The iPhone 16 is finally out, and as ever Apple enthusiasts and cynics are all great expectation. This time, though, lots of folks were asking whether the iPhone 16 does enough to merit an upgrade or if it's still just another incremental improvement in Apple's never-ending smartphone lineup. One week using an iPhone 16, and it's clear that although this phone is powerful, the the quantum leap many were looking for might still be just out of reach.
iPhone 16 Review
Design: Familiar Yet Refined
The iPhone 16 looks mostly like the design language Apple has been employing for years. The (glass-on-glass) flat-edged design is back again, and as sexy an industrial look that it may be looking at the S20 Ultra; Samsung might have got a bit lazy with designing. The build quality is gold standard as always, but Apple has been a little long in the tooth with the design for quite a few generations now.
One of the more noticeable updates is the introduction of new colors. Apple is known for keeping things visually fresh by adding attractive new color variants, and the iPhone 16 is no exception. The new teal color is a standout, offering a bold, saturated look that makes it one of the most eye-catching options in the lineup. It’s a welcome change for those tired of the usual black, silver, and gold options.
Apple has also modified the camera housing on a minor level. The most obvious difference is the vertical vs gas burner layout of the previous model. While the redesign looks cleaner, it also allows for spatial photos and video to be created by an iPhone for use with Apple's Vision Pro headset. That said, the average user is unlikely to make much use of this new feature — after all, the Vision Pro still sits in something of a niche product category.
The Action Button: A Functional Addition
Of all the features on the iPhone 16, the new recording button is perhaps the most useful. This programmable button, which we've seen in the Pro models before, can be set to do any number of things_DYNAMIC_CHAR_VALUE_END And all of it an order of magnitude more convenient than any conceivable Apple solution, which could have been taking a screenshot, toggling settings – really anything that the action button can be bound to.
We discovered that mapping the action button, in this case configured to work as a key fob replacement on Teslas while driving our own Model 3 some time ago and it's game changer. This is one of the many feature which goes unnoticed and i believe this the unsung hero with each use developers may come up with how seamlessly it can be part of daily routine making it possible to do things beyond imagination all possible because user is using an iPhone 16.
Display: Impressive, but Still 60Hz
The display on the iPhone 16 remains one of its strong points, thanks to the stunning Retina OLED panel. It’s vibrant, sharp, and perfect for everything from watching videos to browsing social media. The increased peak brightness makes it easier to use in direct sunlight, and the bezel is thinner than before, creating a more immersive experience.
However, there is one glaring issue: the refresh rate. The iPhone 16 is still stuck with a 60Hz refresh rate, which feels outdated in 2024. Competing smartphones, even in the mid-range category, have moved to at least 90Hz, if not 120Hz, displays. Apple’s ProMotion 120Hz technology is available on the Pro models, and it’s frustrating that Apple continues to hold back this feature from its non-Pro iPhones.
While iOS is optimized to run smoothly even at 60Hz, the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz is noticeable. For many users, upgrading the refresh rate would make the phone feel more responsive and modern, especially in an era where smooth scrolling and gaming are essential to the user experience.
Performance: Powerful Hardware, Missing AI Features
As always, Apple has equipped the iPhone 16 with its latest A-series chip, ensuring top-tier performance. The 6GB of RAM ensures that the phone handles multitasking with ease, and there’s more than enough processing power to handle demanding apps and games. The iPhone 16 is blazing fast, and users won’t find much to complain about when it comes to day-to-day performance.
But here’s the catch: Apple’s keynote presentation emphasized the phone’s AI-driven features, yet none of them are available at launch. These features, which are supposed to transform how we interact with the iPhone, remain unavailable, with no clear timeline for when they’ll be activated.
This is a major drawback for anyone considering the iPhone 16. Buying a phone based on future promises is risky, especially when those promises don’t have a set release date. Until these AI features are rolled out, it’s hard to say whether the iPhone 16 will fully deliver on its potential.
Camera: Solid, but Lacking Major Upgrades
The camera system on the iPhone 16 is as reliable as ever, but it doesn’t offer any major upgrades compared to previous models. The ultra-wide lens has been slightly improved, particularly in low-light situations, but the difference is subtle. Apple's Fusion Zoom, which provides lossless 2x zoom, is essentially a rebranded feature that was already available on last year’s iPhone models.
That being said, the photo quality remains excellent. Apple continues to prioritize natural-looking images over the overly saturated and processed photos offered by some competitors. For those who value accuracy and realism in their photos, the iPhone 16 is still one of the best in the business.
Video quality is also superb, but the lack of 4K recording at 60fps in the non-Pro models is a bit of a let-down. While most casual users won’t notice, videographers and those who enjoy creating high-quality content may find this limitation frustrating.
Battery Life: Improved Efficiency
Thanks to vast improvements in efficiency, the iPhone 16 offers just a little bit better battery life than the generation before. With the help of iOS, the A-series chip keeps power use streamlined, so unless you're playing Fortnite on 5G in between conference calls all day long, it should have no problem going dawn to dusk without needing to recharge.
And is it ever a drain to the battery, but more so when using it for heavier tasks like gaming or video recording. Now the total battery capacity is good, but very heavy users may still need to top up before dinner time.
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade to the iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 is an exacting, efficient and effective machine, but far from essential for most people. The design, good though it is, has become rather predictable. A fun addition is the action button, but it isn't a game changer. The display is beautiful but the 60Hz rate leaves quite a bit to be desired.
One of the biggest let downs is their AI features are missing at launch. Apple has promised that these will be the future of iPhone features, but if you can't say when they'll land on peoples' phones, it's difficult to base a purchase solely on potential.
If you’re still using an older iPhone, the iPhone 16 offers enough improvements in performance, camera quality, and battery life to make it worth considering. However, if you’re already using a recent model, the iPhone 16 feels more like a safe upgrade rather than a necessary one. Waiting for the next iteration, or for the delayed AI features to roll out, might be the better move.
Let me know what you think of the iPhone 16! Are you excited about it, or are you waiting for something more? Share your thoughts in the comments below.