iPhone 16 Series: A Comprehensive Review of Apple's Latest Smartphones

I tested the iPhone 16 Plus - why it's the model most people should buy

The features that I hoped Apple would improve this year -- such as the 60Hz refresh rate and slower-than-average 20W wired charging -- haven't changed. Being a tech enthusiast means I always default to the beefiest, most powerful, wallet-shredding devices that companies have to offer. So, every year, when the latest iPhones roll around, testing the standard models brings me back to mainstream reality. These are the iPhones that most people buy, with Counterpoint Research reporting that in 2024, the iPhone 15 outsold the iPhone 15 Pro. In the year before, the iPhone 14 outsold both the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Also: We've used every iPhone 16 model and here's our best buying advice for 2024 After testing the iPhone 16 Plus for the past 24 hours (and with much more evaluation to be done in the coming weeks), I'm expecting a similar consumer trend with this year's iPhones -- but with an ever-wider gap. With this year's standard iPhone models, Apple is taking what I'd like to call the "Sibling" strategy. You know how the older sibling tends to get all the latest and greatest things first -- shirts, toys, shoes? After a year, or when the excitement for something wears off, it's passed down to the younger sibling, so what's old is new again. That's exactly what Apple has done with last year's iPhone 15 Pro model and this year's iPhone 16, and I don't mind that at all. Also: iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 16: Should you upgrade to Apple's latest model? The new Action button, for example, replaces the physical mute-switch toggle and can be mapped to a unique function, from turning on the flashlight to starting a voice memo to firing up the camera. Of course, you can also set the Action button to switch between alert and silent. Considering this is the iPhone's have-it-your-way era, you should really try to embrace the customization freedom here. My Action button is currently set to "turn on AirDrop for 10 minutes" as I'm camera-testing the phone and frequently uploading images and videos to my MacBook. That prompt will likely change by the end of the week, which is the beauty of the new hardware key. There's also a new Camera Control located on the bottom right side of the phones, which looks and functions like the one on the Pro versions. At the most basic level, pressing the Camera Control snaps a photo or starts a video recording. For some Apple magic, a lighter, more gentle press of the same key (Apple tells me not to call it a button) brings up a slider for your most recent camera setting, whether that's zoom range, exposure, or f-stop. Also: Apple says the iPhone 16 is a lot easier to repair than its predecessor. Here's how A double light press on Camera Control brings up a carousel of shooting modes and settings, each of which you can access with another light press. Lastly, swiping on the touch-capacitive surface will dial between the settings. That's to say, Camera Control has a learning curve, so much so that I wouldn't have been mad if Apple made the feature exclusive to the Pro models. Because it's not, it will be many users' first experience with adjusting camera settings at such a finite level, and that's very exciting. Going into my testing, my biggest concern was whether the placement (or ergonomics) of the Camera Control would spoil what was otherwise a genius feature. Since the key is situated closer to the middle of the side edge (more so if you're on the smaller iPhone 16), you're now capturing photos by pressing down with your index finger instead of your thumb. Retraining your muscle memory is required here; I often found myself habitually tapping the screen to focus and capture instead. Camera Control encourages you to position the iPhone in landscape orientation, which plays to the 16's newest ability to capture immersive spatial photos and videos for VR. It's another feature that's trickled down from last year's Pro model, but nothing to stress about using. Much like how you'll need an elusive 8K TV to watch 8K videos, you'll need a compatible VR headset to consume spatial content. I've watched several spatial videos on both the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3, and while they're much more immersive than any other digital content out there, the ability to capture them should be seen as a bonus and not a requisite as you consider the iPhone 16. Also: Every iPhone 16 model features a new camera button. Here's what it can do Something you're more likely to take advantage of: the new 12MP ultrawide camera. With an f/2.2 aperture (versus last year's f/2.4), the iPhone 16 can pull in more light (read: capture more details both during the day and night) and take macro shots, much like how the iPhone 15 Pro did with its ultrawide lens. Combine the utility of the ultrawide with the new 48MP Fusion camera (combines the main with a 2x digital zoom capability) and Photographic Styles that can now be modified before and after the shot, and you've got one of the most versatile iPhone camera systems ever. Whether it was reproducing the vibrant colors of my dinner in a dimly lit restaurant, extracting details from small succulents, or capturing the controlled chaos of my morning commute, I rarely felt like the iPhone 16 Plus was unable to get the shot. Also: How to clear the cache on your iPhone (and why you should) I say rarely because there was one evening when I wanted to take a photo of the moon. It appeared closer to the Earth than ever, was glowing in a warm orangish hue, and felt like the perfect photo-op with my family celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. But the iPhone 16's zoom capability, capped at 2x, was barely able to capture the essence of the moment. There was a noticeable amount of noise as I hesitantly dialed up the digital zoom, and I sorely missed the 5x optical camera on the Pro models. While I hoped to see at least a 90Hz refresh rate on the