite of AI-based enhancements to both the iPhone 16 and the Pro. Apple Intelligence is designed to improve daily interactions with your device by learning from your habits. This means more accurate predictive text, smarter app suggestions, and even enhanced battery management based on your specific usage patterns.
Although these features won’t be available at the time of the iPhone 16’s launch, Apple Intelligence promises to further close the gap between the standard and Pro models in terms of functionality. The software update will also optimize background tasks, making the device feel faster and more intuitive.
Apple iPhone 16 Review: Price and Release Date
The Apple iPhone 16 is priced at $799, holding steady with no increase from the previous year’s model. This decision by Apple makes the iPhone 16 a particularly attractive option for those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank. The consistent price point, despite the inclusion of new features like the Action Button and Camera Control, offers excellent value for users who want to experience the latest technology without paying for the higher-end Pro models.
At $799, the Apple iPhone 16 remains competitively priced within the premium smartphone market, making it a good investment for those looking for a high-performing device at a reasonable cost. It’s a well-balanced option, especially when compared to its pricier Pro sibling.
Availability
Preorders for the Apple Apple iPhone 16 are already live, and eager customers can expect the full release to occur on September 20. Apple enthusiasts who want to secure the phone as soon as possible can take advantage of the preorder window, ensuring they get their preferred model and color as soon as it hits the market. This swift release date allows users to experience the newest iPhone features shortly after Apple’s official unveiling.
Storage Options
Apple has kept the storage options for the Apple iPhone 16 unchanged from previous years, offering 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants. These choices should cover a broad spectrum of users, from those who need minimal storage for apps and media to more demanding users who require extra space for extensive photo libraries, videos, or apps. While Apple hasn’t introduced a 1TB option for the standard iPhone 16, the available sizes should suffice for the majority of users.
Color Options
One area where Apple has introduced noticeable updates is in the color options for the iPhone 16. This year, the device is available in an array of new, vibrant colors, including pink, teal, ultramarine, black, and white. These fresh hues bring a more playful and appealing aesthetic to the iPhone 16 compared to last year’s models, and they offer more variety than the colors available for the iPhone 16 Pro. The bolder palette ensures there’s something for everyone, with the new pink and teal shades likely to be particularly popular.
The revamped color selection adds a fun and personal touch to the iPhone 16, helping it stand out in the market.
Apple iPhone 16 Review: Specifications
The Apple iPhone 16 offers an impressive combination of specifications that elevate its performance while maintaining affordability. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display continues to be a standout feature. Its vibrant color reproduction and sharpness make everything from everyday use to media consumption a joy. However, it still maintains a 60Hz refresh rate, which, while smooth, may feel slightly outdated compared to the higher refresh rates found in the Pro models and other competitors in the same price range.
| iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | |
| Starting price | $799/£799/AU$1,399 | $899/£899/AU$1,599 |
| Screen size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Processor | A18 | A18 |
| RAM | Unknown | Unknown |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main (f/1.6) with 2x opitcal quality zoom, 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2) | 48MP main (f/1.6) with 2x opitcal quality zoom, 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2) |
| Front camera | 12MP (f/1.9) | 12MP (f/1.9) |
| Battery size | Unknown | Unknown |
| Battery life | 22 hours, vide playback; 80 hours, | 27 hours, vide playback; 100 hours, |
| Size | 5.8 x 2.8 x 0.31 inches (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm) | 6.3 x 3.1 x 0.31 inches (160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8mm) |
| Weight | 6 ounces (170 grams) | 7 ounces (199 grams) |
| Colors | Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine | Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine |
Under the hood, the iPhone 16 is powered by the A18 chip, Apple’s latest processor. This chip ensures faster performance, improved efficiency, and seamless multitasking. Everyday tasks such as app navigation, video streaming, and gaming run effortlessly, and the A18 chip is particularly optimized for handling Apple’s newest software updates. While the A18 chip brings considerable speed, it’s also an improvement in energy efficiency, contributing to the iPhone 16’s solid battery performance.
In terms of photography, the Apple iPhone 16 is equipped with a dual rear camera setup, featuring a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The 48MP main sensor delivers exceptional clarity and detail, even in low-light conditions. The ultrawide lens adds versatility to the camera system, allowing users to capture more expansive shots. The 12MP front-facing camera remains reliable for selfies and video calls, delivering sharp, well-lit images. Apple’s enhancements in computational photography, such as Smart HDR and Night Mode, further elevate the camera experience.
Battery life is another area where the Apple iPhone 16 excels. Apple claims up to 22 hours of video playback and 80 hours of audio playback, which should easily carry most users through a day of heavy use. Whether streaming, browsing, or listening to music, the iPhone 16’s battery proves more than capable of keeping up with demanding tasks.
