The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro have sparked a debate among users, blurring the lines between the standard and Pro models with their near-identical upgrades.
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus Steal the Show
In terms of design, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are clear winners this year. The phones’ matte aluminum finish continues to offer a pleasing tactile experience, and the new vertically arranged camera setup gives the back a sleeker, more symmetrical look.
The iPhone 16’s color options also make a statement, with bold hues like deep pink and dark blue joining the usual black and white choices.
But more importantly, the iPhone 16 introduces two new buttons on the sides. First, it inherits the Action button from the Pro models, replacing the silent/ring switch above the volume buttons on the left.
This button can be assigned tasks such as turning on the flashlight, voice memos, or triggering countless actions within the Shortcuts app. What’s more, this new feature was previously exclusive to the Pro models, as the Action button was only available on the iPhone 15 Pro.
However, this year, users won’t have to wait long for the Camera Control, a new camera button that debuted simultaneously on the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. Located as a long strip at the bottom right corner of the phone, the Camera Control allows users to open the camera app with a single tap, take a photo with another quick tap, and start recording a video by holding the button.
It is designed for lightning-fast iPhone photography and comes with the ability to set parameters like zoom, depth of field, and filters by simply swiping left and right.
While this is a fun feature, it will take some time for users to master it.
Speaking of cameras, the iPhone 16 boasts an upgraded 48-megapixel fusion camera alongside a new 12MP ultra-wide camera, bringing super-detailed macro mode to the standard iPhone. Users can also capture and view spatial audio (another previously Pro-exclusive feature) on the Apple Vision Pro.
The iPhone 16 further enhances performance and battery life with the faster A18 processor, enabling Triple-A games like Resident Evil 4 and Death Stranding to run without the need for a Pro model.
Apple also promises a “big boost in battery life” from the new chip, with the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus rated to deliver up to 22 and 27 hours of video playback, respectively. In comparison, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus offered 20 and 26 hours.
iPhone 16 Pro Falls Short of Surprises
After witnessing the iPhone 16 Pro launch, many might feel underwhelmed by the lack of significant upgrades on Apple’s flagship device.
Boasting the best iPhone camera has often been the primary reason to opt for the Pro model, and this year seems to be no different. The new 48-megapixel fusion camera on the iPhone 16 Pro can now shoot 4K video at 120 frames per second, allowing for creative slow-motion effects and even customizing the slow-down to a cinematic 24 frames per second.
Additionally, there’s the 48MP ultra-wide camera (up from 12MP) for improved wide-angle and macro photography. Users will also have the ability to zoom in with detailed 5x telephoto on both the 16 Pro and Pro Max, whereas previously, this feature was exclusive to the Pro Max.
The sharp Super Retina XDR displays on both Pro models have grown in size this year, with the iPhone 16 Pro now featuring a 6.3-inch screen and the iPhone 16 Pro Max sporting a 6.9-inch display.
Despite the larger screens, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max don’t feel overly big compared to last year’s models, thanks in part to some design optimizations (such as thinner bezels) and a super-lightweight titanium structure.
Of course, the new A18 Pro chip inside promises the best performance on an iPhone, with improved ray tracing for immersive gaming and enhanced battery life.
Notably, both the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro will be among the first phones to support Apple Intelligence next month.
Clearly, the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have never been more appealing. With eye-catching color options, promised performance and battery life enhancements, and features like the Action button and Camera Control, the regular iPhone is almost on par with the Pro.
The differences remain in the ProMotion display, offering an incredibly smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and the absence of a telephoto camera on the standard iPhone 16. However, for most people, the standard iPhone this year has come remarkably close to the Pro.
The iPhone 16 Series: Unveiling and Release in Vietnam on September 27th
Following Apple’s highly anticipated unveiling of its new iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch lineup, authorized Apple retailers, including CellphoneS, have released the official pricing details for these devices in the Vietnamese market.
The Ultimate Dual-Lens Smartphone Camera: A Smooth Operator That Rivals the iPhone 16 at a Fraction of the Cost
This is one of the most impressive smartphones currently on the market. A true powerhouse of technology, it boasts an array of features that will satisfy even the most demanding user. With a sleek design and powerful specifications, it is a device that truly stands out from the crowd. An exceptional smartphone that delivers an unparalleled user experience.
The iPhone 16 is Here: Older Models are Now a Hot Deal, with Some Offering Massive Discounts!
Before the iPhone 16 hit the shelves, prices for many existing iPhone models had already taken a tumble. And now that Apple’s latest and greatest has been unveiled globally, many retailers are continuing to clear out their older iPhone stock.