For years now, the best iPhones have featured a $200 unfold between the usual and Professional fashions, so I’m all the time confronted with attempting to make an argument to go together with the cheaper mannequin. That’s why I’m hyper-focused on inspecting each little element with my iPhone 16 overview, primarily as a result of I would like you to know what precisely you’re getting (or compromising) by selecting this cheaper handset over the iPhone 16 Pro.
I do know lots of people are all the time torn over which iPhone to get, however the fashions making up this yr’s iPhone 16 lineup have much more in widespread than years previous. For instance, the iPhone 16 positive aspects the Action button that was first unique to the iPhone 15 Pros final yr and the identical Camera Control button discovered within the iPhone 16 Professionals. It even shares nearly the identical set of Apple Intelligence options (which is able to come submit launch as a software program replace to iOS 18).
One of many largest questions I additionally need to reply in my iPhone 16 overview is how this mannequin’s upgraded cameras evaluate to final yr’s iPhones, together with the pricier iPhone 16 Professional and its essential rivals within the house.
Apple iPhone 16 overview: Value and launch date
Yearly I discover myself holding my breath till Apple declares the costs of its new iPhones. Fortunately, this occurs to be a yr by which there are not any worth hikes for the bottom iPhone 16, which begins at $799. Preorders for the iPhone 16 can be found proper now, with full availability beginning on September 20.
The iPhone 16 can be obtainable in three storage choices: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, which have been the configurations for the previous few years now. What I’m blissful about this yr are the brighter, extra vibrant shade choices: pink, teal, ultramarine, black, and white. These new colorways are enchanting, and presumably sufficient to sway folks from going with the iPhone 16 Professionals as a result of they’re bolder trying than the pastel-like colours of the iPhone 15.
Apple iPhone 16 overview: Specs
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus |
| Beginning worth | $799/£799/AU$1,399 | $899/£899/AU$1,599 |
| Display measurement | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Refresh fee | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Processor | A18 | A18 |
| RAM | Unknown | Unknown |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear cameras | 48MP essential (f/1.6) with 2x opitcal high quality zoom, 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2) | 48MP essential (f/1.6) with 2x opitcal high quality zoom, 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2) |
| Entrance digicam | 12MP (f/1.9) | 12MP (f/1.9) |
| Battery measurement | Unknown | Unknown |
| Battery life | 22 hours, vide playback; 80 hours, | 27 hours, vide playback; 100 hours, |
| Measurement | 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) |
| Colours | Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine | Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine |
Apple iPhone 16 overview: Design
There’s one thing to say about utilizing a smaller sized telephone. Whereas there’s no measurement change between the iPhone 15 and this yr’s normal mannequin, the iPhone 16 is a smidge lighter at 6 ounces, making the telephone a breeze to make use of one-handed. It is definitely a lot simpler to take action than with the bigger iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max fashions. For the iPhone 16, Apple leverages aerospace-grade aluminum with its design, which not solely makes it lighter, but in addition extra sturdy.
Nonetheless, as a lot as Apple claims that the latest-generation Ceramic Protect glass is more durable and extra resilient, my overview unit acquired noticeably scratched up simply after a number of instances stuffed in my bag. And that is why I can’t stress sufficient about putting in a display protector and any of the perfect iPhone 16 instances if you wish to maintain your new telephone’s pristine appears to be like intact.
Regardless of that, the iPhone 16 is a way more trendy telephone than the iPhone 16 Professionals, which is a disgrace as a result of I’d like to see these bolder colours come to the Professional iPhones. I additionally love how the color-infused again glass with my ultramarine colorway overview unit pops at simply the precise angle, whereas small particulars just like the define shade of the rear cameras makes for a robust distinction as an accent shade.
Talking of cameras, that’s one of many many new design modifications with the iPhone 16. As an alternative of the diagonal association that the sequence has been utilizing for the final three years, it’s been reverted to a vertical association to permit assist for Spatial video and picture seize. Different new modifications to the design embody the Motion Button on the left facet of the telephone and the Digicam Management on the precise. And eventually, the USB-C port discovered on the underside of the iPhone 16 remains to be caught on slower USB 2.0 speeds that the iPhone 15 supplied.
However, the addition of those options together with its charming appears to be like add to the iPhone 16 design, in addition to narrowing the hole in what it may functionally do in comparison with the iPhone 16 Professional.