new iPhones, assuming that ProMotion (120Hz) was restricted to Pro devices only, Apple continues to ship the standard models with 60Hz panels. This isn't a deal-breaker by any means, and frankly, users coming from older non-Pro iPhone models won't know what they're missing. Rendering fewer frames also helps the iPhone 16's battery life, which has been sufficient so far. But in 2024, when even a $150 Android phone comes with smoother display tech, a 90Hz panel would've made me instantly switch from an iPhone 15. Also: How iOS 18 changes the way you charge your iPhone To Apple's credit, it did bump up the wireless charging speed (up to 25W via MagSafe) on iPhone 16 models, though wired charging rates remain at 20W. From my testing, the iPhone 16 Plus charged from 0% to 100% in roughly one hour and 47 minutes, which is noticeably slower than most flagship phones ($700+) on the market. There's one thing I haven't mentioned yet in this review, and that's Apple Intelligence, the suite of artificial intelligence tools scattered across iOS 18. That's because the bulk of the AI experience, which includes a revamped Siri, call recording, and text generation, won't be readily available until October, when iOS 18.1 rolls out to the public. That's to say, you shouldn't buy the iPhone 16 for its AI capabilities -- not yet, at least. Until the software is official, I'll continue to evaluate the iPhone 16 for what it is and keep you posted on how it fares with battery life, video-capturing, day-to-day performance, and more.

iPhone 16 Review Roundup: The Gap With The 'Pro' Models Is Less Than Ever This Year

The iPhone 16 was launched this September with many major display and camera upgrades, and the tech community cannot help but compare the new series with the previous generation and evaluate the distinctions placed between the standard and Pro models. While Apple has brought some noteworthy changes, it seems that the disparity between the standard and flagship models is less than ever. The Camera Control Button is one of the most selling camera functionalities added this time around to the iPhone 16 lineup, but it is a feature available on all four models. Similarly, the iPhone 16 also shares the same 48MP ultra-wide lens with the Pro models, which marks more or less the same camera upgrades. The A18 is also as capable as the A18 Pro processor, leaving users wondering if there are any major distinctions between the two. The iPhone 16 review roundup is here, and we see the tech reporters being of the same view, which is that the iPhone 16 and the Pro models do not feature any striking differences. We will be going through some of the reviews to help understand where the iPhone 16 model stands this year. TechRadar Jacob Kroll of TechRadar highlights the lines between the standard and Pro models getting increasingly blurred with time but vouches for the Camera Control button and the enhancement in functionality it brings forward. The line between standard iPhones and Pro models is getting increasingly blurred, as the base iPhone 16 is now a powerful pick that mixes affordability with a lot of newness. The range of available colors, including some strikingly vibrant options, make a great first impression, and the speed of Apple's A18 platform, combined with two excellent cameras and an entirely new Camera Control button, make the iPhone 16 a great choice for folks who don't need to go Pro. The cameras are similar to the iPhone 15's, but the real reason to upgrade would be for the new Camera Control button if you're into content creation. It's a major enhancement, and lets you easily capture photos or record videos while intuitively adjusting settings along the way - just be ready to have to practice the difference between a light and a heavy touch on the technology-filled button ... err, control. The Verge Allison Johnson part of The Verge's team suggests that the standard models have been paid less heed to in the past few years, but that has been changed with the new iPhone 16 models as the gap between the functionality of the Pro model and the iPhone 16 has been reduced. Over the past few years, Apple's standard iPhone looked a little neglected. The Pro models got new chipsets, camera features, and a customizable Action Button, while the standard models made do with the leftovers. But this year, things are different: the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus played catch-up, and the gap between these phones and the Pro models isn't as wide as it once was. I also have mixed feelings about the Camera Control [...] Boy, do I love a button. But in practice, I find it hard to use and have largely been ignoring it [...] The mechanism feels too stiff to me, and no matter how hard I try to support the phone, I end up shaking the whole device every time I take a picture. And if I linger on that light press too long, I end up changing the exposure compensation or some other setting inadvertently. I have to take my focus away from the moment and think about pressing a damn button, and at that point, what are we even doing here? CNET Lisa Eadicicco of CNET has expressed excitement about the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 base model and also the Action button and how users would now be able to try different and new Photographic Styles. The Camera Control button and Action button are the most significant changes on this year's standard iPhone [...] The real benefit behind Camera Control isn't the ability to launch the camera but the way you can easily swipe through different options and modes. It's easier to adjust settings while keeping your shot consistent since your finger isn't obscuring the screen, and you don't have to move your other hand to toggle between shooting modes [...] You can cycle through different Photographic Styles when previewing a photo before pressing the shutter (which is a breeze with the Camera Control button), or you can apply an effect after the fact. It makes the old version of Photographic Styles feel limiting and basic by comparison. For someone like me who