iPhone 16 Series: A Mature Evolution with Emphasis on Camera Improvements

iPhone 16 and 16 Pro review: Camera features headline a mature product

This is Apple's most iterative annual release yet, but that's not a bad thing. With the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, it has never been clearer that the cycle of radical invention has given way to iterative updates -- not just on an annual basis, but a monthly one, due to delayed features coming in later software updates during the iOS 18 cycle. Further ReadingThe final form of the smartphone as we know it has been reached and nearly perfected. Nothing fundamental is changing anymore. But if you take the long view of just a few years, you can still see some impressive progress. Year after year, the iPhone 16 is Apple's most lightly iterative flagship phone release ever. But if you're upgrading from an iPhone 13 or earlier, you'll still feel like you're graduating to a whole new experience. Table of Contents A note on Apple Intelligence Specifications Display Silicon Other notable specs Configuration options Design Cameras Video Photographic styles Camera Control Performance "Every three years" is the sweet spot To Pro or not to Pro? A mature product The good The bad The ugly A note on Apple Intelligence Specs at a glance: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max Screen 2556×1179 6.1-inch (16), 2796×1290 6.7-inch (16 Plus), 2622x1206 6.3-inch (16 Pro), 2868x1320 6.9-inch (16 Pro Max) OLED OS iOS 18 CPU Apple A18 Bionic (16 & 16 Plus), Apple A18 Pro (16 Pro & 16 Pro Max) RAM 8GB GPU 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 Networking Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G Ports USB-C Camera 48 MP main camera and 12 MP ultra-wide (16 & 16 Plus); 48 MP main camera, 48 MP ultra-wide, 12 MP 5x telephoto (16 Pro & Pro Max); 12 MP front camera; 4K HDR video Size 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) Starting price $799 (16), $899 (16 Plus), $999 (16 Pro), $1,199 (16 Pro Max) Other perks MagSafe, Face ID, Dynamic Island, Camera Control, always-on display (Pro models) Much of Apple's marketing messaging going into this launch has focused on Apple Intelligence, a suite of generative AI features that will work only on the new iPhone 16 line and last year's iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. However, none of those features is available yet. We're not in the habit of reviewing phones for what they could do rather than what they currently do, so I won't be talking about Apple Intelligence in this review. When it's ready for a public release, you can expect to see us covering it closely -- the same goes for other delayed features in these phones. For now, it's just about what you get out of the box when you buy an iPhone 16 today. Specifications Let's review the specs of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro as they differ from last year's phones. Display Nothing at all has changed about the iPhone 16's display. It still comes in two sizes: 6.1 inches at 2,446×1,179 pixels and 6.7 inches at 2,796×1,290. Both clock in at 460 ppi, both are OLED with inky blacks and the maximum brightness to properly handle Dolby Vision HDR. (Apple claims 1,000 nits typical max brightness, 1,600 nits peak, and 2,000 nits peak outdoors.) The Pro phones are almost the same as last year. Apple has just barely increased the footprints of these two phones while further slimming the already slim bezels, so the screens are just a little bit bigger than before: 6.3 inches at 2,622×1,206 and 6.9 inches at 2,878×1,320. The expansive screens are subtly nice, but you probably wouldn't notice they were bigger without doing a side-by-side comparison. No one was looking for changes in the screens; these are still without question the best displays in consumer electronics outside of the priciest of high-end OLED TVs -- and even with those, it's close. If it ain't broke, definitely don't fix it. The display is where two of the key distinctions between the 16 and 16 Pro lie, though. The 16 Pro has a variable refresh rate screen that can go up to 120 Hz, whereas the iPhone 16 caps out at 60 Hz. This is hardly an essential feature -- it's the sort of thing you don't even notice or know you want until you've upgraded -- but the iPhone 16's 60 Hz screen stands out as a bit behind competitors on the Android side, where 120 Hz is becoming standard even at middle price points. Additionally, the Pro phones are still the only ones to include always-on displays. Again, this is not a critical feature. Sometimes I even turn it off. But it is nonetheless another thing that is standard with the iPhone's competitors. Silicon The iPhone 16 chip jumps two whole generations, from the A16 to the new A18, which has a 6-core CPU (4 efficiency, 2 performance) and a 5-core GPU. In addition to increased performance, the A18 promises up to around 30 percent less power usage for the same performance as the chip that was in the iPhone 15. There's also the 16-core Neural Engine, which is primed for the much-hyped Apple Intelligence, when it materializes next month. Notably, Apple determined that the chip in last year's iPhone 15 was inadequate for Apple Intelligence, so this is the first non-Pro iPhone that promises to support those features. That's thanks also in part to a bump in RAM from 6GB to 8GB -- now the regular iPhone and the Pro have the same amount. Speaking of the Pro, it has a variant of the A18 called the A18 Pro. For a bit, Apple was shipping its Pro phones with the latest chips and letting the standard iPhone run a year behind, but the company has moved to the same approach that it uses in the Mac lineup: there are standard and high-end versions of the new generation of iPhone chips. The CPU on the A18 Pro has the same number of performance and efficiency cores as the regular A18, but there's one additional GPU core. Apple is touting the high-end 3D gaming features of this chip, promising double the speed for hardware-accelerated ray-tracing compared to the previous chip, for example. If only there were games to take advantage of that! The A18 Pro also has an updated image signal processor and video encoder that supports several of the new camera features. Other notable specs Most of the other spec changes are in the cameras, which I'll talk about in the cameras section of this review. That said, it's worth noting that all the new iPhones have Wi-Fi 7 support and a faster 5G modem. And thanks to larger batteries and the efficiency of the A18 and A18 Pro, the phones all promise just a little bit longer battery life than before.