Apple iPhone 16 overview: Show
In distinction to the iPhone 16 Professional, there’s no change to the display measurement on the brand new iPhone 16, it’s nonetheless a 6.1-inch Tremendous Retina XDR show with a decision of two,556 x 1,179 pixels. Additionally, the identical cutout close to the highest for its Dynamic Island doesn’t change in measurement.
Visually the show doesn’t disappoint. It’s a nice trying OLED panel that will get the job executed for many issues. I pulled up the Rings of Power Season 2 trailer, and I like how the iPhone 16 show has simply sufficient saturation and distinction to make a few of the scenes pop. Nonetheless, I’m nonetheless very essential about Apple’s resolution to maintain the show refresh fee to 60Hz on its cheaper flagships, which is disappointing given how less expensive telephones have higher refresh charges.
| iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | iPhone 15 | |
| Show measurement | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.2-inch AMOLED | 6.1-inch OLED |
| sRGB (%) | 112.2% | 137.5% (Vivid), 120.8% (Pure) | 114.4% |
| DCI-P3 (%) | 79.5% | 97.4% (Vivid), 85.5% (Pure) | 81.1% |
| Delta-E | 0.27 | 0.22 (Vivid), 0.24 (Pure) | 0.18 |
| Peak brightness | 1,348 nits | 1,416 nits | 1,401 nits |
Most individuals most likely gained’t care, however I’ve seen how the sooner 120Hz refresh fee on the cheaper Pixel 8a smooths out movement to make motion scenes look extra fluid. Because of its 60Hz show, the iPhone 16 doesn’t have the identical slick-smoothing animation as different telephones.
Placing the iPhone 16 by Tom’s Information’s show benchmark check, Apple’s new telephone comes up slightly brief at 1,348 nits — which is down from the 1,401 nit brightness of the iPhone 15. It’s not a horrible distinction, however given how Apple once more claims as much as a 3,000 nit score, I hoped for a minimum of an enchancment on this space. However regardless of this, I’ll say that none of this impacts the iPhone 16’s display visibility outside. It’s usable, however it undoubtedly advantages from a shade with my hand exterior.
Apple iPhone 16 overview: Digicam Management
The Digicam Management button is positioned on the precise facet of the iPhone 16 and may acknowledge the quantity of strain utilized to it — thus replicating the bodily shutter button generally present in right now’s best mirrorless cameras. I’ll say that the Digicam Management takes a bit getting used to due to the additional capabilities you’ll have entry to.
Whereas urgent it down all the best way lets you take a photograph, urgent and holding on the button initiates video recording. I do like how the Digicam Management may also discern swipes to vary between a few of the settings, like zoom controls, publicity adjustment, and extra — all by barely urgent the Digicam Management button and swiping my finger left or proper. Although it could take a bit getting used to all of this, it’s a step in the precise path in making the iPhone really feel extra like a digicam.
Nonetheless, I nonetheless want Apple added extra controls — like entry to the shutter pace and ISO, which may assist lovers like myself to get extra out of the telephone’s digicam. By way of audio recording, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus additionally acquire the identical Audio Mixing function that lets shooters regulate the sound of the audio after a video’s recorded. This was beforehand launched as a function for the iPhone 16 Professional and iPhone 16 Professional Max, however it’s been confirmed to be obtainable on the usual iPhone 16 fashions.
Apple iPhone 16 overview: Digicam Efficiency
Simply as earlier than, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus function twin rear cameras that include a 48MP essential shooter and a refreshed 12MP ultrawide. That latter definitely will get extra consideration this time round as a result of the sequence lastly positive aspects the flexibility to seize macro pictures, which is a functionality that has been restricted to the Professional fashions.
Apple additionally talks so much in regards to the versatility of this new digicam setup, since it may successfully ship images with optical high quality with no devoted zoom digicam — all by leaning on the identical pixel-binning strategies I’ve seen beforehand with the iPhone 15 to get usable 2x zoom images.
For the reason that iPhone 16’s digicam is similar to the one within the iPhone 16 Professional/16 Professional Max, it’s value seeing the way it compares. Within the shot above in downtown Half Moon Bay, the iPhone 16 pulls up a pleasant shot with simply as a lot element within the bushes, parked vehicles, and signages across the avenue. The one benefit for the iPhone 16 Professional is the way it produces a brighter picture by rising the publicity within the shadows.
One of many few modifications to the iPhone 16’s cameras pertain to its refreshed 12MP ultrawide digicam, which boasts a wider f/2.2 aperture lens (up from the iPhone 15’s f/2.4 one). Towards the Pixel 9, it does deliver out extra element within the shadowed areas within the tree on the left facet, however the inexperienced leaves don’t look as vibrant because the Pixel.
