Hands on: Apple iPhone 16 review
As anticipated, Apple has introduced several key upgrades in the latest iPhone 16 models, distinguishing them from their predecessors, the iPhone 15 lineup. While last year’s standout devices were the Pro models, this time around, it’s the entire iPhone 16 series that captures attention with substantial improvements across the board. Apple has made a clear effort to refine every aspect of the user experience, from design to performance, making the iPhone 16 models a significant leap forward. Whether you’re excited about advancements in processing power, enhanced camera capabilities, or improvements in display and sound quality, this year’s iPhones bring something fresh and noteworthy.
Over the coming weeks, we will dive deep into testing the iPhone 16 models to explore these enhancements firsthand. Our focus will be on evaluating picture and sound quality, examining the new features in detail, and determining how well these upgrades hold up in everyday use. If you’re considering upgrading to the latest model, or simply curious about what Apple has done differently this time around, stay tuned as we provide thorough reviews and performance insights.
Apple Unveils iPhone 16 Series: AI Advancements and Key Upgrades at September Event
Apple’s September event was packed with exciting announcements this year, featuring not only updates to their popular entry-level and mid-range AirPods, but also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch with a special edition model. Of course, the main highlight was the unveiling of the latest iPhones. As expected, Apple introduced four new models: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
This year, a significant portion of the spotlight is on advancements in artificial intelligence, with Apple Intelligence set to roll out in the coming months. However, the new iPhones also boast notable improvements in both audio and visual technology that are definitely worth your attention. During the event, we had the opportunity to get a first look at all four models, and here are our initial thoughts on these devices, along with key features that stand out.
Table of Contents
Early Verdict
The iPhone 16 lineup offers a blend of exciting new features and refinements to existing ones, making it a compelling option for those looking to upgrade. While the Pro models still have the edge with their larger, more advanced displays, better cameras, and superior audio features, the standard iPhone 16 models also pack plenty of power and innovations. With the Camera Control button, Spatial Video, and a range of AI-driven tools, all models in the iPhone 16 family feel like a significant step forward.
We’ll be spending more time testing these devices in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for our in-depth reviews on the picture quality, sound performance, and overall experience. From first impressions, however, it’s clear that Apple has delivered another impressive lineup, and we can’t wait to explore all the details further.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Larger displays on iPhone 16 Pro models | – iPhone 16 models remain at 60Hz |
| + All models get Camera Control button | – No Always-On display for iPhone 16 |
| + Audio Mix feature seems great for video | – iPhone 16 Pro only has 128GB base storage |
iPhone 16 Pricing Breakdown
The iPhone 16 lineup offers a variety of pricing options, starting at $799 for the base model in the United States. For this price, you get the 128GB storage option, which may seem limited, especially for photography or video enthusiasts who require more space. If you’re someone who captures a lot of content, you’ll want to consider upgrading to higher storage capacities, as the iPhone 16 offers options up to 512GB. Naturally, increasing the storage comes with a higher price tag, but for those looking for extra room for their media and apps, it’s a worthwhile investment.
The iPhone 16 Plus begins at $899, also offering 128GB as the base storage configuration. The Plus model gives you a larger screen, making it a great option for those who prefer more screen real estate, but again, the 128GB storage might not suffice if you frequently use your device for high-resolution content or store a lot of apps.
For those looking to step up to the Pro models, the iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999. This base price also includes 128GB of storage, which is standard for the smaller Pro model. However, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, starting at $1,199, offers a bit more from the get-go with 256GB of storage in its base model. The Pro lineup caters to power users and professionals who need more from their devices, whether it’s in terms of camera quality, performance, or storage capacity. Both the Pro and Pro Max models have storage options that go all the way up to 1TB, providing ample room for heavy users who need significant storage for high-resolution videos, images, and applications.
One important thing to note is that these prices are consistent with last year’s iPhone 15 prices in both the U.S. and U.K. markets. However, customers in Australia will be pleased to hear that this year’s models are slightly more affordable compared to last year, with the iPhone 16 priced at AU$1399 and the iPhone 16 Plus at AU$1599. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at AU$1799, while the Pro Max begins at AU$2149.
Apple is already taking pre-orders for the entire iPhone 16 range, with the official release date set for September 20. Whether you’re looking for the entry-level model or the feature-packed Pro Max, the pricing and storage tiers provide a good range of options depending on your needs and budget.
Apple iPhone 16 & 16 Plus hand-on review: Specifications
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus |
| Starting price | $799/£799/AU$1,399 | $899/£899/AU$1,599 |
| Screen size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Processor | A18 | A18 |
| RAM | Unknown | Unknown |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main (f/1.6) with 2x opitcal quality zoom, 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2) | 48MP main (f/1.6) with 2x opitcal quality zoom, 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2) |
| Front camera | 12MP (f/1.9) | 12MP (f/1.9) |
| Battery size | Unknown | Unknown |
| Battery life | 22 hours, vide playback; 80 hours, | 27 hours, vide playback; 100 hours, |
| Size | 5.8 x 2.8 x 0.31 inches (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm) | 6.3 x 3.1 x 0.31 inches (160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8mm) |
| Weight | 6 ounces (170 grams) | 7 ounces (199 grams) |
| Colors | Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine | Black, White, Pink, Teal, |
iPhone 16 Design
iPhone 16 Plus (Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
The iPhone has undergone several design changes since the revolutionary iPhone X was launched in 2017, though many of these changes have been subtle in comparison to the bold shift from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone X. The introduction of flat edges in the iPhone 12 models in 2020 marked the last major design overhaul, bringing a modern, squared-off look that has since become iconic. Although the overall shape hasn’t changed much since then, Apple has made various smaller design tweaks over the years.
One such adjustment came with the iPhone 14 Pro, which swapped out the well-known notch for the Dynamic Island, providing a more immersive display experience. This change extended to the standard iPhone 15 in 2023, reflecting Apple’s trend of gradually bringing Pro features to the broader iPhone lineup. That same year, Apple made a more dramatic move by replacing the traditional silent toggle switch – a feature present since the original iPhone in 2007 – with the Action Button on Pro models. Apple also introduced titanium as a primary material for its high-end devices, replacing stainless steel and resulting in lighter, more premium-feeling phones.
In 2024, Apple continues to evolve its design language with the iPhone 16 series. The most talked-about design feature this year is the Camera Control button, positioned on the right edge of both the standard and Pro models. This button allows users to quickly launch the camera and capture photos, making the phone’s photography capabilities even more accessible. But that’s not the only design update worthy of attention.
The iPhone 16 Pro models stand out due to their larger displays, which now measure 6.3 inches for the iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9 inches for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, up from 6.1 and 6.7 inches, respectively. This size increase comes thanks to slimmer bezels, which allow for more screen real estate without significantly increasing the device’s overall size. The phones are slightly taller, but the difference is minimal when holding them, while the thinner bezels give the devices a sleek, modern appearance, maximizing the use of available space.
Color options are another area where Apple shines with the iPhone 16 series. The iPhone 16 Pro models maintain their refined, professional look, with titanium as the primary material, but they now offer a more subtle finish than the brushed titanium of the iPhone 15 Pro. The new Desert Titanium color replaces last year’s Blue Titanium, offering a soft, elegant gold option that complements the Pro’s sophisticated aesthetic. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 16 models retain their lightweight aluminum build, but this year’s colors are especially vibrant. Eye-catching shades like Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine deliver a bold, playful look, while classic Black and White remain available for those who prefer a more understated style.
iphone 16 Key Features
A significant focus of the iPhone 16 lineup is on artificial intelligence, with Apple Intelligence set to roll out in the coming months. This AI suite brings new tools like Clean Up, which allows users to remove unwanted elements from their photos with just a tap, making photo editing faster and more intuitive. Another exciting feature is Writing Tools, which provides assistance with proofreading, summarizing, and even helping craft well-written emails and replies.
There are also new ways to interact with Siri, including typing requests rather than speaking them. The Voice Notes app now supports live transcription while recording, allowing users to capture and review audio notes more efficiently. Additionally, time-sensitive emails will be automatically flagged to appear at the top of your inbox, helping users prioritize important messages.
Although AI advancements take center stage, there are several other noteworthy features in the iPhone 16 models. All devices come equipped with the Camera Control button, a standout addition that enables users to launch the camera and snap photos with a single press. It can also detect the difference between light and hard presses, making it easy to access camera tools like depth-of-field adjustments, Photographic Styles, and zoom. While it takes a little practice to master the right gestures and pressure, the button quickly becomes an intuitive way to streamline photography.
iPhone 16 Camera Improvements
As always, the camera is a critical focus for Apple, and the iPhone 16 series brings some exciting improvements in this area. The iPhone 16 Pro models come equipped with a 48-megapixel Fusion main sensor, paired with a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide lens and a 12-megapixel Telephoto lens, both carried over from the iPhone 15 Pro models. These Pro models are now capable of shooting in Dolby Vision at up to 4K/120fps, enabling incredibly smooth, detailed video capture, and they also support 48-megapixel macro photography for stunning close-up shots.
The iPhone 16 standard models also bring something new to the table with the ability to shoot Spatial Video thanks to their vertically aligned rear lenses. Like the Pro models, they support macro photography as well, giving users more creative options when shooting. Additionally, all iPhone 16 models feature improved battery life, which we will thoroughly test during our reviews in the coming weeks.
iPhone 16 Display and Picture Quality
When it comes to display quality, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models are once again the stars of the show. With their larger screens and Super Retina XDR technology, these phones offer stunning visual experiences, enhanced by ProMotion technology, which delivers an adaptive refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz. This provides buttery-smooth scrolling and a more responsive display when compared to the 60Hz refresh rate on the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models.
Unfortunately, the standard models still lack Always-On display functionality, which some users may find disappointing. On the bright side, all models now feature a 1-nit minimum brightness for better nighttime viewing, and the display brightness remains impressive across the board, with 2000 nits peak brightness outdoors and 1600 nits peak HDR brightness indoors.
iPhone 16 Audio Enhancements
Audio output hasn’t seen a significant hardware change in the iPhone 16 series, but there are still some improvements worth mentioning. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max now feature a studio-quality four-mic array, designed to enhance audio recording quality. These Pro models also introduce Audio Mix, which allows users to adjust audio settings between different presets while editing videos. Options like Standard, In Frame, Studio, and Cinematic provide a wide range of possibilities for fine-tuning audio, depending on the desired outcome.
Even though the audio features are more advanced in the Pro models, all iPhone 16 devices support Spatial Audio and wind noise reduction, ensuring that video recordings sound great in a variety of environments.
iPhone 16 and 16 Plus Pictures
Ultimate Guide to Buying the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus: Why You Shouldn’t Miss Out
If you’re in the market for the latest smartphone technology, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are two of the most compelling options available right now. Apple has outdone itself yet again, offering upgrades that make these models stand out, whether you’re looking for a powerful camera system, cutting-edge performance, or a stunning display. But with so many options and configurations, knowing which iPhone to buy can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll break down the key features and pricing options to help you choose the right model for your needs, whether you’re upgrading your old iPhone or switching from another brand. And to make your shopping experience even easier, we’ve included links to the best deals on Amazon so you can get your hands on the latest iPhone 16 with just a few clicks!
Conclusion
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus represent a significant leap forward in smartphone technology, blending powerful performance with innovative features that cater to a wide range of users. From the stunning Super Retina XDR displays and advanced camera systems to the refined design elements and extended battery life, these models are designed to meet the demands of modern users. Whether you’re seeking the enhanced capabilities of the Pro models or the solid performance of the standard iPhone 16, there’s something for everyone in this latest lineup.
As you consider your next upgrade, keep in mind that both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus offer excellent value and functionality. The added convenience of improved AI features and the enhanced Camera Control button further elevate the user experience. If you’re ready to make a purchase, be sure to explore the top deals on Amazon to get the best price and availability. With a range of options to suit different needs and budgets, the iPhone 16 series is poised to be a standout choice for anyone looking to embrace the future of mobile technology.
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