doesn't have a background in photography or video editing, it helped me create dramatic, striking images with little more than just the press of a button. I particularly liked the more dramatic looks, such as the vibrant option and the stark black and white choice. Mashable Kimberley Gedeon of Mashable is of the opinion that the iPhone 16 Plus is a better purchase than the iPhone 16 Pro due to the difference between the base model and the top-tier versions being less noticeable. It is also stated that users would not feel FOMO if they did not buy the Pro model this time. As a Pro Max exclusivist, the entry-level iPhone typically doesn't catch my eye. After all, "Who wants a puny little phone?" I once thought. And the "Plus" was always the awkward middle child, often ignored for the base model or the top-tier variant. However, my experience with these phones has changed my mind. For those who don't need pro-level photo and video capture, I'd go as far as saying that the iPhone 16 Plus is a better buy than the iPhone 16 Pro (though not the iPhone 16 Pro Max) [...] There's a new Camera Control button, a tougher display, improved zoom up to 2X, the inheritance of the Action Button, and three stunning new colors (Ultramarine, Pink, and Teal). Oh, and Apple Intelligence, too. Even if you don't care about AI, you'll eventually get a sense of FOMO while everyone is sending "Genmoji" to each other. GQ Robert Leedham of GQ, in his iPhone 16 model review, is of the same viewpoint as the rest of the reviewers, as the added Pro like features to the non-Pro model seem to be a major upgrade this year. Last year's iPhone 15 was a genuine step up after a few fallow years, but the 16 takes things further with a bunch of Pro-level features it had previously been missing out on. From its macro photography capabilities to the handy Action Button and significantly more powerful internals, there are a lot of small upgrades here that all add up to something significant [...] This handset also benefits from an ultra-wide camera with bigger pixels and a faster aperture. Not only does this make for better shots in low light, but it also enables the formerly Pro-exclusive macro photography on all iPhones. If you, like me, get a kick out of sticking a camera dangerously close to your subject, then you'll have a lot of fun with this upgrade. Most of the time it results in some unique photos with unexpected pops of color or texture, especially when married with Apple's new Photographic Styles that are better tuned to skin tones and creative whimsy. The iPhone 16 base model is said to carry many of the same features as the Pro model, and the tech community at large believes that the distinction between the standard and Pro models has been blurred this year. In addition to these publications, you can also check out video reviews of popular YouTubers, including MKBHD, Dave2D, Mrwhosetheboss, and GadgetMatch. You can also check out the reviews for the iPhone 16 Pro model and find out what the reviewers think about the new flagship phones.

Thinking about upgrading to iPhone 16 Pro? Your top questions answered

I blame myself. I reviewed the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max and then, as I usually do, went on social media and said people could ask me anything. Usually, I get five or six questions. This year, I got hundreds, and they reveal a lot about how long people hold onto their iPhones and what they do and don't consider when considering upgrading to Apple's latest flagships. First, let's offer a quick primer on what these new phones offer. The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are essentially the same smartphone in two different sizes. Both offer slightly larger screens than the last models, A18 Pro chips, iOS 18, no Artificial Intelligence out of the gate, updated cameras, and the new Camera Control. While many of the questions related to those details, I did notice some trends that indicate what you care about most: I got so many questions about Battery Life. Apparently, quite a few people have found that the iPhone 15 Pro got too hot and that the battery drained fast. Some iPhone 14 Pro owners reported the same thing. They wanted to know about battery performance on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, if battery life is better, and if I experienced any overheating issues. I explained that while the phones sometimes felt a bit warm (during gaming, for instance), I did not see any overheating. iPhone owners are also hyper-aware of their battery's overall charge potential. I saw numerous reports of iPhone 15 Pro's with 85% charge capacity and iPhone 14 Pros with charge capacities between 82% and 75%. They seemed eager to return to full capacity with phones that might offer better battery life than ever before. In our tests, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max both offered better battery life than we've ever seen on an iPhone (between 14 and 16 hours on average). They also asked about how these phone batteries performed during peak tasks. I think many are concerned that these batteries might drain more quickly when playing AAA games or editing videos. I was happy to explain that had not been my experience. A fair number of people argued that I was, in fact, just holding the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, meaning that these models looked exactly like the last iPhones. This matters to consumers because they are looking for a fresh design and new features. I explained multiple times that while, yes, these phones look similar, we can point to some obvious differences. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is 6.9 inches compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max (6.7 inches), and the iPhone 16 Pro is 6.3 inches compared to the iPhone 15 Pro (6.1). I also pointed out the other new physical feature: the Camera Control button, but I will discuss that later. I was shocked at how many people still have iPhone 12 Pro models. There were even some with the iPhone 11, which has a very different design, and the iPhone Xs, which was only the second model with Face ID and is also now six years old (iPhones really do hold up). I explained that, in these cases, the upgrades would be significant. There'd be noticeable leaps in performance and camera quality. Batteries are larger and chips are more efficient. The screens are now bigger and offer higher resolution. Many potential upgraders own iPhone 13 Pros and iPhone 14 Pros, though. Here, obviously, I explained that the differences will be less noticeable. There's higher zoom, now 5X on both the Pro and Pro Max, faster chips, Camera Control, and the potential to support Apple Intelligence, which only the 15 Pro line and above will support. We carry our iPhones in our pockets and hold them in our hands, so naturally, a major concern among potential upgraders is weight and feel. Most are aware that these phones are a little bigger. Even though the two Pro models are slightly heavier than their predecessors, the iPhone 16 Pro Max (227g), for instance, is significantly lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro Max (240 grams). They repeatedly asked me if the 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max fits in pockets and is comfortable to hold. I struggled to answer this because while it feels fine in my big hands, it might not for someone with smaller pockets and hands. I got asked about the glass, which makes sense since so many of us are scratching and cracking our screens. I reported that Apple claims the Ceramic Shield glass is stronger, but I have not tried to scratch the screen purposely. In other words, these screens should be more resilient, but I still wouldn't put them in your pocket with your keys. Most seemed aware that these Pro models bring slightly larger screens with them, but they wanted to know if they would appear that much larger than, for instance, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models they owned. It's a tough question because, at a glance, I don't think you notice, but if you hold them side-by-side, you do, and the difference in bezel size is especially noticeable. I felt similarly about all the color questions I got. People kept asking me for my preference across the four Pro color choices, Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium. My test units are Desert and Natural. I was asked if the Desert is more Rose gold or Brown. I'm a tiny bit color blind but to me, it looks more brown. They also wanted to know my color preference or, as they put it, "the best color for Pro." I said the Black Titanium, and when they pressed for my color recommendation, I said Black again. Of course, color is really a matter of taste. I don't know if the color I like will also appeal to you. For what it's worth, I really want some of the excellent iPhone 16 colors on the Pro models. Maybe next year. Buying decisions were not just between older phones and the new models. In some cases, I was asked about the image quality difference between the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This was an easy one because the camera arrays are exactly the same, and the photo quality matched across the two phones. For those considering upgrading from an iPhone 14 Pro, I was able to explain that both Pro models now have 5X zoom and that the 48MP main camera is faster than previous models, which means a better chance of catching that moment. I also reminded people that even the iPhone 15 Pro models' ultrawide photography got a major upgrade, going from 12MP to 48MP. Naturally, an upgrade from older phones, like the iPhone 12, will mean untold new camera capabilities and vastly better image quality. Interestingly, not many asked about video quality, though there are upgrades (4K 120fps) to be found there, too. People are fascinated by Camera Control but don't entirely understand it. Some confused it with the Action Button, which was introduced last year and replaced the sleep switch (not the action button). They asked how it works and if it would still function with a case on. I explained that there are special cases from Apple and third-party cases with huge cutouts to support it. Others asked about using the new control, concerned it might be hard to master and use. I explained my experience: it took a bit to understand the differences between a hard press, light presses (haptic response), and gestures, but it can quickly become second nature. Some worried the Camera Control placement might not work for them, and I had a few questions about left-hand usage I noted that I'm a righty but I do think using the Camera Control with the phone in portrait mode is a bit awkward. As I mentioned, the questions I got most often related to whether it makes sense to upgrade now from models ranging from iPhone Xs to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. I usually pointed to the amount and level of upgrades you'd experience coming from each of these phones. Trading in an iPhone 12 Pro for an iPhone 16 Pro will feel like a major leap, whereas if you trade in an iPhone 14 Pro or the barely one-year-old 15 Pro, it might feel incremental at best. I tried to impart the notion that it's time to upgrade when you're no longer satisfied with your current phone or when you find the features in the new phone so compelling that you must upgrade now. Some people are already looking to next year's anticipated iPhone 17. It's clear they'd chance waiting because many believe that phone will bring the sea change they desire. The iPhone 16 line presents a conundrum because while the screen sizes, cameras, and Control Button are all new, one of the biggest new features, Apple Intelligence, is not yet live. It might be an upgrade driver, but not yet, and maybe not fully until next year. Most people didn't even ask about Apple's brand of AI. I did get one, though, about the experience of using it on the iPhone 16. I answered honestly, "Interesting and somewhat useful but still limited. Looking forward to seeing more." I'm still answering upgrade questions, but I'll say the same thing I've said to some of them: Read my reviews!