Why I'm recommending the standard iPhone 16 over the Pro this year (and I'm not alone)

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. I've been testing the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus for the past week, and they've quickly unseated last year's iPhone 15 series as the handsets I recommend to most people. Considering it's the iPhone 16 that we're talking about, perhaps I shouldn't be as surprised by the polish and familiarity. Also: We've used every iPhone 16 model and here's our best buying advice for 2024 Once you factor in all the new features, including the Action button, Camera Control, and incoming Apple Intelligence, the standard iPhones feel more capable than ever -- so much so that I'm not feeling much Pro model FOMO this time around. It helps that they look fantastic, with bold and tasteful colors that most people will be drawn to as soon as they walk inside an Apple store. I saw it with my own eyes on launch day. With this year's standard iPhones, 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, and 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, possibly to quick-launch the ESPN app, so that I can catch up on NFL scores and be let down by the Giants again. That's all part of the beauty of the Action button... and Giants football. 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 is 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. The positioning of Camera Control also means that whenever I capture photos in a 16:9 aspect ratio (like the ones for this review), which takes up more viewfinder space, my shutter hand often covers part of the screen. That may be a concern when I'm taking a family photo or of a landscape that spans from one end of the viewfinder to the other, and I want the proper framing. While it works both ways, Camera Control encourages you to position the iPhone in landscape orientation, playing to the iPhone 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 I'd stress 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 the 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 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 does with its ultrawide lens. The iPhone 16 brings together the utility of the ultrawide with the new 48MP Fusion camera (which combines the main with a 2x digital zoom capability) and Photographic Styles that can now be modified before and after the shot (which is a game-changer if you've never been a fan of the balanced, low-contrast look of the iPhone's default color profile). The result is 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 was unable to get the shot. Also: Why my new iPhone 16 cost me way more than its retail price 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. Unfortunately, the iPhone 16's zoom capability, capped at 2x like last year, 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, for once, I 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, so far, has been sufficient to last me about a day and a half per charge. Still, it's 2024, when even a $150 Android phone comes with smoother display tech. A 90Hz panel, let alone a 120Hz panel, would've made me instantly upgrade from an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15. Also: How iOS 18 changes the way you charge your iPhone To Apple's credit, the company 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. But, again, if you're coming from an older non-Pro iPhone, the speeds won't impress or disappoint you. 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, though you can download the iOS 18.1 public beta today. I've been testing the developer beta, and some AI features are certainly more useful and practical than others. For example, I'm a fan of the new Siri, which understands natural language better, taking into account stutters, pause fillers, and corrections you make in your prompts. I can ask Siri to show me the AFC standings and follow up with a question specifically about the Giants, and it'll understand that I'm referencing the football team and not the baseball team. Other Apple Intelligence features, like notification summaries, have been hit-or-miss for me. They often oversimplify or misinterpret things, such as when a Threads user's comment was summarized as "Red iPhone and Google phone is lavender." Again, I'm on the closed beta, so most of this should hopefully be fixed via training and software updates. There's room for recovery. That's to say, you shouldn't buy the iPhone 16 for its AI capabilities -- not yet, at least. Until the software is out of beta, my advice is that unless your carrier offers a generous trade-in deal for your iPhone 14 or iPhone 15, you should wait a few more months and see how Apple progresses with its AI developments and if there are any features you would use on a regular basis. Until then, I'll continue to evaluate the iPhone 16 for what it is, and you should consider it for what it offers today. That means buying it for the performant A18 chipset, the more flexible camera system, and the exceptional battery life. If you value one-handed usability and comfort, go with the smaller iPhone 16. If you value longer battery life and a more immersive viewing experience and are willing to pay $100 more, go with the iPhone 16 Plus. Everything else about the two models, from the camera systems to the processors to the charging speeds, are identical.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro review: A lot of power in a pocket-friendly package

Fall is here, which means one thing in the world of Apple -- it's time for new smartphones. This year, Apple didn't disappoint with the launch of four new iPhones. There's the lower-end iPhone 16 and the slightly upgraded iPhone 16 Plus. The two higher-end models include the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. So what's the difference between these phones? It comes down to display size, processor speed and battery life. All four models run the same version of the iOS 18 operating system, come with the same apps, and support all of Apple's services (including Apple Music, Apple iCloud, Apple TV+ and Apple Fitness+). The lower-end iPhone 16 is ideal for the average user who wants a smartphone with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and that's loaded with all of the features people love about the iPhone. The iPhone 16 Plus is basically the same as the iPhone 16, but with a larger, 6.7-inch display. These two phones run using the Apple A18 processor. For people who want more power, faster performance and a better camera system, there's the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max (which we've also reviewed). The biggest difference between these two phones is screen size. The iPhone 16 Pro offers a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a stunning 6.9-inch display. These two phones have three rear-facing cameras and run using Apple's A18 Pro processor (a faster and more powerful version of the basic A18 chip). AT&T provided me with an iPhone 16 Pro in the black titanium casing color and with 128GB of internal storage to review. As a current iPhone 16 Pro Max user, I was able to compare the two phones and put the iPhone 16 Pro to the test. Keep reading to discover if it's worth upgrading your iPhone to the iPhone 16 Pro. The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is best for someone who wants the more advanced processing power and enhanced performance that a "Pro" model iPhone can offer (thanks to the Apple A18 Pro processor), but who also wants a phone with a more compact size that easily fits in a hand or pocket. This phone includes many of the enhancements built into the top-of-the-line iPhone 16 Pro Max, but with a smaller Super Retina XDR. This smaller display results in a more compact and lighter phone overall, which many users desire. While people looking for an entry-level iPhone should consider the lower-cost iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Pro is most suitable for average users who want higher-end camera capabilities built into their phone. The iPhone 16 Pro includes the new Camera Control button on side of the phone. Later in the fall, it will also offer Apple Intelligence -- AI-driven features and functions that Apple will be integrating into all of the latest iPhone models. As for the camera