Apple’s latest entry-level smartphones, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, bring several noteworthy upgrades that narrow the gap between standard and Pro models. While not quite matching the extensive improvements seen in the iPhone 15 series, the new devices offer compelling enhancements in performance, camera capabilities, and user experience.
The iPhone 16 lineup introduces two new hardware buttons. The Action button, previously exclusive to Pro models, replaces the traditional ring/silent switch and can be customized for various functions like toggling the flashlight or activating Focus mode. A brand new Camera Control button allows for easier one-handed photography and quick access to camera settings.
Under the hood, Apple has equipped the base iPhone 16 models with its latest A18 processor, a significant leap from the previous generation. This chip delivers outstanding performance, with benchmark scores far surpassing those of the iPhone 15. The A18 also enables support for ray tracing in games, a feature previously limited to Pro models, enhancing graphical quality in supported titles.
Camera improvements are another highlight of the iPhone 16 series. While the main 48MP camera appears largely unchanged from the iPhone 15, Apple has introduced a new ultrawide lens with improved low-light performance and autofocus capabilities. This enables macro
photography, a feature that has trickled down from Pro models. The vertical alignment of the rear cameras also allows for spatial photo and video capture, compatible with devices like the Apple Vision Pro headset.
Display enhancements include a brighter 2,000-nit peak brightness and the ability to dim to just 1 nit for comfortable viewing in dark environments. Apple claims the new Ceramic Shield glass is 50% stronger than its predecessor, potentially offering improved durability. However, the base models still lack the high refresh rate displays found on Pro iPhones, sticking with 60Hz panels.
Battery life sees a modest boost, with Apple promising an additional two hours of video streaming for the iPhone 16 and four hours for the iPhone 16 Plus. Charging capabilities have improved as well, with new MagSafe chargers supporting 25W speeds, matching the wired charging rate.
The iPhone 16 series will fully support Apple’s new AI-powered features, collectively known as Apple Intelligence, when they roll out in October. These enhancements promise to make Siri more capable and introduce various AI-assisted functionalities across the operating system.
While the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus offer numerous upgrades, some premium features remain exclusive to the Pro models. These include the more powerful A18 Pro chip, larger displays, and a dedicated optical zoom lens. The base models also retain the previous generation’s USB 2.0 transfer speeds, which may disappoint users who frequently transfer large files.
Overall, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus present a compelling package for users looking to upgrade from older devices. The combination of improved performance, enhanced camera capabilities, and forthcoming AI features make these devices a worthy consideration, especially for those with iPhones from the 14 series or earlier. However, users satisfied with their current iPhones may find the upgrades less essential, particularly if purchasing at full price without trade-in offers.