iPhone 16 Review: A Solid Upgrade for Older iPhone Owners
The iPhone 16 has arrived, and while it may not be the most exciting upgrade for iPhone 15 owners, it offers plenty of new features and improvements that make it a tempting option for those using older models. With the introduction of the Action Button, Camera Controls, and a two-generation leap in processing power, the iPhone 16 packs a punch. However, it’s not without its drawbacks—most notably, the 60Hz screen refresh rate, which feels outdated in 2024.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore the pros, cons, and key features of the iPhone 16 to help you decide if it’s worth upgrading.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- New Action Button & Camera Controls: These new buttons offer more functionality and customization options.
- Two-generation jump in processing power: The A18 chipset provides a significant boost in performance.
- Relatively compact and portable: At 170g, it’s one of the lightest smartphones in its range.
Cons:
- Camera Control placement isn’t ideal: The button placement feels awkward in certain situations.
- Apple Intelligence isn’t fully developed yet: Some AI features are still in their infancy.
- No telephoto lens: Lacks the dedicated telephoto lens found in Pro models.
Key Features
Apple Intelligence
The iPhone 16 is one of the few phones that support Apple Intelligence, but it’s currently available only in select regions. Even where available, not all features are fully functional just yet. Some of the more advanced AI features, like ChatGPT integration, are expected to arrive with future updates.
New Action and Camera Buttons
The Action Button, previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, is now available on the iPhone 16. This customizable button can be programmed for various tasks, from controlling smart home apps to activating voice commands. The new Camera Controls button lets you access the camera and take photos without needing to tap the screen, although its placement could be improved.
Processing Power
The iPhone 16 features the A18 chipset, a two-generation leap from the A16 found in the iPhone 15. This makes it one of the most powerful non-Pro iPhones, capable of handling AAA games and other demanding tasks.
Design
The iPhone 16 retains the familiar design language of its predecessors, with flat edges and rounded corners. However, there are some notable upgrades:
- Action Button: Customizable and convenient, this button can be programmed to perform various tasks.
- Camera Controls Button: While it’s a welcome addition, its placement can be awkward for some users.
- Lightweight and Compact: Weighing just 170g, the iPhone 16 is easy to carry around.
The phone is available in a range of bright colors, including Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine, and features a matte finish that resists fingerprints.
Screen
The iPhone 16 sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a peak brightness of 2000 nits, support for HDR10, and Dolby Vision. While the display is bright and vibrant, it’s still capped at a 60Hz refresh rate, which feels outdated compared to cheaper Android phones offering 90Hz or higher.
If you’re looking for a faster refresh rate, you might want to consider the iPhone 16 Pro, which offers a 120Hz display.
Camera
The iPhone 16 comes equipped with a 48MP Fusion Camera and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Fusion branding refers to its pixel-binning technology, which allows for better low-light performance and digital 2x zoom. However, the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens is a downside.
For those who prioritize photography, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a more advanced camera setup with a 5x zoom lens.
Performance
The A18 chipset is a powerhouse, offering performance on par with the A18 Pro found in the iPhone 16 Pro models. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or using demanding apps, the iPhone 16 can handle it all. It also supports tri-band Wi-Fi 7, making it future-proof for faster internet speeds.
If you’re a gamer or a power user, you might also want to check out the iPhone 16 Pro for even better graphical performance.
Software & AI
The iPhone 16 runs on iOS 18, which introduces Apple Intelligence. While the AI features are still somewhat limited, future updates promise to bring more advanced capabilities like ChatGPT integration and smarter Siri interactions.
For now, AI features like Notification Summaries and AI transcription are hit-or-miss, but future updates could significantly improve the experience.
Battery Life
The iPhone 16 offers all-day battery life but doesn’t quite match the longevity of the Pro Max models. It supports 30W wired charging and 25W MagSafe wireless charging. However, if you’re looking for the best battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the way to go.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 16 is a solid upgrade for anyone using an older iPhone model. It offers a significant boost in performance, new customizable buttons, and a vibrant display. However, its 60Hz refresh rate and lack of a telephoto lens might make it less appealing to iPhone 15 owners or photography enthusiasts.
For those who want the best iPhone experience, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the better option, offering a more capable camera setup, faster refresh rate, and longer battery life.
Should You Buy It?
- Yes: If you’re using an older iPhone (iPhone 13 or earlier), the iPhone 16 offers a solid upgrade with improved performance and new features.
- No: If you already own an iPhone 15, the upgrades may not be significant enough to justify the purchase.
For those looking to buy, you can find the iPhone 16 on Amazon.
FAQs
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Can you get Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16?
Yes, but it’s currently only available in the US or if you set your iPhone’s region to the US. More regions will be supported in future updates. -
Does the iPhone 16 come with a charger?
No, it only includes a USB-C-to-USB-C cable. -
Is the iPhone 16 water-resistant?
Yes, it has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