setup, most built in features and functionality offered by the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are virtually identical. The A18 Pro chip will appeal to people who use their phone to handle tasks that require that extra boost of processing power and speed, like playing the latest, graphic-intensive games or editing 4K resolution video. The iPhone 16 Pro is IP68 rated for water resistance. It can serve as a powerful communications devices, as well as feature-packed productivity, entertainment, health/fitness and safety tool. Plus, it works nicely as a high-end still image or video camera that's able to capture up to 4K (120fps) content. The iPhone 16 Pro provides up to a 27-hour battery life between charges, compared to the up to 33 hours you get with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Thanks to the quick-charge feature, in just 30 minutes, you can go from 0% to 50% battery charge. While the physical size of the iPhone 16 Pro is smaller than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the camera setup within both phones is basically the same. This means on the back of the handset, you get a 48MP Fusion camera, a 48MP ultra-wide camera and 12MP telephoto camera. These cameras are capable of .5x, 1x, 2x or 5x optical zoom and up to 25x digital zoom. The macro (extreme close-up) photography capabilities have also been enhanced, compared to last year's phone. Plus, I noticed improvements in optical image stabilization, faster focusing, improved low light shooting and much better depth control. And when it comes to video, it's now possible to shoot at up to 4K resolution (120 frames-per-second) using Dolby Vision, plus take advantage of features like Cinematic mode, Action mode, spatial video recording, ProRes video recording, improved slow-motion, better time-laps and more. As you're shooting video, the iPhone 16 Pro can also capture spatial audio using its four microphone array that's equipped with wind noise reduction and other new audio capabilities. Thanks to the new Camera Control button, the iPhone 16 Pro performs more like a traditional point-and-shoot camera than ever before. This physical button can be used to quickly launch the Camera app, adjust the app's settings, and then work as a shutter button. Of course, all of the camera controls and options previously available via the touchscreen continue to be offered. Thus, the Camera Control button simply provides an alternative and optional way to work with the Camera app. With the exception of the Camera Control button, the differences between last year's iPhone 15 Pro and this year's iPhone 16 Pro are minimal. If you plan to upgrade from an iPhone that's at least three or four years old, you will notice a dramatic increase in performance if you upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro. However, this performance boost is much less noticeable between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro. Having tested a wide range of apps on the iPhone 16 Pro, including several graphic-intensive games, for an average user, this phone's overall performance did not disappoint. And the camera setup, when used with the Camera and Photos apps, offers some worthwhile enhancements. For a typical user planning to switch from an Android phone to an iPhone, the iPhone 16 Pro is a good option. It offers the size, performance and overall functionality anyone could want from a smartphone, plus a slightly better camera system compared to the iPhone 15 Pro. Keep in mind, any older model iPhone that's able to run iOS 18 will benefit from the new features and functions added to the operating system and the iPhone's collection of preinstalled apps. And later in the fall, all of these iPhones will support the Apple Intelligence artificial intelligence functionality that Apple has promised. So if you upgrade from an iPhone 15 Pro to an iPhone 16 Pro, the main addition is just the Camera Control button. This years upgrades to the iPhone 16 lineup, including the iPhone 16 Pro, are incremental at best. So, the question isn't whether you need to upgrade your phone, it's more a matter of whether you want to upgrade your iPhone. For some users, what you'll get for the additional money may not be worth it, especially if you're already happy with your current iPhone's performance. At the moment, that's a difficult question to answer, since Apple Intelligence will not be introduced into any iPhones until later this fall. However, what we expect is a more personalized Siri digital assistant that not only understands what's being said, but also the context that's used when making requests or asking questions. Apple Intelligence will allow apps to more seamlessly work together and exchange relevant information in a way that can streamline common tasks, while helping users maintain their privacy and security. Apple Intelligence will also help with composing text. When used as an audio recording device, it will be able to transcribe and then summarize recordings. AI assisted language translations and more seamless scheduling and to-do list management have also been promised. For someone who takes a lot of pictures or shoots video, Apple Intelligence introduces easier to use and more powerful image enhancement and editing tools, including a new Clean Up feature in the Photos app that allows users to easily remove objects from their photos. Comparing just this feature to what's possible using the latest Android phones, unfortunately, it's not as impressive. Current AI features assist in the actual picture taking or video shooting process to ensure the best possible results. That said, Google's Gemini AI tools, Samsung's Galaxy AI and Microsoft Copilot -- all of which are currently available -- have set rather high standards for what consumers should expect from AI functionality in their computers and mobile devices.

Apple iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: Time for an upgrade? | Digital Trends

For the past two years, Apple's standard iPhones have felt like awkward compromises, doing little more than bringing over features from their pro-level predecessors without adding anything significantly new to the mix. This year, everything changes. With the release of the Apple iPhone 16, Apple's 2024 iPhone lineup is back in unity for the first time since at least 2021. Unlike the Dynamic Island and Action button in previous years, Apple isn't artificially limiting features like the new Camera Control to the iPhone 16 Pro. The balance between the standard and pro lineups has been restored, with the higher-end models differentiated only by truly Pro-level features and not mere design and user interface aspects. Mix in some unique new design changes, and the iPhone 16 feels like an iPhone that can stand on its own rather than being an also-ran. Recommended Videos With so many fun improvements in this year's model, you may wonder where that leaves the iPhone 15. Last year's model lacked an Action button and has a processor that's now two generations behind, so is it still a good choice in today's iPhone landscape? Perhaps more significantly, is the iPhone 16 worth the upgrade if you're holding an iPhone 15 in your hand right now? Let's dive in and find out. iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: specs Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 15 Size 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm (5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches) 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm (5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches) Weight 170 grams (6 ounces) 171 grams (6.03 ounces) Screen size 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (60Hz) 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (60Hz) Screen resolution 2556 x 1179 resolution at 461 pixels per inch 2556 x 1179 resolution at 461 pixels per inch Operating system iOS 18 iOS 17 (upgradable to iOS 18) Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB MicroSD card slot No No Tap-to-pay services Apple Pay Apple Pay Processor Apple A18 Apple A16 Bionic RAM 8GB 6GB Cameras Rear: 48-megapixel primary, 12MP ultrawide Front: 12MP Rear: 48MP primary, 12MP ultrawide Front: 12MP Video Rear: Up to 4K at 60 frames-per-second (fps), FHD at 60 fps, and 240 fps for slow motion