Apple iPhone 16 review
The Apple iPhone 16 is an upgraded version of last year's model, with several significant improvements. The device features a revamped ultra-wide camera with autofocus, an action key, and a new hardware button for camera control. The camera bump has been redesigned to a more elegant vertical arrangement, while the phone itself retains its compact weight and dimensions. The display is unchanged from last year, with a 6.1-inch OLED panel protected by ceramic shield glass and a 60Hz refresh rate. This results in swiping and scrolling that doesn't feel as smooth as on higher-end iPhones or Android phones. The performance of the display remains the same, with a sharp pixel density of 460 PPI and support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision video. The iPhone 16 packs an Apple A8 chipset, two generations ahead of last year's model, resulting in significant improvements in raw performance and power efficiency. The phone has a 3561mAh battery, slightly bigger than last year's, which provides better battery life, with an active use score of 15 hours and 45 minutes. The camera quality is excellent, with the main camera capturing clean and sharp photos with plenty of detail. Low-light shots are also impressive, with minimal noise and a natural color tone. The ultra-wide camera can autofocus for macro close-ups, and its photo quality is solid, but not spectacular in low light. Selfie camera performance is good, with excellent detail and exposure. Video recording capabilities are excellent, with 4K footage from all cameras showing great detail, sharpness, and wide dynamic range. Video stabilization works well across all cameras, and low-light video from the main camera is clean and sharp. Overall, the iPhone 16 offers a refined user experience, improved performance, and better battery life, making it worth considering for those looking for a compact flagship phone.
Build Quality and Design
The latest iteration in Apple's vanilla iPhone series, the iPhone 16, has arrived with a plethora of refinements to its build quality and design. While it may not be a revolutionary overhaul, these changes are certainly worth noting. One of the most noticeable updates is the redesigned camera bump, which now features a more elegant vertical arrangement rather than the square shape with offset cameras seen in previous models. This subtle change gives the phone a sleeker appearance, but doesn't compromise on its compact weight and dimensions. The flat back, made from ceramic and glass, provides a premium feel, while the aluminum frame adds a touch of industrial chic. The iPhone 16's build quality is undoubtedly solid, with IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing the phone to withstand submersion to a depth of 6 meters. The display, although unchanged from last year's model, remains a 6.1-inch OLED panel protected by ceramic shield glass. While it may not be the most cutting-edge screen technology, it still provides vibrant colors and clear visuals. One area where the iPhone 16 excels is in its attention to detail. The phone's design is characterized by precision-crafted edges and clean lines, giving it a premium feel that's hard to match from competitors. While some may bemoan the lack of significant design changes, Apple has clearly refined their approach to create a device that feels robust and well-made. In conclusion, the iPhone 16's build quality and design represent a solid evolution of previous models, rather than a radical departure. While it may not be the most exciting or innovative phone on the market, it is undoubtedly a well-crafted device that should satisfy fans of Apple's signature style.
Battery Life
The iPhone 16 boasts a significant improvement in battery life compared to its predecessor. With a larger 3561 mAh battery and the improved efficiency of the Apple A8 chipset, this phone is now capable of delivering an impressive 15 hours and 42 minutes of active use. This makes it one of the longest-lasting compact devices on the market. Compared to the iPhone 15, which managed around 10 hours of active use, the iPhone 16 offers a substantial boost in battery life. This is especially impressive considering its size, making it an excellent choice for those who need a phone that can keep up with their busy lifestyle. Additionally, the iPhone 16 also supports fast wireless charging through MagSafe, allowing users to quickly top-up their device when needed. The maximum power output of around 30 W means that you can get from 0-59% in an hour, making it perfect for those who need a quick boost on-the-go. While there's still no charger included in the box, the improved battery life and wireless charging capabilities make up for this omission. Overall, the iPhone 16 offers a significant step forward in terms of battery life, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and long-lasting smartphone experience.
Display
The display on the iPhone 16 is identical to last year's model, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED panel protected by ceramic shield glass and a 60Hz refresh rate. Unfortunately, this means that swiping and scrolling can feel less smooth compared to higher-end iPhones and most Android devices, which often come with high-refresh-rate screens. The display bezels aren't as thin as those on the Pro Models, but it still boasts a sharp pixel density of 460 PPI, supporting HD10 and Dolby Vision video playback. True tone colors look consistent in various lighting conditions, and there's plenty of brightness for comfortable use outdoors. Our measurements revealed around 850 nits maximum with the manual slider, which can boost to over 1,700 nits in auto mode – a slight improvement over last year. One area where the display excels is its ability to maintain consistent color representation in various lighting conditions. The dynamic Island functionality also returns around the selfie cutout, displaying relevant info and shortcuts. However, the lack of a higher refresh rate remains a notable drawback, particularly for those accustomed to smoother scrolling experiences. Overall, while the iPhone 16's display may not offer any significant upgrades over last year's model, it still delivers solid performance in other areas – just be aware that its 60Hz refresh rate might feel slightly outdated compared to newer devices.
