The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro signify a shift from groundbreaking innovations to more frequent, incremental updates. This is evident not just annually but also monthly, as certain features initially delayed are gradually introduced in subsequent iOS 18 software updates.
Smartphones have evolved to a point where significant changes are rare, achieving a near-perfect design. However, taking a broader perspective over several years reveals noticeable advancements.
Comparatively, the iPhone 16 release is among Apple’s most incremental yet. However, for users upgrading from an iPhone 13 or older, the enhancements will feel substantial.
Contents
- Insights on Apple Intelligence
- Technical Details
- Screen
- Processor
- Additional Specifications
- Available Models
- Design Features
- Camera Systems
- Video Capabilities
- Photography Options
- Camera Adjustments
- Performance Metrics
- Optimal Upgrade Cycle
- Choosing Between Standard and Pro
- Reflections on a Mature Product
- Pros
- Cons
- Drawbacks
Insights on Apple Intelligence
| Quick Specs: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max | |
|---|---|
| Display | 2556×1179 6.1-inch (16), 2796×1290 6.7-inch (16 Plus), 2622×1206 6.3-inch (16 Pro), 2868×1320 6.9-inch (16 Pro Max) OLED |
| Operating System | iOS 18 |
| Processor | Apple A18 Bionic (16 & 16 Plus), Apple A18 Pro (16 Pro & 16 Pro Max) |
| Memory | 8GB |
| Graphics | Apple A18 Bionic (16 & 16 Plus), Apple A18 Pro (16 Pro & 16 Pro Max) |
| Storage | 128, 256, or 512GB for 16 & 16 Plus; 128, 256, 512GB, or 1TB for 16 Pro; 256, 512GB, or 1TB for 16 Pro Max |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G |
| Ports | USB-C |
| Camera System | 48 MP main and 12 MP ultra-wide (16 & 16 Plus); 48 MP main, 48 MP ultra-wide, 12 MP 5x telephoto (16 Pro & Pro Max); 12 MP front camera; 4K HDR video |
| Dimensions | 147.6×71.6×7.8 mm (16), 160.9×77.8×7.8 mm (16 Plus), 149.6×71.5×8.25 mm (16 Pro), 163×77.6×8.25 mm (16 Pro Max) |
| Weight | 170 g (16), 199 g (16 Plus), 199 g (16 Pro), 227 g (16 Pro Max) |
| Base Price | $799 (16), $899 (16 Plus), $999 (16 Pro), $1,199 (16 Pro Max) |
| Additional Features | MagSafe, Face ID, Dynamic Island, Camera Control, always-on display (Pro models) |
Apple’s promotional efforts for this launch have been centered around Apple Intelligence, a set of AI-driven features exclusive to the new iPhone 16 series and last year’s iPhone 15 Pro models. However, these features are not yet available.
Our reviews focus on the current functionalities rather than future possibilities, so this review will not cover Apple Intelligence. Once these features are publicly available, we will provide detailed coverage—the same applies to other upcoming features for these models.
For now, let’s explore what the iPhone 16 offers right out of the box.
Technical Details
Let’s examine the specifications of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro and see how they compare to last year’s models.
Screen
The iPhone 16’s screen remains unchanged, available in two sizes: 6.1 inches with 2,446×1,179 pixels and 6.7 inches with 2,796×1,290. Both feature a 460 ppi OLED display, boasting deep blacks and optimal brightness for Dolby Vision HDR. (Apple claims 1,000 nits typical maximum brightness, 1,600 nits peak, and 2,000 nits peak outdoors.)
The Pro models have seen a slight increase in screen size due to reduced bezels, offering 6.3 inches at 2,622×1,206 and 6.9 inches at 2,878×1,320. The differences are subtle and might not be immediately noticeable unless compared side-by-side.
There hasn’t been a demand for changes in the display since these are still among the best screens available in consumer electronics, rivaling even high-end OLED TVs.
Significant differences between the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro include the Pro’s variable refresh rate display, capable of up to 120 Hz, while the iPhone 16 is limited to 60 Hz. Although not crucial, it is a feature that once experienced, becomes preferable, putting the iPhone 16 slightly behind Android competitors who are standardizing 120 Hz displays even in mid-range models.
Moreover, the Pro models remain the only ones to feature always-on displays, a standard on many competing phones. Sometimes I find myself turning off this feature, but it’s still a notable difference.
Processor
The iPhone 16 series introduces a significant upgrade with the Apple A18 chip, featuring a 6-core CPU (4 for efficiency, 2 for performance), and a 5-core GPU. This new chip offers roughly 30 percent less power consumption for comparable performance to last year’s iPhone 15 chip.
A 16-core Neural Engine is also included, laying the groundwork for the anticipated Apple Intelligence features, set to launch next month. Notably, the chip from last year’s iPhone 15 was deemed insufficient for these features, marking the non-Pro iPhone 16 as the first to support them.
The standard and Pro models now both come with 8GB of RAM, aligning them more closely in terms of memory.
The Pro variant features the A18 Pro chip, which maintains the same number of CPU cores but includes an extra GPU core. Apple has emphasized the advanced 3D gaming capabilities of the A18 Pro, boasting twice the speed for hardware-accelerated ray tracing compared to its predecessor. However, the real-world application of these features is limited by the availability of games that utilize such technology.
The A18 Pro also introduces an improved image signal processor and video encoder, enhancing several new camera functionalities.
Additional Specifications
Aside from the processor and display enhancements, other notable updates include the camera systems, which we will discuss later. All new iPhone models support Wi-Fi 7 and feature an upgraded 5G modem. Additionally, the enhanced efficiency of the A18 and A18 Pro chips, combined with larger battery capacities, promises slightly extended battery life across the board.
I am Sofia, a tech-savvy journalist and passionate member of the “Jason Deegan” team. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the latest technological advancements and loved sharing my knowledge with others.