The latest iPhone 16 lineup has just made its debut, and we’ve had some hands-on time with the iPhone 16 Pro. This year’s iteration continues to build on Apple’s well-established formula, delivering subtle yet meaningful improvements across the board. But while there’s plenty to praise, there’s a key missing feature that has left some users waiting.
The iPhone 16 Pro: A Standout in Hardware
In typical Apple fashion, the iPhone 16 Pro boasts top-notch build quality, making it immediately clear that this is a premium device. The familiar design returns, but with some refinements. The screen has grown slightly from 6.1 to 6.3 inches, while bezels have been shaved down even further. The result is a near bezel-less OLED LTPO display with a resolution of 1206 x 2622 pixels, delivering stunning colors and deep blacks.
The handset’s construction remains as elegant as ever, thanks to titanium finishes that give it a solid, high-end feel. After slimming down last year, the iPhone 16 Pro gains a little weight, tipping the scales at 199 grams—still comfortable to use without feeling cumbersome.
A New Button That’s Not Quite There Yet
One of the new additions is the Camera Command button on the right side of the device, aimed at making photo-taking more accessible. The button allows users to quickly switch modes, zoom in, or snap photos without having to tap the screen. It’s a great idea in theory, but it has a learning curve. It’s best suited for landscape mode and feels awkward when using the phone one-handed in portrait orientation. After years of getting used to Apple’s existing camera interface, the new button might take some adjustment for even the most seasoned iPhone users.
A Display That Continues to Impress
When it comes to displays, Apple has set a high bar, and the iPhone 16 Pro doesn’t disappoint. The Super Retina XDR OLED panel shines with remarkable brightness, reaching up to 2000 nits for excellent visibility in bright sunlight. The color reproduction is near perfect, offering vibrant yet natural tones, and the 120Hz ProMotion technology ensures silky-smooth scrolling.
For everyday use, the display’s performance stands out, making it one of the brightest and sharpest screens on the market. With a pixel density of 460 ppi, text and images are incredibly crisp. Whether streaming content, gaming, or just browsing the web, the screen remains a delight to look at.
Performance: Powerful Yet Underutilized
Powered by the A18 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 Pro doesn’t lack muscle. Apple’s 3nm chip architecture delivers around 20% more power than the previous generation, making it capable of handling demanding tasks effortlessly. Whether navigating the interface, editing videos, or playing the latest mobile games, the iPhone 16 Pro performs flawlessly.
Benchmark scores put it at the top of the charts, rivaling some iPad models in certain tests. While the extra horsepower is impressive, the question remains—how often will users really need this much power for daily tasks? For now, it feels like more of a future-proofing measure than a current necessity.
A Familiar Yet Improved Camera Setup
This year, both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max share the same camera configuration, so you don’t have to compromise on camera quality based on size preference. The main 48MP sensor captures stunningly detailed photos, aided by pixel binning for better low-light performance. While the improvements over last year’s model aren’t groundbreaking, there is a noticeable enhancement in night shots, with reduced noise and better clarity.
The ultra-wide camera has also been upgraded to 48MP, which brings improved detail and exposure, while the 12MP periscope telephoto lens offers a 5x optical zoom, giving users more flexibility in framing shots. However, low-light performance for the telephoto lens could be better.
On the video front, the iPhone 16 Pro shoots up to 4K at 120 fps, with enhanced stabilization for smoother footage. The Cinematic mode has also been refined, making it easier to achieve film-like quality. The new Audio Mix feature is particularly impressive, isolating voices while minimizing background noise for clearer sound in recordings.
Software: iOS 18 Shines, But AI Is Still Missing
The iPhone 16 Pro runs on iOS 18, which brings more customization options for the home screen and widgets. Users can now create multiple home screen pages with different icon layouts and widget placements, while security enhancements like anti-fingerprinting and email masking improve privacy.
But the most anticipated feature, Apple Intelligence, is conspicuously absent. Slated for release in 2025, this AI assistant is expected to revolutionize how iPhones interact with users, promising to learn from habits and handle complex requests. For now, though, it remains a much-hyped feature that we’ll have to wait for.
Battery Life: An Incremental Improvement
Apple has increased the battery capacity to 3582 mAh, about 10% larger than the previous model, paired with the more efficient A18 Pro chip. The result is an iPhone 16 Pro that can easily get through a full day on a single charge, even with heavy use. We tested it extensively, running GPS navigation and playing games, and it still lasted until evening without needing a top-up.
However, the fast-charging capabilities still lag behind some Android competitors. While MagSafe charging has been bumped up to 25W, wired charging remains relatively slow. Qi2 wireless charging is limited to 15W, which feels like a missed opportunity to close the gap.
A Great Device, But Not a Must-Upgrade for Everyone
The iPhone 16 Pro is undoubtedly one of the best smartphones you can buy, with premium hardware and a refined user experience. Yet, for those who already own an iPhone 15 Pro, the incremental upgrades might not be worth the splurge. The absence of Apple Intelligence at launch is a drawback, but it’s a temporary one.
For everyone else, especially those using older models, the iPhone 16 Pro is a fantastic choice. With better battery life, a superb display, and a more versatile camera system, it’s the iPhone that will age gracefully and keep up with future software updates.