Front: Up to 4K at 60 fps Rear: Up to 4K at 60 fps, FHD at 120 fps, and 960 fps for slow motion Front: Up to 4K at 60 fps Bluetooth Yes, Bluetooth 5.3 Yes, Bluetooth 5.3 Ports USB-C USB-C Biometrics Face ID facial recognition Face ID facial recognition Water resistance IP68 IP68 Battery Size to be confirmed 27W fast charging 25W MagSafe charging 15W fast wireless charging 4.5W reverse wireless charging 3,349mAh 27W fast charging 15W MagSafe charging 15W fast wireless charging 4.5W reverse wireless charging App marketplace Apple App Store Apple App Store Network support 5G 5G Colors Black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine Black, blue, green, yellow, pink Price From $799 From $799 Available from All major offline and online retailers All major offline and online retailers iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: design It shouldn't come as a big surprise that the iPhone 16 retains most of the same design elements of the past few generations as Apple has seemingly settled on the flat-edged style that began with the 2020 iPhone 12. Nevertheless, the iPhone 16 changes things up in at least one interesting way. Specifically, while the dimensions of the iPhone 16 are identical to those of the iPhone 15 down to the millimeter, and the weight is essentially the same, the camera layout is a whole new ballgame -- although perhaps it's more accurate to say it's a return to an older one. The cameras moved back to a tandem vertical arrangement from the iPhone 12 era, but the camera bump is an even bigger throwback that's more reminiscent of what we saw on the iPhone XS. A pill-shaped cutout encloses the two cameras, while the LED flash sits off to one side. It's a classier and more elegant look compared to the big square camera bump that always seemed to take up more space than needed to hold the dual-camera array on Apple's non-Pro models. It also gives those standard models a look that sets them apart as unique devices in their own right rather than being second-class citizens to their iPhone Pro counterparts. The other welcome change to this year's iPhone 16 is a selection of more saturated and vibrant colors. Apple introduced a new color-infused glass to last year's iPhone 15 models, but only in mostly weak pastel shades. Several reports earlier this year suggested Apple has improved the process, and the result appears to be deeper and richer colors. While it's a matter of taste, if you want a blue that actually looks blue instead of borderline white, the ultramarine iPhone 16 won't disappoint, and the new teal and pink options are similarly fun. The sides of the iPhone 16 also show two key differences compared to previous models, with last year's iPhone 15 Pro Action button replacing the venerable ring/silent switch on all this year's models. There's also Apple's new Camera Control on the lower right side. We'll talk more about those later. The durability of the iPhone 16 also improves slightly over the iPhone 15 thanks to the newer Ceramic Shield glass on the front. However, the iP68 rating remains the same, meaning the phone is rated for immersion in 6 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: display If you were hoping for massive display improvements in this year's iPhone 16, we have bad news. It has what is essentially the same Super Retina XDR display as last year's iPhone 15, which hasn't been meaningfully improved since the iPhone 12 switched to OLED in the first place. That's not to say it isn't a great screen, but some folks will be understandably disappointed by Apple's choice to stick with a 60Hz refresh rate on its standard models. Nevertheless, it still offers crisp text with a 460 pixel-per-inch (psi) density and HDR support with vibrant colors. The iPhone 16 retains the 2,000-nit peak outdoor brightness introduced on last year's iPhone 15. The most significant change is its ability to drop brightness as low as a single nit so it won't overpower your eyes in a dark room. Other than that, it's the same display. iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: performance and battery If there's one groundbreaking improvement in this year's iPhone 16, it comes from Apple's decision to shake off its recent trend of using year-old chips in its standard iPhone models. Before the iPhone 14, every year's iPhone model mostly shared the same A-series chips; the iPhone 13 version of the A15 had one less GPU core than its iPhone 13 Pro counterpart, but even that was an aberration. However, when the iPhone 14 came along, Apple split the deck, using the prior year's iPhone 13 Pro chip in that standard model and reserving its new A16 Bionic for the iPhone 14 Pro. That repeated last year with the iPhone 15 getting the A16, while the iPhone 15 Pro moved on to the much higher-performance A17 Pro. Thankfully, that ends with this year's A18 chips, and it also means that the iPhone 16 gets a massive leap in performance over its predecessor since it's skipping two generations ahead. Apple is still using slightly different chips for its standard and pro models -- an A18 and an A18 Pro -- but they're the same class of silicon, with the primary difference being an extra GPU core in the A18 Pro, similar to the A15 chips of the iPhone 13 era. Apple touts the new chips as ready for its Apple Intelligence AI features -- the 16-core Neural Engine is twice as fast at handling machine learning models -- but the A18 also packs in enough power to bring AAA console gaming to the standard iPhone. The hardware-accelerated ray tracing from last year's A17 Pro is here, offering noticeably faster frame rates, and Apple claims the five-core GPU is 40% faster than that of the iPhone 15 and twice as fast as the iPhone 12's. Will you notice that performance if you're not gaming or using AI? Probably not, but the A18 chip brings one other advantage to the table: efficiency. Combined with a bigger battery and improved power management in iOS 18, Apple promises the iPhone 16 can deliver two hours more video playback time on a single charge. That's been borne out in our testing, where the iPhone 16 got us through an entire day without needing a midday top-up. Apple has also improved wireless charging speeds to support 25-watt charging, although this comes with the usual asterisk. You'll need to buy Apple's newest 25W MagSafe charger to support these faster speeds, which promise to top up your iPhone just as quickly as a wired charger. Considering that every Android handset maker has been doing the same for years, it's hard to see the need to invest in a proprietary charger as a deal-breaker. Standard Qi2 chargers can only deliver 15W right now, as that's the maximum supported by the new standard. Older Qi chargers remain limited to the same 7.5W speeds on the iPhone 16 as on every other iPhone model. iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: cameras Apple has a new name for its primary camera in this year's iPhone lineup -- the 48-megapixel Fusion -- but that may be the most significant change to the primary camera hardware over last year's iPhone 15. While Apple likely has an improved sensor under the hood, the raw specs remain the same: a 48MP sensor with an f/1.6 aperture that can capture 24MP and 48MP photos using computational photography. The "Fusion" branding is Apple's way of highlighting how the primary camera can do double-duty as both a 1x and 2x lens thanks to the pixel-cropping technique it debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro two years ago. However, it does get an anti-reflective coating that should help reduce lens flare. Meanwhile, the ultrawide camera retains its 12MP sensor, but increases the aperture to f/2.2, letting in 2.6x more light and gaining autofocus capabilities. Don't let those specs discourage you, as Apple has added some Pro-level features to the iPhone 16. These include the macro photo capabilities introduced on the iPhone 13 Pro, including macro video recording with slo-mo and time-lapse, plus 4K Dolby Vision video recording and Spatial videos and photos. The iPhone 16 also gains a wind noise reduction feature when recording video and a new Audio Mix to help balance out foreground and background noise. The other significant computational photography improvement in this year's iPhone 16 is a whole new generation of Photographic Styles that go deeper into the image pipeline and can better factor in things like skin tone, color, highlights, and shadows in real time when making adjustments. There are now 15 styles to choose from instead of four, and they can be applied during capture. However, what's especially great is that, unlike the previous Photographic Styles that were baked into the images, these are non-destructive and can also be changed after the fact while editing in the Photos app. We think they're a really fun new twist that makes a much bigger difference than the core camera improvements. iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: software and updates The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 can both run iOS 18; the iPhone 16 ships with it out of the box, while the iPhone 15 can get it as a free update. For the most part, iOS 18 will function identically on both devices, putting them on par for software features. The only significant differences are new buttons like the Action button and Camera Control. However, the two iPhones will diverge more when iOS 18.1 ships next month with Apple Intelligence support since the iPhone 16 can handle that, while the iPhone 15 can't. That's technically still a hardware difference, although it may not feel like one to the casual user. That gap will increase even more as subsequent iOS 18 point releases add more Apple Intelligence features. Other subtle changes will highlight the presence of Apple Intelligence, such as a different interface that comes up when activating Siri. This won't be a big deal if AI features aren't your cup of tea. It's also worth noting that it won't matter to folks outside the U.S. and other English-speaking countries until sometime next year, as Apple Intelligence is only launching in a few localized English languages over the next few months. For software updates, it's fair to say that the older iPhone 15 will see the end of its update life slightly ahead of the iPhone 16, but that's likely years away for either model. Considering that iOS 18 still supports the 2018 iPhone XS and iPhone XR, it's a safe bet both models will make it to at least iOS 23. iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: special features As odd as it sounds, the marquee feature of this year's iPhone 16 lineup is a button. All four iPhone 16 models feature a new Camera Control on the lower-right side, below the side button, and while we found it took some time to get used to it, it's a lot of fun once you do. As the name suggests, this button opens the camera app and takes pictures, but there's more to it than just those basic functions. It also features a capacitive touch surface that can be used to adjust other settings, like a touch-sensitive scroll wheel. In the built-in camera app, these are exposure, depth, zoom, camera field-of-view, Photographic Styles, and tone. However, third-party apps can also use the Camera Control, with developers defining their own functions. The Camera Control is also lined up to trigger Visual Intelligence, a new feature that won't be available for the iPhone 16 until later this year. While a single press of the Camera Control will open your camera app of choice, holding the button down will trigger a new AI feature that will let you use your iPhone 16 camera to look up more information on real-world objects, whether that's reviews for a restaurant or the breed of a dog walking by. The iPhone 16 also gains the Action button that replaced the ring/silent switch on last year's iPhone 15 Pro. That's a benefit over the iPhone 15, just like it was on last year's Pro model. It works just the same, letting you use it to trigger different built-in functions or even launch shortcuts. Of course, the other unique feature coming to the iPhone 16 is one that Apple won't stop talking about right now, even though it won't be available until next month. When Apple Intelligence does arrive, the iPhone 16 will be able to proofread and rewrite text and summarize notifications, messages, and audio recordings (including those made from phone calls, which is a new feature coming to all iPhone models in iOS 18.1). Other Apple Intelligence features will appear over subsequent iOS 18 point releases, including AI image generation, ChatGPT integration, and a more intelligent and personalized Siri. iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: price and availability The iPhone 16 can be purchased directly from Apple and most other major retailers and carriers -- and the good news is that Apple still hasn't increased the price. It starts at the same $799 for 128GB of storage as the iPhone 15 did when it launched last year, and you can take it up to 256GB or 512GB storage for $899 and $1,099, respectively. As usual, Apple is still selling last year's iPhone 15 at a lower price, with the base 128GB model selling for $699. Larger storage capacities are still available at the same relative price points -- $799 for 256GB or $999 for 512GB -- which could make it a tough call whether to opt for more storage or the newer iPhone 16. iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: Should you upgrade? If you're shopping for a new iPhone this year or upgrading from a much older model, there's little doubt the iPhone 16 is the one to buy. Apple has perhaps done the iPhone 16 a disservice by focusing too much on the new Apple Intelligence features, as there's a lot to recommend here even if you don't care about AI stuff. The new design and saturated colors are the best we've seen in years. The Camera Control button is useful and a lot of fun, as is the Action button, which was a Pro-exclusive feature last year. There are some meaningful camera improvements, particularly with the new Photographic Styles. The A18 chip is a giant leap forward in performance for a standard iPhone and means you'll be ready to handle any game the App Store can throw at it. Perhaps most significantly, this is the first time in at least three years that we've had a non-Pro iPhone that hasn't felt like an afterthought. Not only does it pack in the same class of processor and feature the same physical controls, but the new design makes the standard model feel like it finally stands on its own as a viable and powerful alternative to the iPhone 16 Pro.

Apple iPhone 16 review: is it worth the upgrade? Our expert puts it to the test

Its AI features won't arrive for a few months, so is Apple's brand new iPhone 16 worth upgrading to right now? Rob Waugh 26 September 2024 1:02pm This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service. Price: from £799 for iPhone 16, or from £999 for iPhone 16 Pro Our rating: 9 out of 10 We like: More buttonsGreat photo featuresBetter battery life We don't like: Not a huge upgrade over the 15Few AI features yetCamera fiddly at firstWhat is the iPhone 16 ? Released in September 2024, the new iPhone 16 marks a welcome continuing shift from Apple towards having more buttons and physical controls on devices, reversing the trend for each smartphone generation to remove useful buttons and ports. It's one of the best smartphones you can buy. We tested the iPhone 16 Pro, the premium version, which costs £999 for the 128GB model. It's £1,199 if you choose 256GB of storage, £1,299 for 512 GB and £1,499 for 1TB. There is also an iPhone 16 Pro Max which has the same capabilities but a larger screen. It costs £200 more. The Max is a vast iPhone, at a previously unheard of 6.9 inches, but it is a gorgeous device - as is the 16, which itself is larger than the preceding iPhone 15. Its 6.3-inch screen is a welcome increase, largely achieved by narrowing the bezels. There's a lot to like here: the new camera button and functions, explained below, make this feel more 'camera-like' than just about anything out there. Meanwhile, the promised Apple Intelligence features which will arrive later this year offer an intriguing glimpse of an AI-powered future. How we test smartphones We test each new phone for at least a week in real-world situations, making calls, downloading data and running power-hungry and graphically demanding apps such as games and hi-def video to push its limits. We're looking for a comfortable and well laid-out design, a clear, bright screen and hardware (CPU, GPU, sensors and speakers) that can easily handle multiple functions. We rate the quality of the camera, including the lenses, the sensor and any zoom or low light capabilities. We test all the programmes for enhancing and editing photographs, judging them by the end results and how easy they are to use. We also consider all the other software, especially AI, that makes the phone stand out from its competitors and from previous models. Finally, we test the phone's battery life by running it completely flat with continuous real-world use and timing how long it takes to fully recharge. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more about Telegraph Recommended reviews. iPhone 16 Pro review Design and usability: 9 out of 10 The big news on the design and usability front is the two new(ish) buttons. The Action Button, introduced on last year's iPhone 15, makes a welcome return, but is now accompanied by a camera button - of which more below. This new button adds more versatility for users who were using the Action Button to launch the camera. As before, the Action Button is fully customisable. By default, it puts silent mode on but it can be set to record Voice Memos, turn on Flashlight and activate shortcuts. You can even, for some reason, set the Action Button to do nothing. In a world where it is often far too hard to work out how to turn smartphones off and on, the addition of more buttons is to be applauded. Last year's Dynamic Island returns and the screen is a tiny bit bigger than last year's Pro (6.3 inches, compared to 6.1), with a very crisp, bright Super Retina XDR display at 2622x1206 pixel resolution and support for 1 nit minimum brightness. This means the screen can go far darker. Camera: 10/10 The new camera button is superb, instantly elevating the iPhone 16 Pro above most rivals: it's just easier to take a shot, with the app opening on one press of the button. A half-press brings up a focus menu and functions menu. Another full press takes a shot. You can scroll through options by stroking along the top. It's fiddly to begin with, but haptic feedback steers you down the right path and it's a great addition to the phone. The camera performance is excellent, with additions including a 48 megapixel ultrawide and the ability to shoot video at 120 frames per second in 4K, enabling some truly cinematic effects for creative users. A neat tool enables users to cut out background noise while filming, while another enables users to almost get rid of wind noise in the background. Photo software and image AI: 8/10 Apple has updated its Photographic Styles to make it even easier to edit photos after the shot have been taken. The results are pretty spectacular, enabling you to completely change the mood and feel of an image. The new Photographic Styles 'understands' skin tones better, and if you like a particular 'look' you can then select that as a default in the Camera app so all your photos will look like that. There's also the option to transform entire scenes, with settings such as 'Luminous', creating social-media-friendly looks which ape vintage and arty photographs. New controls allow users to adjust tone and colour in the styles using sliders, offering an incredible amount of control. Other software and AI: 7/10 Apple trumpeted its adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to the heavens at its annual iPhone launch event. However, the first thing you notice when you switch on iPhone 16 Pro is that it isn't actually there. These vaunted 'Apple Intelligence' features, which include an updated Siri, generative AI emojis called GenMoji, and various writing tools, are launching in the U.S. first and are set to arrive in the UK later in the year, with Siri expected in the New Year. From a quick glimpse on the developer-only beta test, Apple's tools look competent but not exactly overwhelming, although an AI-supercharged Siri (able to interact with multiple apps so it can find a message, regardless of which app it was sent in) could be an appealing prospect. Apart from AI, there are a few neat extras here in the form of added customisability. Users are able to add apps and widgets anywhere, and even turn app widgets monochrome and match them to their background image. Battery life: 10/10 In many ways, the iPhone 16 Pro isn't a massive upgrade on last year's iPhone 15 Pro apart from the useful camera button and the thinner bezel on the screen. There are a couple of new colours and a new A18 processor, which Apple promises is 15 percent faster on CPU tasks and 20 percent faster on GPU. The battery life, however, is notably upgraded from last year's model, lasting up to four hours longer with video playback, thanks in part to that A18 Pro chip, which uses second-generation three-nanometer technology for more energy efficiency. The battery is also a touch 'cleaner', with 100 percent recycled cobalt and 95 percent recycled lithium. Like last year's, there's a USB-C port, which makes it considerably easier if you're switching from Android as you'll already have compatible chargers. Technical specifications Telegraph verdict: 9/10 This is a really excellent device, particularly for anyone moderately serious about smartphone photography or video, with real, physical buttons making it easier and faster to use the camera. Like a fine wine, it's also going to improve with age, with Apple Intelligence set to add new features this winter and into the coming year. iPhone 15 owners will also be able to update their OS to take advantage of the new features, but not owners of the iPhone 14 or older models. So is it worth the upgrade? The improved battery life might be what swings it for iPhone 15 Pro owners, but the bigger screen and thinner bezel make this a really appetising choice overall. It's not cheap, but then iPhone Pro models never are, and this looks set to be a powerful, sleek launchpad for the age of Apple Intelligence. FAQs When does the iPhone 16 come out? It has been available in the UK since September 20. How much does the iPhone 16 cost? The most affordable iPhone 16 is the 128GB base model, for £799. The iPhone 16 Pro, which has more features, starts at £999 for the 128GB model. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a 6.9-inch screen, starts at £1,199 for the 256GB model. What are the key features of the iPhone 16? The most notable new feature is the new Camera Button, allowing you to change camera settings while you're framing a shot with various gestures and pressures. There is a new ultra-wide camera for close-up photography and a new '3D' photography option called Spatial Capture. There are now three settings for audio in your videos: In-Frame, Studio and Cinematic. You can now choose Photographic Styles and apply them to all your photographs. Aside from photography features, the iPhone 16 has a new, faster processor called the A18 and its battery lasts longer than the iPhone 15. You can now customise the colour of widgets on your homescreen and set the Action Button to carry out a variety of tasks at one click. Finally, there are a range of AI features called Apple Intelligence which will launch in the UK some time around the end of 2024. You will need an iPhone 16 or iPhone 15 to use these. What is the battery life like on the iPhone 16? You should get 22 hours of video playback. A 50 percent charge takes 30 minutes. Compare mobile phone deals this September to get an iPhone 16 on contract

Apple iPhone 16 Review

Starting at $799, the iPhone 16 is the most affordable member of Apple's 2024 iPhone lineup. The company brings a handful of changes to all its phones this year, and the standard iPhone 16 has narrowed the gap with the Pro models in terms of features and performance. It has the same Action Button and Camera Control, for example, as well as a generational jump in processor and memory to power Apple Intelligence. Together with good battery life, fast charging, modern radios, and high-quality hardware, it's a near-total package. Content creators might want the extra power and pro video tools of the $1,099 iPhone 16 Pro Max, but the iPhone 16 is the best choice for most people and our Editors' Choice winner. Design: Pressing Your Buttons Year after year, the slow evolution of the vanilla iPhone marches onward. The iPhone 16 carries over much of its design from the iPhone 15 but still manages to take a big step forward thanks to some features that Apple spreads across the entire iPhone 16 lineup. The iPhone 16 is the smallest and lightest iPhone, measuring 5.81 by 2.82 by 0.31 inches (HWD) and weighing 6.0 ounces. The 16 Plus (starting at $899), which has all the same features as the 16 except the display, measures 6.33 by 3.06 by 0.31 inches and weighs 7.03 ounces. The 16 Pro (starting at $999), meanwhile, is slightly larger than the 16 at 5.89 by 2.81 by 0.32 inches and 7.03 ounces. The Pro Max is quite larger at 6.42 by 3.06 by 0.32 inches and 7.99 ounces. If you want an iPhone that comfortably fits in your hand and your pocket, the iPhone 16 is it. Competing Android flagships are close in size and weight, including the $799 Pixel 9 (6.0 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches, 7.0 ounces) and the $799 Samsung Galaxy S24 (5.79 by 2.78 by 0.30 inches, 5.93 ounces). The iPhone 16 (and 16 Plus) are made with aluminum frames and Apple's Ceramic Shield on the front and back. Apple claims its glass is twice as strong as Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which is what the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S24 rely on. The frame and glass panels all have matte finishes that help a little with grip. The phone has an IP68 rating for protection against dust and water, so it can sit in about 5 feet of water for up to 30 minutes and live to tell the tale. Still, unless you're sure you'll never drop it, it's best to wrap the phone in a case. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are available in five shades: Black, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine, or White. We tested the Ultramarine model, which is an attractive shade of blue that sometimes almost looks purple. The most noticeable outward-facing additions to the iPhone 16 are two new buttons. First, the iPhone 16 gains the Action Button that first appeared on last year's iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. The Action Button is a small key just above the two volume buttons, where the ringer switch used to be. You can program the Action Button to silence your phone, open the flashlight, record a voice memo, or trigger the shortcut of your choice. The button is somewhat small in stature, but it's mighty useful. Second, the iPhone 16 gets the same Camera Control key as the Pro models. The Camera Control lets you quickly open the camera to take a picture or record a video. The remaining controls are unchanged. The power button is on the right edge, and the USB-C port and down-firing speaker are on the bottom. The USB port is limited to data transfer speeds of 480Mbps, while the Pro models have USB ports that support up to 10Gbps. There is no SIM card tray (US models only) because the phone relies on eSIM instead. Apple has rearranged the iPhone 16's camera module. For the past few years, the two cameras have been offset at an angle. This year, Apple stacks the iPhone 16's cameras vertically in the top-left corner. It looks more tidy this way, but the phone still wobbles when resting on a hard, flat surface. Display: 1 Nit of Difference Apple has made minimal updates to the iPhone 16 display. It's a Super Retina XDR OLED screen that measures 6.1 inches and has a resolution of 2,556 by 1,179 pixels with a density of 460 pixels per inch (ppi). The 16 Plus has a 6.7-inch screen with a resolution of 2,796 by 1,290 pixels, also at 460ppi. Both the 16 and 16 Plus have static panels at 60Hz that do not support the always-on display feature available to the Pro models. Both screens are capable of producing 1,000 nits of typical brightness, 1,600 nits in HDR, and 2,000 nits peak. They support a contrast ratio of 2 million to 1 and include a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating. All of these numbers match those of the iPhone 15. What's different? For the first time, the iPhone 16's screen is capable of reducing its brightness to a single nit. The 1 nit minimum brightness means you can dial the screen down to almost black but still see it in the dark. In other words, you can scroll at night without disturbing anyone. Competing Android displays have a small advantage. The Pixel 9 has a 6.3-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2,424 by 1,080 pixels at a density of 422ppi. It reaches 1,800 nits (HDR) and 2,700 nits (peak). The Galaxy S24's 6.2-inch display has a resolution of 2,340 by 1,080 pixels with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. More importantly, the screens of the Pixel and the S24 have variable refresh rates to balance efficiency and performance, which allows them to support always-on displays. You can get a fast screen on a $200 Android phone these days, so it's disappointing Apple hasn't given the base model iPhone an upgrade in this regard. The iPhone 16's screen is good overall. I didn't have any trouble seeing it inside or outside and it's a fine platform for viewing social media. It reacts quickly to input, and the Face ID scanner hidden in the Dynamic Island ensures that the phone unlocks securely every time you pick it up. Performance: An Intelligent Improvement The iPhone 16 leapfrogs an entire generation of Apple silicon. Last year, the iPhone 15 relied on the A16 chip, while the iPhone 15 Pro used the A17 Pro chip. This year, the iPhone 16 skips the A17 and lands on the A18. The A18 includes two performance cores, four efficiency cores, five GPU cores, and 16 Neural Engine cores (or NPU). Moreover, the iPhone 16 jumps from 6GB of RAM to 8GB, giving it more memory to manage apps and processes. This adds up to a respectable jump in performance. The phone still comes in the same 128GB ($799), 256GB ($899), and 512GB ($1,099) storage variants. The iPhone 16 shows a marked improvement in benchmarks compared with the iPhone 15. Starting with Geekbench 6, which assesses the CPU, the iPhone 16 scored 3,267 on the single-core test and 8,004 on the multi-core test. That's much higher than the 2,607 and 6,231 of the iPhone 15, the 1,946 and 4,453 of the Pixel 9, and the 2,260 and 6,893 of the Galaxy S24. I ran the GFXBench Aztec Ruins test, which puts the screws to the GPU, and the iPhone 16 turned out an average of 60 frames per second (fps). On this test, the iPhone 15 scored 58.7fps, while Android phones did a bit better at 66fps for the Pixel and 85fps for the S24. The 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark runs for a minute and checks to see how many frames the GPU can push when gaming. The iPhone 16 trounced the iPhone 15 with 4,132 frames at an average of 24.7fps compared with 3,004 frames at 18fps. In terms of everyday performance, the iPhone 16 feels every bit as fast as the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is powered by an even more powerful A18 Pro processor. The iPhone 16 opens apps quickly, shifts between tasks smoothly, and handles intense games just fine. It offers more than enough power to handle your day-to-day needs. Moreover, the iPhone 16 doesn't get as warm as the 16 Pro Max when running benchmarks. The one caveat here is that Apple Intelligence is not yet available. Apple says the A18 inside the iPhone 16 is capable of running Apple Intelligence, but we've not yet seen it do so firsthand. We will revisit the A16's performance once Apple Intelligence rolls out. Battery: Another Step Forward One drawback of the smallest iPhone is that it also has the smallest battery -- and the shortest battery life -- of the iPhone family. MacRumors reports the iPhone 16 has a 3,561mAh battery, up 6.3% in capacity compared with the iPhone 15. The S24 has a 4,000mAh battery and the Pixel 9 has a 4,700mAh battery. Apple says the iPhone 16 can play up to 22 hours of video, 18 hours of streamed video, and 80 hours of audio. Our battery test involves streaming HD video over Wi-Fi with the screen's brightness set to the maximum. In our test, the iPhone 16 lasted 17 hours and 47 minutes. That's a notable improvement over the iPhone 15, which lasted 16 hours in the same test. The iPhone 16 falls short of the 16 Pro Max, which pushed through 22 hours and 5 minutes, but outlasts most of the Android competition. The S24 lasted 13 hours and 5 minutes, and the Pixel 9 lasted 11 hours and 45 minutes when tested in the same way. The iPhone 16 packs competitive charging speeds. All four iPhone 16 models support MagSafe wireless charging at up to 25W, Qi2 charging at up to 15W, and regular Qi charging at 7.5W. A 30W charging brick is required to get the fastest speed. You won't find a charger in the box, but there is a braided USB-C cable. In testing, the iPhone 16 required 31 minutes to reach a 50% charge and 66 minutes to reach 100%. That's a 19-minute improvement over the iPhone 15 and better than both the S24 (1 hour, 22 minutes) and the Pixel 9 (1 hour, 45 minutes). Connectivity: On Par With the Pro This year, each iPhone appears to carry the same set of radios, with only one minor difference separating the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus from the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. The 16 and 16 Plus have single-band GPS, while the Pro models have dual-band GPS. Based on the shared Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 modem, 5G support is identical across the board. The 16 includes sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G and can connect to most 4G and 5G networks worldwide. In the US, it has the frequencies needed for the powerful mid-band 5G of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. I tested the iPhone 16 on Verizon's 5G network and found it to perform at the same level as the 16 Pro Max. It delivered blistering fast download speeds of 854Mbps and upload speeds of 191Mbps. The phone still did well when I ran a speed test in a weak coverage area, where it netted 59Mbps down and 38Mbps up. The iPhone 16 makes a major jump from the Wi-Fi 6 radio of the iPhone 15 to Wi-Fi 7. In testing, I witnessed a corresponding improvement in speed. The iPhone 16 hit 734Mbps down and 451Mbps up on my home network. These numbers are up 25% compared with the iPhone 15 and in line with results from the 16 Pro Max. It also performed far better at the network's edge, where it reached 23Mbps compared with the iPhone 15's 7Mbps. Apple has updated the iPhone 16 with the Thread smart home networking standard, a feature that is not in the iPhone 15. This means that newer iPhones can talk to more connected devices around your home. The iPhone 16 has a Bluetooth 5.3 radio for personal networking. Codec support remains mostly the same with AAC, APAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, and FLAC. The phone easily connects to true wireless earbuds. The phone is good for voice calls. The conversations I held were loud and clear. The earpiece provides plenty of sound (74dB), and the Voice Isolation feature helps reduce background noise. The stereo speakers are just OK. I measured an output of 79dB, which is loud enough to fill an average bedroom with sound. Our test track, The Knife's "Silent Shout," lacked punch in testing. Camera: Taking Control As mentioned, the iPhone 16 gets the same Camera Control button as the Pro models. It's positioned near the bottom of the right edge, where your thumb tends to rest when holding the phone. Pressing the Camera Control quickly opens the camera. Pressing again snaps a shot. A press-and-hold gesture begins recording video. The story doesn't end here. The Camera Control key is not an actual, moving button but a touch-sensitive sapphire crystal that's backed up by haptics that make it feel like a button. Pressing the key lightly when using the camera app lets you access a handful of advanced tools that include exposure, depth of field, zoom, cameras, styles, and tone. Though it's easy to adjust any of these settings individually, moving from one to another (for example, from zoom to tone) requires a coordinated dance of light touches and swipes that isn't easy to master. You can ignore these extra settings if you prefer to just open the camera and snap away. If you'd rather take control over the imaging experience, diving in grants you lots of power over your photos. The phone has a 48MP f/1.6 Fusion camera similar to the one in the Pro models. The default setting shoots 48MP full-resolution snaps and blends them with binned 12MP shots. Apple says this generates a 24MP final photo that benefits from the detail of the full sensor and the extra light-gathering power of the Quad-Beyer binning. You can choose to fire shots at the full 48MP, though in jpeg only. You can grab 2x high-quality zoom shots using the central 12MP of the sensor to provide the zooming effect. Apple says the iPhone 16 supports up to 10x digital zoom via cropping with the main sensor, but it does not have the 5x optical telephoto camera of the Pro Models. The ultra-wide camera has a 12MP sensor at f/2.2 and a 120-degree field of view. On the front, the TrueDepth selfie camera has a 12MP shooter at f/1.9. New shooting modes this year include macro photography and spatial photos. In general, photos taken with the iPhone 16 look good. Apple is doing some extra processing in the background to brighten up shadows and tone down highlights, as well as give the color a warm glow. (Google and Samsung do something similar.) Sometimes, this treatment doesn't match what your eyes see when you take the shot. Despite the processing, the photos are in focus, free from grain and noise, and offer plenty of detail. The ultra-wide camera does a solid job, though it doesn't match the clarity of the 16 Pro's camera, which is sharper. It also introduces a small amount of optical distortion, though that's part of the fun of ultra-wide cameras. The selfie camera is particularly good, though sometimes the bokeh effect of the portrait shooting mode is a little overdone. In the image above, I look like someone pasted a cutout of me onto a blurry photo. Thankfully, you can adjust the bokeh effect to get your preferred result. The iPhone 16 can shoot 1080p or 4K video at 24, 25, 30, or 60 frames per second in Dolby Vision. It also includes Cinematic Mode, Action Mode (at 2.8K), slow motion, macro video capture, time-lapse, and spatial video capture with spatial audio. It lacks the 4K120 Fusion capture mode of the Pro model, as well as the ProRes and Log video recording features. The footage I recorded with the iPhone 16 looks really good. It's clean, sharp, and shows nice color. Some perfectionists may prefer to adjust color after the fact, but most people should be pleased with what they see. Software: iOS 18 for Now, With AI to Follow The iPhone 16 comes with iOS 18 installed. You can expect at least five years of operating system and security updates from Apple. Google and Samsung each provide seven years of support to their Pixel and Galaxy S phones, respectively. One of iOS 18's most prominent features is the ability to customize your home screen fully. You can resize and recolor your app icons, switch from light to dark mode in a blink, wholly rearrange the quick controls, and more. These may sound like lightweight updates, but they will surely appeal to many who have until now felt restrained by the inflexibility of the iOS home screen. Apple has also changed up the Photos app, added new support for RCS chat in iMessage, and given the calculator app more functionality. The iPhone 16 is powerful enough to run Apple Intelligence, but you'll have to wait a bit longer to actually use it. Apple plans to release the first batch of Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.1 in October, with others to follow in November, December, and into 2025. Some Apple Intelligence features, including Writing Tools and the new Siri, are available for testing in the iOS 18.1 public beta. Apple is not alone in its AI push. Google and Samsung have already brought AI features to their flagship phones. Verdict: Your Best Bet for an iPhone 16 The iPhone 16 is one of the most well-rounded base models we've seen from Apple. It's a finely made handset with an appealing design, long battery battery life, fast wireless radios, and capable cameras. Its Action Button, Camera Control, and fast charging bring it close to feature parity with the Pro models, and an A18 processor means it can run Apple Intelligence when it arrives later this year. You might still want an iPhone Pro for increased power, an always-on display, or an even better camera, while others might prefer the bigger screen and better battery life of the 16 Plus. But thanks to its combination of price and usability, the iPhone 16 is the model we recommend for most people, making it our Editors' Choice.