Camera
The camera on the Apple iPhone 16 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, with several new features that enhance the overall photography experience. One of the most notable additions is the ultra-wide camera, which now features autofocus and can take macro close-ups. The results are impressive, with very clean and detailed close-up shots in low light. While the ultra-wide photos themselves aren't spectacular, they do offer a good level of detail and solid contrast. The main camera remains unchanged from last year's model but still produces excellent 12-megapixel photos. They're sharp, with plenty of detail in the frame, and foliage and grass look very convincing. Shadows are well-developed, and dynamic range is excellent. Apple's preference for a more natural approach to colors means they're not as vibrant as some other phones, but this won't be a concern for most users. Low-light shots from the main camera are also impressive, with minimal noise and good contrast. Two times digital zoom photos come out looking solid, although there is a noticeable drop in sharpness. The ultra-wide camera's ability to autofocus is a welcome addition, allowing users to take macro close-ups that rival those taken with the main camera. However, low-light performance from the ultra-wide is less impressive than some competing phones. Selfie camera quality remains unchanged and still does a good job of capturing excellent level detail and exposure. Autofocus helps keep subjects sharp and clear. Video capture on the iPhone 16 is equally impressive, with great detail and sharpness in 4K footage taken across all cameras. The ultra-wide camera's video performance is surprisingly good, with great detail and a wide dynamic range. Video stabilization works seamlessly across all cameras, making it an excellent choice for capturing smooth footage. Overall, the iPhone 16's camera is a solid upgrade over its predecessor, offering improved macro capabilities, excellent main camera quality, and impressive low-light performance. While there are some minor drawbacks, such as less-than-stellar ultra-wide night-time performance, this phone remains a top contender in the smartphone photography market.
Price and Value
The new vanilla iPhone, iPhone 16, has finally arrived, but is it significant enough to warrant an upgrade from last year's model? With its revamped Ultra-wide cam, action key, and new hardware button for camera control, there are certainly some improvements. However, at what cost? Priced similarly to the previous generation, the iPhone 16 starts at $799 for the base model with 128GB of storage. While this may not seem like a significant increase, considering the improvements made, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons. The new camera system, including the revamped Ultra-wide cam with autofocus, is certainly an upgrade, but will it justify the additional cost? The performance boost from the Apple A8 chipset is impressive, making the iPhone 16 a formidable device. However, some features like the same 60Hz refresh rate display, and no always-on display support, may leave users feeling somewhat underwhelmed. Ultimately, whether or not the iPhone 16 is worth the upgrade depends on individual needs and priorities. If you're due for an upgrade and value improved camera performance and a snappy chipset, then the iPhone 16 might be the right choice. However, if you're looking to save some money and don't mind sticking with last year's model, there's no pressing need to rush out and buy the new one. In terms of price and value, the iPhone 16 is a solid device, but its higher cost may not justify the incremental improvements made over the previous generation.
Performance
The Apple iPhone 16 boasts an Apple A8 chipset, two generations ahead of its predecessor. This upgrade promises significant improvements in both raw performance and power efficiency. In benchmarks, the iPhone 16 indeed earns better scores in CPU and Graphics tests. Gaming on the iPhone 16 is a breeze, with no notable lag or stuttering. The phone's thermal management system also impresses, sustaining high levels of performance during prolonged stress tests with minimal thermal throttling. Battery life has seen significant improvement as well, with an active use score of 15 hours and 42 minutes. This compact device can easily last a day with moderate usage. Charging the iPhone 16 is relatively quick, taking around an hour and 42 minutes to reach full capacity via wired charging. The phone also supports fast wireless charging through MagSafe, making it convenient for on-the-go users. With improved efficiency from the A8 chipset, battery life has seen a substantial boost, allowing users to enjoy their device without worrying about running out of power. Overall, the Apple iPhone 16's performance is impressive, with noticeable improvements in both processing and battery life. This upgrade makes the device even more appealing to those seeking a compact flagship experience.
Pros
1. The phone has a compact size with a flat back made of glass and aluminum frame, and it's IP68 water-resistant.
2. The new Ultra-wide camera can autofocus, allowing for macro close-ups with excellent detail and minimal noise.
3. The iPhone 16 has an improved chipset (Apple A8) with around 30% power savings over the iPhone 15, resulting in better battery life.
4. The phone's display is protected by ceramic shield glass and features a sharp pixel density of 460 PPI, support for HD10 and Dolby Vision Video, and true tone colors.
5. The stereo speakers produce excellent sound quality with balanced audio and rich output across the board.
6. The iPhone 16 comes with an action button that allows for camera control, making it easier to take photos and videos without leaving the app.
7. The phone's camera quality is impressive, capturing clean and sharp photos with plenty of detail in low light conditions.
Cons
1. The display has a 60Hz refresh rate, which may not be suitable for some users who prefer higher refresh rates.
2. The camera control key can be fiddly to use and gets in the way when not intended to be used.
3. Low-light performance from the Ultra-wide camera is not spectacular compared to competing phones.