iPhone 16 Pro – Camera Control: A Closer Look

The iPhone 16 Pro is here, and while some may feel ambivalent about Apple's new AI features, there’s no denying that this device continues Apple’s trend of delivering a premium smartphone experience. If you're upgrading from an older iPhone model, the iPhone 16 Pro is packed with enough enhancements to make the transition worthwhile. One of the most notable features is the new Camera Control button, a tool designed to give users more direct control over the iPhone’s impressive camera system. However, it’s not without its challenges.

Pros and Cons of the iPhone 16 Pro

Pros:

• Great size: Comfortable to hold and use.
• Capable camera: The camera hardware is top-notch, with potential for greatness.
• Good battery life: Improved from the iPhone 15 Pro.
• No exclusive features in Pro Max model: You don't miss out on any major features by choosing the smaller version.

Cons:

• Apple Intelligence is underwhelming: AI features haven't fully delivered yet.
• Meagre starting storage: 128GB feels restrictive.
• Camera Control can be tough to master: A great idea, but the execution feels a bit clunky.

Key Features of the iPhone 16 Pro

Apple Intelligence

The iPhone 16 Pro is Apple's first AI-powered iPhone, thanks to the A18 Pro chip. However, most of the AI features are still in development or not fully available at launch. Apple Intelligence is expected to improve over time, but it’s not yet the game-changer many had hoped for.

Impressive Camera Hardware

The iPhone 16 Pro features a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultra-wide camera, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 5x zoom. The new Camera Control button is designed to make it easier to switch between lenses and adjust settings on the fly.

Bigger Screen

The iPhone 16 Pro boasts a 6.3-inch screen, slightly larger than the 6.1-inch display of the iPhone 15 Pro. This makes for a more immersive experience without making the phone too bulky.

Design and Camera Control Button

A Familiar Yet Refined Design

Apple hasn’t drastically changed the design of the iPhone 16 Pro compared to previous models. However, the phone is slightly larger and heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro, and the use of grade 5 titanium makes it feel lighter and more comfortable to hold. The muted color options like Desert Titanium, Black, White, and Silver are subtle but elegant.

Camera Control Button: A New Way to Shoot

The Camera Control button is one of the most significant new features on the iPhone 16 Pro. Positioned just below the power button, it allows you to quickly open the camera, take photos, and start recording videos with a press. The button is capacitive, meaning you can lightly tap it to access different camera functions such as switching lenses, adjusting exposure, and more.

However, after using the Camera Control button for a month, I found it a bit fiddly. Its position feels slightly too high, making it awkward to reach, especially when you’re in the middle of a shot. Additionally, navigating through the camera settings via swipes and taps can be cumbersome. It’s often quicker to use the touchscreen for these tasks.

For comparison, the Sony Xperia VI has a more ergonomically placed camera shutter button, making it easier to use for quick snapshots. If you're interested in a device with a dedicated camera button, you can check out the Sony Xperia VI.

Camera Performance

Exceptional Hardware, But Requires Mastery

The iPhone 16 Pro's camera array is impressive on paper, with its 48MP main and ultra-wide cameras and 12MP telephoto lens offering a versatile shooting experience. The 5x zoom is a welcome improvement, previously only available on the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max.

One of the standout features is the Photography Styles, which allow you to customize the look and feel of your photos. You can tweak settings like warmth, contrast, and shadows to create a style that suits your preferences. However, this added control can make the camera feel less intuitive for casual users. If you don’t spend time customizing these settings, your photos might not look as good as they could.

Video Capabilities

Video recording on the iPhone 16 Pro is exceptional, especially with the ability to shoot in 4K at 120fps. This is particularly useful for capturing slow-motion footage, and the results are cinematic. The iPhone 16 Pro also features audio tools that allow you to focus on specific sounds when recording video, making it a great choice for content creators.

If you're looking for accessories to enhance your video recording experience, consider investing in a gimbal for smoother shots. You can find a range of gimbals for smartphones on Amazon.

Battery Life and Charging

The iPhone 16 Pro offers a noticeable improvement in battery life compared to its predecessor. While heavy users will likely need to charge the phone by the end of the day, lighter users could potentially stretch it to two days. The phone also supports 30W fast charging, allowing you to get to 50% charge in about 30 minutes.

However, like all recent iPhones, the iPhone 16 Pro does not come with a charger in the box. If you need a fast charger, you can purchase one separately on Amazon.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the iPhone 16 Pro?

The iPhone 16 Pro is a solid upgrade, especially if you're coming from an older model like the iPhone 13 Pro or earlier. The Camera Control button is a nice addition, though it still needs some refinement. The camera system is powerful, but you’ll need to invest time into mastering the new Photography Styles to get the most out of it.

While Apple Intelligence promises to be revolutionary, it’s not quite there yet, so don’t buy the iPhone 16 Pro solely for its AI capabilities. However, if you’re looking for a well-rounded, powerful smartphone with excellent build quality and a great screen, the iPhone 16 Pro is worth considering.

Buy if:

• You want a smaller, powerful phone.
• You’re upgrading from an older iPhone model.
• You’re looking for a versatile camera system with more manual controls.

Don’t buy if:

• You’re expecting a fully developed AI experience from day one.
• You need more than 128GB of storage without paying extra.

If you're ready to make the leap, you can purchase the iPhone 16 Pro on Amazon.

FAQs

Do I need the iPhone 16 Pro for Apple Intelligence?
No, Apple Intelligence is also available on the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and various iPads and Macs with M-series chips.

Does Apple Intelligence work everywhere?
Currently, Apple Intelligence is only available in US English, with more regions expected to gain access in 2025.

What’s the starting storage for the iPhone 16 Pro?
The base model starts at 128GB, but you can upgrade to 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB.