Feels And Handles Like A Pro, Minus The Price Tag
The excitement surrounding the annual Apple iPhone release is here again, and this time, the iPhone 16 is making waves. We managed to grab the stunning Ultramarine edition, and after spending some time with it, we can confirm it’s closer than ever to Apple’s premium Pro models, without the hefty price tag.
Apple has packed its latest iPhone with features that make it feel almost like a Pro. From the powerful A18 chip to the new Action Button and Camera Control button, it delivers a top-notch experience while still saving you some cash. Let’s explore why the iPhone 16 is causing such a buzz, as well as a few aspects that could use improvement.
Jump to:
- Pros and Cons
- Design and Build
- Display and Audio
- Software and Performance
- Camera
- Battery and Charging
- Verdict
Apple iPhone 16 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sleek design with vibrant color options
- Bright Super Retina XDR screen with Dynamic Island
- New Action Button and Camera Control button
- Excellent performance with the A18 chip
- 12MP ultrawide camera with macro mode
- Faster MagSafe charging
Cons:
- 60Hz refresh rate, no always-on display
- Slower wired charging speeds
- AI features missing at launch
Design and Build
Apple has given the iPhone 16 a fresh design, while still maintaining the brand’s signature robust build. Notably, the iPhone 16 introduces a new second-generation Ceramic Shield, making the display more durable. The sleek vertical camera array at the back, reminiscent of the iPhone 12, enables capturing Spatial Videos, adding a novel touch.
The Ultramarine model we reviewed is even more eye-catching in person, with its three-tone blue finish. The matte back and textured aluminum frame give the iPhone 16 a premium feel. Although slightly thicker than some rivals, at 7.8mm, the iPhone 16 is comfortable to hold, and the balanced weight distribution makes it easy to use with one hand.
Apple has also upped its eco-friendly game, using more than 30% recycled content, including 85% recycled aluminum.
Display and Audio
The iPhone 16 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, identical to the iPhone 15. With its vibrant colors and 2,000 nits of peak brightness, the OLED screen performs well in all lighting conditions. However, Apple missed out on the opportunity to introduce a 120Hz refresh rate or an always-on display, features found on many Android competitors.
The Dynamic Island makes multitasking smoother, letting you manage background apps like music or timers. Despite the lack of a high refresh rate, the display is still more than capable for daily tasks like streaming, gaming, and web browsing, all complemented by powerful stereo speakers.
Software and Performance
Running on iOS 18, the iPhone 16 brings a few new customization features, such as the ability to hide app names and a redesigned Control Center. However, Apple Intelligence, the much-anticipated AI suite, is still missing at launch. Features like advanced Siri, email summarization, and image generation will roll out with future updates, likely later this year.
Powered by the new A18 chip, the iPhone 16 delivers 30% faster performance than its predecessors, outperforming even the iPhone 15 Pro models in benchmarks. It handles everything from video editing to gaming with ease, thanks to its 8GB of RAM and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for a premium gaming experience.
Camera
The iPhone 16’s 48MP primary camera and 12MP ultrawide sensor shine in both day and night photography. Apple has also introduced a new Camera Control button, which allows instant access to the camera and advanced settings with a combination of touch and pressure sensors. The new macro mode automatically kicks in when you’re up close to a subject, producing stunning detailed shots.
Although the iPhone 16 lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, its 2x lossless zoom and improved low-light performance on the ultrawide camera make it an excellent point-and-shoot device.
Battery and Charging
With an improved battery life, the iPhone 16 lasts up to 22 hours, giving you more usage time than the iPhone 15. It still charges up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter, but the wired charging speeds remain slower than some Android flagships. On the plus side, MagSafe charging has been upgraded to 25W, and it now supports the latest Qi2 wireless standard.
iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 15 vs. iPhone 16 – Cost & Key Differences
| Model | Release Date | Starting Price (INR) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 | September 2021 | ₹65,000 | A15 Bionic chip, 6.1” display, dual-camera system, 5G support, Face ID |
| iPhone 14 | September 2022 | ₹70,000 | A15 Bionic chip (enhanced), 6.1” display, improved camera features, Emergency SOS, satellite connectivity |
| iPhone 15 | September 2023 | ₹75,000 | A16 Bionic chip, Dynamic Island, improved battery life, USB-C port, 48 MP camera system |
| iPhone 16 | Septembe 2024 | ₹89,900 | Expected A17 Bionic chip, improved Dynamic Island, 120Hz refresh rate, enhanced AI camera capabilities, USB-C |
Key Differences Across iPhones:
- Chipset Upgrades: From the A15 Bionic in the iPhone 13 to the upcoming A17 Bionic in iPhone 16, each model offers improved performance, AI capabilities, and power efficiency.
- Camera System: The iPhone camera has seen significant enhancements, with the iPhone 15 boasting a 48 MP main sensor, and the iPhone 16 is expected to introduce even more advanced photography and videography features.
- Display and Design: iPhone 15 introduced Dynamic Island, and the iPhone 16 is likely to refine this feature with a larger and more interactive display area.
- Charging Port: The shift from Lightning to USB-C starting with iPhone 15 brings faster charging and better compatibility with other devices.
Verdict
The Apple iPhone 16 is the most Pro-like non-Pro iPhone ever. With standout features like the A18 chip, upgraded cameras, and a sleek design, it delivers exceptional value at a lower price point. While it misses a few premium features, like a 120Hz display and Apple Intelligence out-of-the-box, it’s a solid upgrade for most users.
For those looking for premium performance without breaking the bank, the iPhone 16 is a top contender in the 2024 smartphone market.