In terms of build quality, the phone features an aluminum frame and Ceramic Shield glass, making it both durable and lightweight. At 6 ounces (170g), the Apple iPhone 16 is lighter than its predecessors, offering improved portability and comfort during extended use. The available color options include Black, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine, which add a stylish touch, allowing users to pick a device that best suits their taste.
Apple iPhone 16 Review: Design
The Apple iPhone 16 boasts a refreshed design that brings a sleek and modern aesthetic to the device. It is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum and protected with Ceramic Shield glass, which ensures it maintains durability without feeling bulky. These premium materials give the phone a refined look while keeping it lightweight. At 170g, the iPhone 16 is noticeably lighter than previous models, making it easier to handle, particularly for users who prefer using their phone one-handed. This reduced weight adds to its overall comfort, making it more user-friendly for extended periods of time.
While the materials and lighter weight make it a practical choice, there are some concerns about durability. Despite the strength of the Ceramic Shield glass, users have reported that the screen is prone to scratches over time, which means investing in a screen protector is highly recommended for those seeking to maintain the phone’s pristine condition.
In terms of style, the iPhone 16 stands out as a more visually appealing option compared to the Pro models, largely due to its bold and vibrant color choices. The Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine options provide eye-catching contrasts that make the phone feel more fun and youthful, appealing to a wider audience. This design choice sets it apart from the more subdued and professional look of the iPhone 16 Pro models, making the iPhone 16 a statement piece in its own right.
The camera placement is another noteworthy design feature. Apple has opted for a vertical arrangement of the cameras, a choice that complements the iPhone 16’s support for Spatial photo and video capture. This setup not only looks modern but also enhances functionality, particularly for users who are excited to experiment with Apple’s spatial media features.
Two new functional additions are the Action Button and the Camera Control button, both of which enhance user experience. The Action Button allows for quick toggling between customizable settings, providing instant access to essential functions. The Camera Control button simplifies the process of capturing photos or videos, making it more intuitive and efficient, especially when users need to act quickly.
One downside in terms of design is the USB-C port, which is limited to USB 2.0 speeds. This is similar to the iPhone 15 and may be disappointing for users who expected faster data transfer capabilities, especially when compared to the higher-end Pro models that feature faster USB-C speeds. Despite this, the overall design of the iPhone 16 is both stylish and practical, appealing to those looking for a well-rounded device with a touch of flair.
Apple iPhone 16 Review: Display
The Apple iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, offering a crisp and detailed viewing experience with a resolution of 2,556 x 1,179 pixels. This high-resolution panel ensures sharp images and text, making it ideal for everything from watching videos to browsing social media or reading documents. The Super Retina XDR technology enhances contrast and saturation, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors that make the display visually appealing in various lighting conditions.
One of the familiar features carried over from previous models is the Dynamic Island, which is still integrated into the display. While it serves its purpose in handling notifications and multitasking, there isn’t much improvement from the earlier versions. For users who enjoyed this feature in the iPhone 14 and 15 models, the experience remains unchanged, which could be both a positive and a negative depending on individual expectations.
When it comes to performance, the display handles most tasks well. The color accuracy and contrast are impressive, making the iPhone 16’s display suitable for gaming, streaming, and everyday tasks. However, the refresh rate is still capped at 60Hz, which is a bit underwhelming considering that even some lower-priced smartphones now offer 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rates. This limitation may be noticeable when scrolling through apps or navigating the interface, particularly for users accustomed to smoother animations on other devices.
| 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 |
In terms of brightness, the Apple iPhone 16 reaches a peak of 1,348 nits, which is just slightly lower than the iPhone 15’s 1,401 nits. While the difference in brightness is barely noticeable in everyday use, the iPhone 16 remains bright enough for most indoor environments and standard usage. However, in direct sunlight or very bright outdoor conditions, visibility can become challenging, and shading the display with your hand might be necessary to clearly view content.
Despite these drawbacks, the outdoor visibility remains usable, but it could benefit from additional brightness to enhance its performance in very sunny conditions. Overall, while the display on the iPhone 16 is sufficient for most users, the lack of a higher refresh rate and the minor decrease in brightness compared to previous models may leave some wanting more, especially for those accustomed to smoother, more responsive screens.
Apple iPhone 16 Review: Camera Control
One of the notable additions to the Apple iPhone 16 is the new Camera Control button, which is conveniently positioned on the right side of the phone. This feature is designed to simulate the feel of a traditional camera shutter button, giving users a more tactile way to take photos and videos. With a quick press, the button captures a shot, while swiping motions adjust the zoom and exposure control, allowing for finer adjustments without the need to navigate through the on-screen menus.
