The iPhone 16 is the base model in Apple’s newest lineup, and it’s often seen as the least exciting option. But this year, Apple has delivered something truly special with the iPhone 16. It’s a refreshing, satisfying, and surprisingly capable smartphone that I’ve had a blast using. While it does have its drawbacks, the iPhone 16’s strengths are undeniable.
The iPhone 16’s design is a standout. From the moment I held it, I was impressed by its fresh and exciting aesthetic. The new colors are a welcome change from the muted tones of the iPhone 15. The classic white and black shades return, while the other colors, like Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine, are bold and vibrant.
The new camera design, reminiscent of the iPhone X, is a welcome improvement. The square cutout from previous models feels outdated, and this smaller pill shape is a sleek and modern touch. The Action button, now available on all iPhone 16 models, is a fantastic addition. It’s a versatile tool that allows you to quickly access various functions, like turning on the flashlight, opening Focus modes, and starting a voice recording.
The iPhone 16’s size is a big plus. It’s incredibly light and easy to use one-handed, making it a comfortable and practical device. The 6.1-inch display is ample for browsing apps, watching videos, and playing games.
The display itself is excellent, with vibrant colors and a wide range of brightness. However, it’s hampered by a 60Hz refresh rate, which is a significant drawback in 2024, especially considering the 120Hz displays found on even mid-range Android phones. The lack of an always-on display is another disappointment for a phone at this price point.
The iPhone 16’s camera system is a highlight. The 48-megapixel primary camera captures detailed photos with rich colors, and it focuses quickly and handles moving subjects with ease. The ultrawide camera is decent, and the macro photography capabilities are a fun addition.
But the real star is the updated Photographic Styles feature. With more options and the ability to customize the tone and color of each style, it’s a powerful tool for anyone who wants to enhance their photos. The ability to edit styles after taking a photo is a huge improvement, making them much more versatile.
Battery life is solid, getting me through a full day even with heavy use. While not the best in class, it’s reliable and consistent. Charging speeds are decent, with fast initial charging but slower speeds as the battery reaches full capacity.
The A18 chip is a significant upgrade over the A16 chip in the iPhone 15, providing noticeable performance improvements and enabling new features like Apple Intelligence. While Apple Intelligence won’t be fully available until October, it’s worth noting that the iPhone 16 is already a powerful and capable phone without it.
iOS 18 brings several welcome improvements, including greater home screen customization, a redesigned Control Center, and the addition of RCS support for messaging. The Photos app has also been redesigned, offering more customization options.
Overall, the iPhone 16 is a fantastic phone. While it lacks some features found on its Pro counterparts, it’s still a compelling and well-rounded device. If you’re looking for a new iPhone this year, the iPhone 16 is a strong contender. It offers a great design, a fun camera system, and powerful performance at a competitive price point.