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus review roundup: Small but necessary upgrades

If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our ethics policy. The first reviews of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have started to arrive, with reviewers seeing smaller updates in a device getting closer to the Pro line, albeit without Apple Intelligence. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus introduce a few changes to the smartphone, including a new A18 chip that is made to power Apple Intelligence, when it becomes available. There are also new buttons on the sides, macro photography, and even Spatial Photos support thanks to the movement of camera sensors. In the initial wave of reviews for this generation, reviewers consider it a much more gradual update, with mixed results for the Camera Control. The lack of Apple Intelligence also leaves some questions open as to whether it will be a truly worthwhile update. There's less of a gap between the non-Pro and Pro models than in previous years, starts Allison Johnson for The Verge. " It's a good year for the basic iPhone, and it's a good year to upgrade." The iPhone is still a "work in progress," due to the lack of Apple Intelligence. There's also mixed feelings about Camera Control which is found "hard to use," specifically the press to fire the shutter itself. The lack of ProMotion in the standard models continues, especially when others often have 120Hz screens by default. This is "irritating," but so is the lack of an always-on display. The review concludes hopeful that Apple Intelligence will prove to be the "time-saving, stress-easing set of features Apple insists it will be." But at the same time, it adds "there's nothing groundbreaking here, and certainly nothing you should trade in your iPhone 15 for." Florence Ion writing for Gizmodo on an early review is bullish on Apple Intelligence, and Apple's approach on AI. "It's Apple Intelligence unobtrusively attempting to improve the value of the typical things you already do with the iPhone." The internals are a "definite bump" from the iPhone 15, with the A18 ripe for Apple Intelligence processing. Apple is also "invested" in the Camera Control button "for the long haul." While the iPhone 15's cameras were "fine, really" but basic compared to Android rivals, the new models' camera are stacked for Spatial Video and Photos. The use of the same Photographic Styles as available on the Pro is a plus, but optical zooming is still "pretty limited" for consumers. As for upgrading, the article ends "There's no need to have FOMO for the iPhone 16 quite yet." The YouTube personality MKBHD offers some quick opinions on the new models, including wondering how useful the Capture Control will be. "It's kind of in this awkward spot on the bottom right of the phone. It makes sense as a horizontal shutter button but they're kind of splitting the difference trying to make it useable in a vertical orientation." He is also concerned that Apple is still limiting the iPhone display to 120Hz on an "$800 flagship in 2024." Even so, he says that the iPhone 16 overall "is probably a better buy for most people over the Pro phones." The iPhone 16 "may not have one big knockout feature," but it has improved in "small and clever ways," begins Lisa Eadicicco for CNET. The changes are more incremental, but they all add up. This doesn't extend to Apple Intelligence just yet, and it's "impossible to know" if it will be impactful enough for upgraders. However, the preview has "at least given me a sense of Apple's direction," she reasons. The Camera Control and Action buttons are the "most significant changes," but neither are "worth upgrading your iPhone for if you weren't already planning to." As for Camera Control itself, it's "nice to see Apple updating the iPhone's interface" for things most people do on their iPhones. However, she adds "As much as I love the idea of the Camera Control button, I also worry that it could end up being ignored much like the MacBook Pro's Touch Bar." It's a slow transformation into "something more customizable and efficient" that people who haven't upgraded for a few years will certainly notice. "The days of upgrading your phone every year for the one big new feature are far behind us, and the iPhone 16 is proof. And that's not a bad thing."

Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: go big or go home? | Digital Trends

Apple officially unveiled the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max as the paladins for the utmost iPhone experience. Both pack Apple's most powerful phone hardware yet, almost leveling up to the level of Apple's M series Mac chips. But the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have little to differ apart from their size. Apple splits the Pro series into two classes: big Pro and little Pro models. With differently-sized bodies, the aspects that obviously vary are the size of the screen, the phones' heft, and battery capacities. But is there more to this than immediately meets the eye? Is there a reason to buy the Pro Max if you normally prefer smaller phones, or vice versa? Recommended Videos Below, we classify each of these differences and discuss how different dimensions affect the user experience differently on the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and whether there's one that comes out on top. Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: specs Specs iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max Size 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 mm (5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches) 163 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm (6.42 x 3.06 x 0.32 inches) Weight 199 g (7.03 oz) 227 g (7.99 oz) Screen 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED 1206 x 2622 pixels ProMotion with 120Hz dynamic refresh rate Dolby Vision, 2,000 nits brightness 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED 1320 x 2868 pixels ProMotion with 120Hz dynamic refresh rate Dolby Vision, 2,000 nits brightness Operating system iOS 18 iOS 18 RAM and storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Details on RAM awaited 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Details on RAM awaited Processor Apple A18 Pro Six-core CPU Six-core GPU 16-core NPU Apple A18 Pro Six-core CPU Six-core GPU 16-core NPU Camera Rear: 48-megapixels primary, f/1.8, 1/1.28'', OIS 48MP ultrawide, f/2.2, 120° FOV 12MP telephoto, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom Front: 12MP, f/1.9, 1/3.6'' Rear: 48MP primary, f/1.8, 1/1.28'', OIS 48MP ultrawide, f/2.2, 120° FOV 12MP telephoto, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom Front: 12MP, f/1.9, 1/3.6'' Video Rear: 4K, up to 120 fps Front: 4K, up to 60 fps Rear: 4K, up to 120 fps Front: 4K, up to 60 fps Connectivity Wi-Fi 7, dual-band Bluetooth 5.3 Wi-Fi 7, dual-band Bluetooth 5.3 Ports USB-C Gen 3.2 DisplayPort USB-C Gen 3.2 DisplayPort Water resistance IP68 (maximum depth of 6m up to 30 minutes) IP68 (maximum depth of 6m up to 30 minutes) Battery & charging Details on battery capacity awaited 45W fast charging 25W wireless charging via MagSafe 15W Qi2 wireless charging Details on battery capacity awaited 45W fast charging 25W wireless charging via MagSafe 15W Qi2 wireless charging Colors Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium Price Starts at $999 Starts at $1,199 Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: design The iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max essentially have the same design but with one very obvious difference: the size. The standard iPhone 16 Pro has much smaller dimensions, similar to the smaller iPhone 16. The Pro Max, on the other hand, has a much larger footprint to facilitate the massive display. The larger size also leads to the iPhone 16 Pro Max weighing roughly 30 grams heavier than the standard Pro. However, despite these differences, the two phones are equally thick at 8.25mm, which is impressive. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is essentially a scaled-up version of the 16 Pro, though the camera is almost the same size. Both phones also identical buttons, including the new Camera Control button, but may have different placements according to the size. That means the distance your thumb needs to travel to access those buttons will vary. The ease with each of the phones will depend on your preferences and the size of your hands. There's one thing we're skeptical about though, and that is the ease of accessing the Camera Control button, especially on the smaller model. The new Camera Control button on the side of all iPhone 16 models is designed to launch the Camera app quickly. While its shutter button-like placement could inspire users to click more pictures in landscape mode, some might still want to use it when capturing vertical photos or videos -- or use it to invoke the Visual Intelligence interface to scan their surroundings. Because of the space limitation on the iPhone 16 Pro, using the button may a bit challenging while holding the phone with one hand. Other than that, there aren't any other ways the two iPhones differ. They even get identical color options, including the new copper-ish Sand Titanium (initially rumored to be coffee). Other major differences between the phones lie in the display. Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: display The difference between the displays on the two phones is highly apparent, with a clear distinction between the standard iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Simultaneously, both phones are getting a marginal increase in display sizes over the non-Pro iPhone 16 models, as well as the older iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, thanks to leaner bezels and slightly larger bodies. The iPhone 16 Pro now gets a 6.3-inch display, up from the 6.1-inch on the previous generation. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max now goes up to 6.9 inches, taller than the iPhone 15 Pro Max as well as stalwarts, such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro XL, in the Android ecosystem. The size difference results in different screen resolutions as Apple aims to offer the same level of sharpness (same pixel density) on both displays. The two displays also get the same brightness of up to 2,000 nits and up to 120Hz variable refresh rate, and both come with Dynamic Island. Apart from the size, there isn't much to differ between the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max's displays. Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: performance Apple furnishes the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max with nearly the same hardware, and the same applies to the insides of the two phones as well. Both of them are powered by Apple's latest A18 Pro chip with a new and more efficient design than the predecessor that powers the iPhone 15 Pro. Without many differences to the numbers of cores on the CPU, GPU, and the Neural Engine, Apple says the new chipset now offers 15% faster performance than the last year's A17 Pro. The CPU gets two dedicated units to run low-power AI applications off it instead of tossing them to the Neural Engine. The GPU gets 20% better graphics capabilities and 2X faster ray tracing rendering. The Neural Engine doesn't get a noticeable upgrade over the iPhone despite the event's emphasis on Apple Intelligence. Nonetheless, it can still process up to 35 TOPS (trillion operations per second), which is nearly as good as the Neural Engine on the Mac's M4 silicon. One minor difference between the iPhone 16 Pro and the Pro Max is the available storage options on both phones. While the iPhone 16 Pro comes with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options, the Pro Max lacks a 128GB variant, following the same pattern from the iPhone 15 Pro range. Storage of 128GB admittedly makes little sense for phones of this caliber, and would be filled quickly, especially if you record plenty of videos with the iPhone 16 Pro. At the same time, it would have helped make the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max more accessible and lowered the price by $100 or so. It would also make sense as Apple lets you upload practically all of your files, media, and even data from apps seamlessly to iCloud. Another potential difference between the iPhone 16 Pro and the Pro Max could lie in their abilities to ward off heat. Though Apple doesn't specify, one can suspect the smaller phone also forces Apple to reduce the size of the passive vapor cooling tech inside. Even if that's not the case, the smaller surface area could lead to slower dispersion of heat during intensive scenarios such as gaming. We will test this aspect while reviewing the two phones in the coming days. Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: battery and charging Another fundamental consequence of the smaller size of the iPhone 16 Pro versus the Pro Max is limited space for its battery pack. Though Apple does not reveal the exact battery sizes, it shares numbers on the expected battery backup -- and there's a lot of variation between the two phones. The iPhone 16 Pro delivers 27 hours of video playback time, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro Max can last for a total of 33 hours despite the larger -- more demanding -- display. Notably, these numbers are only indicative of the respective battery's performance and may not translate to real-world backup. Despite that, we see a clear advantage with the Pro Max. While we hope to learn about the actual battery capacities soon, it's worth noting the iPhone 15 Pro had a 25% smaller battery than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. We wouldn't be surprised if the new iPhone 16 Pro series follows suit. When it comes to charging speeds, Apple is likely to have eliminated any disparity between the two devices -- and as a matter of fact, with all iPhone 16 phones. The entire series is rumored to come with 45W of fast charging over the wired USB-C connection. In addition, the phones also support up to 25W wireless charging with MagSafe and 15W wireless charging using accessories with the more common Qi2 protocol. Both phones can also pump charge wirelessly into accessories, such as AirPods, though they won't charge the Apple Watch. Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: cameras With the iPhone 15 series, Apple introduced a new 5x telephoto camera but limited it to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This year, both the iPhone 16 Pro and the 16 Pro Max get the exact same camera systems, including the 5X telephoto. The identical camera systems on both phones also include the new 48-megapixel primary camera that can now shoot images faster and an improved 48MP ultrawide-angle camera that can combine four pixels into one for brighter shots. The 12MP selfie camera remains unchanged from the previous year. With the new primary camera, Apple also includes the ability to shoot 4K HDR videos at 120 frames per second, which can be slowed down to 24 fps for more gripping cinematic effects. As with other performance-intensive tasks, we can expect the iPhone 16 Pro Max's larger body to give it an edge in thermal performance. Both phones also get four microphones now that allow a more holistic sound capturing, especially tuning it for spatial use cases. Besides capturing sounds at different distances, the microphone array can also eliminate background noise using machine learning. With identical cameras, we can suspect both phones to have the same performance while taking photos, though the iPhone 16 Pro Max could have an advantage for videos -- whether you consider its resilience against heat or the advantage of serving as a bigger viewfinder. Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: software and updates Apple's iOS 18 boots right off the bat on all new iPhone 16 models. Apple Intelligence and Android-like customization features are central to the latest version of iOS, and we expect an undiluted experience across both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. iOS 18 also brings one key addition to Messages, in the form of RCS support. The only advantage of the iPhone 16 Pro Max would derive from its larger screen and its ability to edit icons for apps or in the Control Center more easily. However, considering Apple closely controls the experience across its phones -- and not just the flagship models -- we don't foresee limitations with either of the models. Once again, the varying usability of screens on both devices depends largely on your preferences more than any other factor. Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: price and availability The iPhone 16 Pro has a starting price of $999, which gets you the 128GB variant. Meanwhile, the 256GB variant goes up to $1,099. The iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199 for its base 256GB variant. Both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are currently available for preorders. Apple is expected to begin deliveries starting September 20, but you would likely have to wait a few more weeks because of high demand for the Pro models. Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: which one should you buy? The iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are largely replicas of each other, with basic differences based on the size. The smaller iPhone 16 Pro is lighter and easier to wield. At 6.3 inches, it does not necessarily have a small screen, and should suffice unless you explicitly prefer larger displays. The larger iPhone 16 Pro, despite the extra bulk, has certain advantages. Foremost, the larger area accounts for better cooling in more demanding tasks, such as gaming or videography. If you intend to use the iPhone for a few years, the advantage may become more apparent as the processing demands for iOS and apps intensify. The bigger screen also gives you more real estate for watching video content, gaming, or while recording videos. We also expect your thumb to rest at a more relaxing position while using Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 Pro Max compared to the smaller Pro. Despite those minor trade-offs with each of the phones, none of them is a deal-breaker. Both are among the best phones you will be able to buy for the remaining part of the year through September next year. Most importantly, these are the best devices if you wish to be among the first to experience Apple Intelligence features that will be available in the coming months.