But once more, the iPhone 16 makes a robust case for being one of many best camera phones round as a result of these selfie photographs I captured of myself above are practically an identical in relation to the main points. Not solely does it seize plenty of my facial options, like my hairline and wonder marks, however it additionally captures the identical particulars with the background. The one distinction is how the iPhone 16 Professional’s shot appears to be like brighter.
Regardless of missing a devoted telephoto digicam, the 2x zoom with the iPhone 16 nonetheless delivers good outcomes. It matches the Galaxy S24 Plus at 2x zoom, with each capturing the main points of the tree’s branches and bark. I’m additionally impressed by the effectiveness of pixel binning within the iPhone 16 as a result of at 10x zoom, it comes near matching the S24 Plus — and that’s very good while you determine that the S24 Plus is utilizing a 3x optical zoom.
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Including to its utility, the iPhone 16 lastly positive aspects the flexibility to seize correct macro pictures because of its refreshed ultrawide digicam. I captured a number of closeups of various sorts of flowers and I can’t inform you how unbelievably good it’s, particularly within the gallery above that permit me to get nearer to topics than ever earlier than — with unprecedented element.
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I am shocked by how nicely the iPhone 16 photographs maintain up towards the iPhone 16 Professional within the images above. Whereas the Professional captures extra of the flower in focus and does higher with the publicity, the stuff that’s in focus with the iPhone 16 just about matches it.
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In high-contrast scenes, the iPhone 16’s dynamic vary does a superb job at neutralizing the publicity all through the scene. The photographs above present how the iPhone 16 handles the brighter areas of the setting solar within the background, whereas boosting the darker, extra shadowed areas of the foreground. You may clearly see the yellow shade of the sundown in the course of the picture with the iPhone 16, whereas the Pixel 9 blows it out.
Pitch darkish circumstances are actually the perfect conditions to inform aside the perfect cameras from the merely good ones. There’s simply no comparability between the photographs of my yard above as a result of the tree’s considerably brighter, extra uncovered with the iPhone 16 — making it seem as if there’s a lightweight shining on it from behind me.
I believe it’s secure to say that the iPhone 16 is a high all-around digicam telephone that delivers excellent outcomes irrespective of the scenario. You can pay extra for the iPhone 16 Professional and acquire the higher telephoto digicam, however the high quality put out by the iPhone 16 cameras offers it a run for its cash. Towards key rivals just like the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9, it definitely has its benefits, placing these telephones on discover with its superior low mild and dynamic vary efficiency.
Apple iPhone 16 overview: Video recording
Video recording tops out at 4K 60 fps with the iPhone 16, which is the norm in nearly each different telephone for this worth. I shot the 2 movies above utilizing the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S24 Plus. Each do a incredible job at capturing sharp trying footage that’s full of loads of element, however I a lot want how the iPhone 16 has a greater distinction — particularly in how the inexperienced leaves within the bushes. That’s as a result of the Galaxy S24 Plus tends to look flat in these areas.
Beneath low mild, the iPhone 16 does higher than the Galaxy S24 Plus as a result of initially, I can visibly see how extra of the footage is uncovered with the iPhone 16. Since there’s no ambient mild within the space I shot first, the Galaxy S24 Plus’ footage is dim and darkish. Once I pan to my deck, the S24 Plus suffers from mushier trying particulars — whereas the iPhone 16 has a bit extra definition and higher publicity.
Whereas 4K 120 fps seize is unique to the iPhone 16 Professional, the iPhone 16 nonetheless has two choices for sluggish movement seize: 1080p at 120 fps and 720p at 240 fps. The sluggish movement clip above of the water fountain does properly to decelerate the water splashes, however the particulars at 720p aren’t the sharpest.
Lastly, Apple introduces a brand new audio modifying function with movies referred to as Audio Combine. Utilizing the 4 microphones within the iPhone 16, I’m now in a position to higher improve the audio after I’m executed recording video. As somebody who shoots video professionally for a residing, I can say it is a function I can respect.
For the reason that microphones choose up audio in several instructions, Audio Combine lets me do an array of issues to get the sound I would like. I examined it out with good leads to the clip above. I initially recorded myself in entrance of the digicam whereas I used to be enjoying an ASMR of individuals speaking within the background, like what you’d discover in a loud cafe or diner.
Within the Images app, I can then use the Audio Combine settings to tune out the background noise. The second video is the tip consequence with the background noise suppressed whereas enhancing my voice. This kind of audio layering function isn’t essentially new, however you sometimes discover it in skilled video modifying software program.
