The Apple basic iPhone appeared to have been neglected during the last few years. While the standard models had to make do with the leftovers, the Pro models received upgraded chipsets, camera functionality, and an Action Button that could be customized.
However, this year is different: the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus caught up, and there isn’t as much difference between these phones and the Pro models.
That is important, particularly for the entry-level vehicles. I believe there’s a simple solution this time: if you’ve been hanging onto an older iPhone for a few generations and are debating whether or not to upgrade, go for it. Both upgrading and using the entry-level iPhone are recommended this year.
However, this iPhone is still very much a development project. First, the OS for this phone is expected to include Apple Intelligence; however, it isn’t available at launch. It is currently available in beta, and some features—still designated as “beta”—will start to roll out with iOS 18.1 next month. However, as it’s not there on the 18.0 phone I’m examining, it’s not covered in this review.
On the one hand, it’s great to see the new Camera Control button on the Pro and standard iPhone 16 variants that lets you access the camera, take images, and adjust some of the parameters. On the other hand, while I am happy that it is not a restrictively pro-user feature, I love buttons; I have almost been treating this function since it is a nuisance to try and use in practice.
It’s a bit over even though there’s nothing enough basing itself there. Given that the chipset on this year’s models is the same as the one on the Pro versions, they shall expect a fair degree of rolling software updates. The phone’s hardware looks excellent, and the camera is still just as good. Thank God, bright colors are back; we turn to Apple. And it
The potential frameless screen is one of the features noticeably lacking in this, another high-end handset. A reality however is that the 16 and 16 Plus packs 60Hz ProMotion screens while the smooth 120Hz screens being the preserve of only Pro phones. It is now a standard feature in the majority of mid tier and high end smartphones, and the iPhone would rather look weird without it.
But this is all the more annoying in practice amongst entry level models of smartphones, which Apple hasn’t put this feature in, and you want to know how annoyed you are is rather subjective. For most parts of the remaining months of the year, I am on phones that have 120Hz screens, so at that time when I hand in the device, it is always at a 60Hz screen but not for long, as it always feels strange for some time. But, I am quickly reminded that this is not the case and to such motion consistency plunges me only when I think about it. This is a feature that some may certainly regard as being completely left out and they are probably right. For some folks a 60Hz screen will do, and they are also right. It is only in between the two that is where everyone else is.
Also, the 16 and 16 Plus do not have the always on display feature that comes with Pro models. I really don’t understand the 16 without the always on display, because I like to check my notifications and wallpaper at idle moments without turning my iPhone on. Still, a lot of people – as far as I know – I mean there are plenty, don’t think it so and so, this isn’t particularly a big negative.
Regarding being a full-blooded button push, if there is any such record in history, let it be me. I love them too much. So, two new buttons on this phone, you can imagine how happy I felt — the programmable Action Button on the 15 Pro and a new Camera Control. The Action button is helpful as I program it to launch the app to sign my kid out of the daycare. Most of the times, I have to scramble to find the app while an agitated parent is standing behind me in queue ready to scuttle out, hence I find comfort each time I press that button. Shortcuts allow you to do all sorts of things as long as you are willing to learn their ways. But for the rest of us, it’s pretty easy to program it to open a particular app and forget about it.
Dare I say I’m not very optimistic, in all honesty, when it comes to the opinions about the Camera Control? I wished I’d find it pleasing. It is used quite a lot and will continue to be used, at least as long as I try to figure this out further. Trying to be more patient than that, I can’t restrain myself in saying that the impression is generally negative. This is an actual button, and the subject may depress the button to activate the camera app.
When you reach that position, another full press will take a picture. This control is also capacitive with haptics attached – a light press will call up the exposure, and you can slide your finger along this control to change the setting.
Take total Camera Control.
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 |
|---|
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR | Promotion Super Retina XDR |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | Variable up to 120Hz |
| Camera System | Dual Camera (wide, ultra-wide) | Triple Camera (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) |
| Night Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Zoom | 2x Digital | 3x Optical, up to 15x Digital |
| Battery Life | Standard, good for a full day | Longer, especially during intensive use |
| Build Material | Aluminum, glass back | Surgical-grade stainless steel, glass back |
| Color Options | Various vibrant colors | Premium finishes (like Space Black Silver) |
| Processor | A16 Bionic | A16 Bionic with enhanced GPU for graphics |
| Pro Features | Standard features | ProRAW, ProRes video recording |
| Charging Options | Standard wireless charging | Faster wired and wireless charging |
| Price | More affordable | Higher price point due to advanced features |
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