iPhone 16 Review-in-Progress: Now With More Buttons!

The iPhone 16 is stepping up the game for the first-tier phone this year with physical buttons, Apple Intelligence, and a fusion camera system. The biggest test of Apple Intelligence and whether it vibes with the masses will be whether Apple can sell its AI future on its most colorful, approachable iPhone. The iPhone 16 is the model for the typical Apple userâ€"a person who wants the prestige of Apple's prowess while saving a little money on the stuff they wouldn't seek to use anyway. Not everyone is trying to make movies with their iPhones. We will follow up with a full iPhone 16 review in a few days. Apple gave us the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus for review at the same time as the iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max. You can't learn everything about a phone in a week, but you can understand where it's headed. If the regular iPhone 16 was what you were looking at, you're looking at a colorful future with Apple Intelligence. And if you're not ready for that kind of life on iOS, then this is the perfect time to sit back and watch what happens, though you might miss out on the new fusion camera system. In my iPhone 16 Pro review, I talked about how much I appreciated Apple's slow approach to marketing its version of artificial intelligence as I've felt lambasted by it on the Android side. It's the same strategy for the iPhone 16. If you upgrade to the iPhone 16, you will be among the first to try Apple Intelligence features, including writing tools, summarized Mail and notifications, and a more contextual Siri. It's Apple Intelligence unobtrusively attempting to improve the value of the typical things you already do with the iPhone. And if you don't want to use fancy features like Clean Up to edit the photos you take with the iPhone, you don't have to! Ignore that it exists and move on. The rest of the iPhone 16's insides are a definite bump from last year's release. The Plus has the same 6.7-inch Supper Retina XDR display, and the iPhone 16 is 6.1 inches. Both come in an array of stunning, bold colors. Apple seeded us specifically with an iPhone 16 in Ultramarine and an iPhone 16 Plus in Pink. I like it when Apple skews more vibrantly than it does pastel, and you can get a closer look at some of the colors in our initial hands-on session. The inside of the iPhone 16/16 Plus features the new A18 chip. This is unlike last year's iPhone 15 lineup, which featured a spruced-up A16 Bionic chip. The A18 is ripe for Apple Intelligence, which is why it's precisely the iPhone to get if that's something you intend on futureproofing for yourself. This year's iPhone 16 comes with last year's iPhone 15 Pro's Action button and brings you the Camera Control button, which you can set to launch a camera app of your choice. It employs the same taptic mechanism as the Camera Control button on the Pro series. There's an API to go with it, so Apple's invested in this one for the long haul. You can buy cases for the iPhone 16 through Apple that help enable the capacitive shortcuts for the button. The iPhone 15's camera was fine, really, but it was rather basic compared to what its Android competition was attempting with its similarly-priced devices. This year, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus feature a 48-MP Fusion camera and a 12-MP Ultra Wide. They are stacked this time, rather than diagonally set across from one another, so you can shoot spatial videos and photos to enjoy through a headset. The camera system looks much better from behind, with the flash sitting just to the side of the two lenses. I plan to take the camera out and about and offer a longer assessment of its abilities in a future update. If you choose the iPhone 16 because of its camera capabilities, the good news is that you have access to the same Photographic Styles available on the Pro. The iPhone 16 is still pretty limited in optical zoom compared to the Pro lineup, but it doesn't have the glass required to look that far. The iPhone 16/16 Plus is limited to 2x optical zoom. There's no need to have FOMO for the iPhone 16 quite yet. The one upside of wielding last year's iPhone 15 is that you've bought yourself some time before inevitably faced with the choice to use an Apple Intelligence-branded feature. We'll have more on the iPhone 16/16 Plus in a few days. The iPhone 16 starts at $800, and the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $900. Both are on sale Sept. 20.