I do discover, nonetheless, that my voice more and more turns into distorted the extra I aggressively soften the background noise utilizing the slider controls within the app — so there’s a positive stability to make it sound clear with out introducing an excessive amount of distortion.
Apple iPhone 16 overview: Efficiency
Skipping previous the A17 Professional present in final yr’s iPhone 15 Professional fashions, Apple as an alternative equips the iPhone 16 with the most recent A18 chipset. It’s primarily based on a brand new 3nm manufacturing course of and gives 30% sooner CPU efficiency than the prior A16 Bionic that was within the iPhone 15.
The entire artificial benchmark exams present marked enhancements for the iPhone 16. In Geekbench 6, the iPhone 16 achieves common single and multi core scores of three,301 and eight,033 respectively — which is a major enhance over the iPhone 15’s scores of two,518 and 6,179. What’s much more outstanding is that these scores are even higher than the iPhone 15 Professional Max’s A17 Professional chip.
The telephone is definitely quick with on a regular basis duties, however the one criticism I’ve is that it doesn’t fairly have the identical stage of fluidness with animations and actions because the iPhone 16 Professional Max, which I attribute to the iPhone’s 16’s 60Hz refresh fee.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Google Pixel 9 |
| Processor | A18 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Tensor G4 |
| Geekbench (single core/multicore) | 3,301 / 8,033 | 2235 / 6922 | 1,758 / 4,594 |
| WildLife Limitless(fps) | 98.23 | 120.4 | 55.71 |
The efficiency enchancment doesn’t cease there, seeing that there’s additionally a lift to its graphics processing efficiency. 3DMark’s Wild Life Limitless check reaches a median body fee of 98.23 fps, which is a 36% enchancment over the iPhone 15.
Graphically intensive video games run completely positive with the iPhone 15, particularly within the climactic battle scenes that occur once I play Age of Origins. What makes this iPhone an excellent higher gaming telephone is that it positive aspects assist for hardware-accelerated ray tracing — a function that after was unique to the 15 Professional fashions. I pulled up Resident Evil Village on the iPhone 16, and the body fee saved regular with all of the lighting and shadowing results occurring on display. However once more, it’s a notch or two under the efficiency I see in different flagship telephones due to the iPhone 16’s 60Hz refresh fee.
All instructed, the A18 chip is a jewel of its personal as a result of this “underpowered” chipset delivers higher outcomes than different comparable telephones. For instance, it posts scores that beat the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 in lots of benchmark exams. My solely criticism goes again to the truth that it doesn’t have as a lot of that buttery easy look that right now’s best gaming phones supply with their sooner refresh charges.
Apple iPhone 16 overview: Battery Life
In accordance with Apple, there’s a bigger sized battery within the iPhone 16. Although its precise capability is unknown, a minimum of till teardowns of the telephone grow to be public. Actually, the iPhone 16 has sufficient fuel within the tank to deal with my day by day utilization. On days once I was heavy on my iPhone 16, I nonetheless wanted to cost it in some unspecified time in the future throughout the day — however I managed to get it all the way down to 10% capability at one level once I was a bit mild on the utilization all through the day.
Extra importantly, the iPhone 16 doesn’t disappoint within the Tom’s Information’s battery benchmark check. Its time of 13 hours and 19 minutes is a giant enchancment over the iPhone 15’s time of 11 hours and 5 minutes — a 20% enhance in battery life. Although it doesn’t see as a lot enchancment as the opposite new iPhones, the iPhone 16 reveals {that a} small telephone resembling this will nonetheless get you by with out a lot fear.
| iPhone 16 | iPhone 15 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Pixel 9 | |
| Battery measurement | N/A | N/A | 4,000 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Battery life (Hrs:Minutes) | 13:19 | 11:05 | 13:28 (adaptive) | 13:18 |
| Wired Charging | N/A | 20W | 25W | 27W |
| Recharge proportion (15 minutes) | 29% | 26% | 28% | 26% |
| Recharge proportion (30 minutes) | 57% | 53% | 54% | 54% |
There have been claims about 45W wired charging speeds with the iPhone 16, however after testing it out utilizing completely different cables and linked to a GaN charger that reveals me the charging output of every port, I solely was in a position to see charging speeds upwards of 20W. That’s not quick in any respect, however given the iPhone 16’s measurement, I’m shocked that it will get to about 29% capability in quarter-hour of charging with Apple’s 30W charger — after which to 57% in half-hour.