The Camera Control button may take some practice to master, but it brings a more professional camera feel to the iPhone. Users who enjoy photography or videography will appreciate the ease of access to camera controls without having to fumble through the app. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes a valuable tool for capturing the perfect shot quickly, especially when precision is key.
Another significant improvement is the inclusion of Audio Mixing for post-video editing, which was previously only available in the Pro models. This feature allows users to adjust audio levels within a video after recording, enhancing the overall production quality. For content creators or those who enjoy editing on the go, this tool adds versatility and gives more control over the final product, making the iPhone 16 more appealing to a broader range of users.
While the Camera Control button offers many advantages, there is still a learning curve. The swiping mechanism for adjusting zoom and exposure requires precision, and it may take time to become familiar with how to use it effectively during fast-paced moments. However, once you’ve mastered the functionality, it significantly enhances the photography experience, bringing the iPhone closer to a professional-grade camera in terms of ease of use and functionality.
Overall, the Camera Control button and new audio editing features make the Apple iPhone 16 an attractive choice for users who prioritize photography and videography. Though it requires a bit of practice, the enhanced control over camera settings and audio mixing makes it a powerful tool for creating high-quality content, putting more creative control in the hands of the user.
Apple iPhone 16 Review: Camera Performance
The Apple iPhone 16 boasts an impressive camera setup, led by a 48MP main shooter. This high-resolution camera delivers sharp, detailed photos across various lighting conditions, and its versatility is one of its standout features.
The 2x zoom capability, achieved without a dedicated zoom lens, offers flexibility for users who want to zoom in without losing much detail. Despite the lack of a dedicated zoom camera, the Apple iPhone 16 performs well in both close-ups and long-distance shots, maintaining clarity and color accuracy.
In addition to the main camera, the 12MP ultrawide camera supports improved macro photography, making it easier to capture detailed shots of small objects. The lens now features a wider f/2.2 aperture, allowing for better light intake and enhancing the quality of close-up photos, particularly in low-light environments.
This improvement brings the Apple iPhone 16 closer to the quality of the Pro models in terms of macro photography. Users can expect sharp, well-focused macro shots with rich details and vibrant colors.
Comparison with Competitors
When comparing the Apple iPhone 16 to its Pro counterpart, the image quality is nearly identical, which is a testament to how advanced the camera system on the iPhone 16 is. However, the iPhone 16 Pro tends to handle shadow exposure slightly better, offering more balanced images in challenging lighting conditions. In most cases, though, the difference is minimal, and the iPhone 16 holds its own very well in terms of overall camera performance.
Against competitors like the Google Pixel 9, the Apple iPhone 16 shows a more nuanced approach to photography. The Pixel 9 is known for its vibrant color reproduction, often enhancing colors to make them more vivid. By contrast, the iPhone 16 excels in delivering more natural and balanced tones, particularly when it comes to shadow details. While the Pixel 9 photos may look more vibrant at first glance, the iPhone 16 provides a more true-to-life representation, especially in darker environments.
The front-facing camera on the Apple iPhone 16 is also excellent, delivering selfies with high detail and clarity. The differences between the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Pro when it comes to selfies are minimal, so users of the standard model can expect high-quality images without feeling like they’re missing out.
Zoom Performance
In terms of zoom capabilities, the iPhone 16 continues to impress. The 2x zoom is on par with that of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, and at 10x zoom, the results are still impressive. While there may be some loss of detail at extreme zoom levels, the overall quality remains solid, making it a great option for users who occasionally need long-distance shots without the need for a dedicated zoom lens.
Macro Photography
The improvements in macro photography are perhaps one of the most surprising strengths of the iPhone 16. It performs comparably to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, allowing users to capture close-up images with remarkable clarity. This is particularly useful for those who enjoy photographing intricate details like flowers, textures, or small objects. The attention to detail in these shots is impressive, and the iPhone 16 delivers an excellent experience in this regard.
Overall, the Apple iPhone 16 offers fantastic camera performance, with many of the same features and capabilities as the iPhone 16 Pro. While it lacks some of the advanced tools found in the Pro models, such as better exposure in shadows and a higher refresh rate, the Apple iPhone 16 still delivers excellent value for its price point. Its ability to handle a wide variety of shooting scenarios, including macro photography and zoom, makes it a well-rounded option for users who want high-quality photos without paying for the Pro model.
For users who value style and camera performance but don’t want to spend extra on the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone 16 is an ideal choice. Its combination of strong photo capabilities, sleek design, and value pricing makes it an attractive option for most users.
