Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup has been a hot topic this year, and for good reason. The base model iPhone 16 made waves with its vibrant colors and surprising Pro-level features, but I opted for the iPhone 16 Pro this year. While the colorful iPhone 16 tempted me, the Pro’s features, especially the camera system, were ultimately too appealing to resist. It’s been over a month since I made the switch, and I’ve been using the iPhone 16 Pro as my daily driver. Has the initial excitement worn off? Not at all.
Camera Upgrades: A Game-Changer for Photography Enthusiasts
The iPhone Pro models have always been known for their excellent cameras, and the iPhone 16 Pro continues that legacy. The biggest upgrade this year is the inclusion of a 5x telephoto lens, which was previously only available on the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max. This was a major win for me, as I prefer the smaller Pro model but didn’t want to sacrifice camera features. Now, I can zoom in closer to my subjects without compromising detail thanks to the optical zoom, making it ideal for capturing wildlife shots, distant landmarks, or even those sneaky squirrels in my neighborhood.
The ultrawide lens also gets a boost, jumping to 48MP from 12MP. While I don’t use it as frequently as the telephoto or main camera, the increased detail and light sensitivity in ultrawide shots are noticeable, especially in low-light situations. This also translates into better macro photos, thanks to the ultrawide lens being used for close-up shots. I even did a side-by-side comparison with the iPhone 15 Pro, and the difference in macro quality was clear.
Performance and Battery Life: A Solid Foundation
The iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the new A18 Pro chip, which Apple claims is 16% faster than its predecessor. While I haven’t seen a drastic performance difference compared to the A17 Pro in my daily use, that’s only because the A17 was already incredibly fast and powerful. Apps launch quickly, the interface is smooth, and even demanding games run flawlessly. The A18 Pro effortlessly handles everything I throw at it.
One of the areas where I noticed a significant improvement is battery life. My iPhone 15 Pro’s battery was starting to degrade quickly, but the iPhone 16 Pro seems much more power-efficient. I’m consistently getting a full day of use with plenty of battery left over. While I wish Apple had increased wired charging speeds, the claimed 50% charge in 30 minutes is accurate, which is helpful for those times when I need a quick boost.
Camera Control: A Great Idea with Room for Improvement
The iPhone 16 lineup introduced a new feature called Camera Control, which is designed to make the iPhone feel more like a dedicated camera. I was initially excited about this feature, but my enthusiasm quickly waned. While the idea is great, the implementation leaves a lot to be desired.
The placement of the Camera Control button makes it awkward to use as a shutter button, particularly in landscape mode. I found it easier to rely on the touchscreen controls instead. Furthermore, the button’s flush design and glass construction require more pressure to activate, leading to slight camera shake, which can affect photo quality.
While I appreciate the effort Apple put into Camera Control, it’s a feature that needs refinement. Moving the button to a more accessible location and making it more responsive would be a welcome improvement.
The Verdict: A Worthy Upgrade
Despite the shortcomings of the Camera Control feature, the iPhone 16 Pro has been a worthy upgrade for me. The upgraded camera system, particularly the 5x telephoto lens, addresses my biggest complaint about the iPhone 15 Pro. Combined with the excellent performance, improved battery life, and new features like Clean Up in the Photos app, the iPhone 16 Pro offers a compelling package for photography enthusiasts and tech-savvy users. If you’re looking for a premium smartphone experience, the iPhone 16 Pro delivers, and all of my initial doubts have vanished.