On the flip facet, the iPhone 16 positive aspects 25W MagSafe charging and Qi2 assist, so charging it wirelessly can be sooner. Nonetheless, you’ll want to exchange your present MagSafe chargers if you have already got one to realize the good thing about sooner MagSafe charging.
Apple iPhone 16 overview: Software program
Apple’s new software program releases may be substantial or iterative. With this yr’s iOS18 launch, it’s extra of the latter for the reason that new model doesn’t have practically as many huge modifications or options as iOS 17. I say this as a result of iOS 18 arrived forward of the iPhone 16 with out its largest weapon, Apple Intelligence; that may are available a later replace in October.
In its present iteration, iOS 18 provides new options, however I don’t assume they’re something as dramatic as what I noticed with iOS 17, which included Contact Posters, StandBy Mode, Interactive Widgets, and extra. I gained’t go into all of the element about it since our iOS 18 review dials into all the brand new options, like how there’s extra customization and privateness options, however I’ll say that the modifications and additions are all iterative. For instance, in iOS 18 you acquire the flexibility to lock or conceal apps by including a layer of authentication with Face ID, Contact ID, or a passcode.
Apple iPhone 16 overview: Apple Intelligence Preview
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 |
| Row 1 – Cell 0 | Row 1 – Cell 1 | Row 1 – Cell 2 |
| Row 2 – Cell 0 | Row 2 – Cell 1 | Row 2 – Cell 2 |
That’s why I believe it’s a bummer that the iPhone 16 arrives with out Apple Intelligence. I’ve been utilizing Apple Intelligence options with a developer beta, which remains to be a piece in progress. However I believe it is secure to conclude that Apple Intelligence will usher in a brand new period for the iPhone due to how helpful these new capabilities are. I’ve already highlighted a few of my favorite Apple Intelligence features, like how Siri is way more conversational than ever earlier than in addition to the effectiveness of Photo Clean Up to edit images with the assistance of generative AI.
Nonetheless, there’s one Apple Intelligence function I’ve but to check out and am excited for. It’s Visual Intelligence, which is Apple’s reply to Google Lens. That is going to be an unique Apple Intelligence function for the iPhone 16 lineup, so it gained’t be approaching different earlier fashions and may very well be the explanation to persuade folks to improve. Tied to the Digicam Management button on the iPhone 16, Visible Intelligence will let you rapidly seek for something simply by taking a snapshot of it — however it may be built-in with any app or service working on the telephone.
As a lot as I take pleasure in all the opposite Apple Intelligence options which might be in preview with the iOS 18.1 developer beta, I don’t assume they’re something particular or modern. They’re basically responses to what I’ve seen on the market, just like the summarizing and translation options in Galaxy AI or the picture modifying talents of Google’s Magic Editor. In actual fact, I’d go far to say that Google’s nonetheless forward of Apple in relation to AI options — extra so when Apple’s rival has spent years growing them.
Nonetheless, Apple’s steering in the precise path by lastly growing Apple Intelligence. It’s only a bummer that it’s not obtainable at launch. Regardless of that, it is a larger enhance for the iPhone 16 particularly as a result of it’s going to have the identical options because the iPhone 16 Professional fashions. I consider this needs to be the precise method by preserving the expertise uniform, however it definitely provides extra weight to the cheaper iPhone 16.
Apple iPhone 16 overview: Verdict
I nonetheless can’t consider that we’re happening two years now with out an replace to the iPhone SE. However given how very good the iPhone 16 is that this yr, I’m way more inclined to select this mannequin up, particularly because it shares plenty of the identical options because the iPhone 16 Professional. I’m referring to the Motion Button, Digicam Controls and — as soon as iOS 18.1 arrives — just about the identical Apple Intelligence options.
Equally as spectacular are the iPhone 16 cameras, which for the worth distinction nonetheless put out sharp images, notably from the primary lens. The one actual space it’s lacking out is within the telephoto division, however that’s the distinguishing cause it is best to think about the Professional fashions as an alternative. As a video digicam, I additionally love how the iPhone 16 positive aspects the identical Audio Combine function to reinforce the sound of my movies to the best way I would like them.
On the finish of the day, the one huge criticism I’ve in regards to the iPhone 16 is its 60Hz show. It’s dated and lacks the fluidness I see in different telephones with higher refresh charges. Then once more, you’re saving a great $200 by selecting the iPhone 16 over Apple’s Professional telephone and the areas it inherently falls brief towards its siblings (assume battery life and processing efficiency). Actually, the iPhone 16 has professional options at a mainstream worth.
