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Review: Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
The standout feedback for the new iPhone 16 is that it looks gorgeous. The new teal, ultramarine, and pink hues are brighter and more vibrant than previous options, thanks to an updated manufacturing process that Apple claims infuses color throughout the phone's glass back. In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro colors are considered dull, and I agree with that assessment.
iPhone 16 Review: Incremental Upgrades with a Few Standout Features
The iPhone 16 has arrived, but it doesn’t bring any groundbreaking changes compared to its predecessor. While it introduces a few new features like the Camera Control button and the Action Button (previously exclusive to Pro models), most upgrades are incremental. If you’re using a recent iPhone that’s still functioning well, the iPhone 16 may not offer enough compelling reasons to upgrade. However, it does come with some notable improvements, including a larger battery, a more powerful processor, and easier repairability.
Key Features of the iPhone 16
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Camera Control Button: A new addition that enhances camera functionality.
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Action Button: Borrowed from the Pro models, offering customizable shortcuts.
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Larger Battery: Improved battery life for longer usage.
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Powerful Processor: Enhanced performance for smoother multitasking and gaming.
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Easier Repairs: Designed with repairability in mind, making it more user-friendly for repairs.
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Camera Performance: Continues to deliver excellent photo and video quality.
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Face ID: Remains the gold standard for facial recognition technology.
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Dynamic Island: A feature that has grown on users for its practicality and functionality.
Apple Intelligence: A Work in Progress
The iPhone 16 introduces Apple Intelligence, a beta feature that offers some useful daily tools. However, it’s still in development, with several features missing. While it shows promise, it’s not yet a compelling reason to upgrade for most users.
Why Go Pro?
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro models cater to professionals with features like ProRes, Log video recording, and Academy Color Encoding System. However, these advanced tools are unnecessary for the average user. The main upgrades in the Pro models are their larger screens, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max now feeling slightly unwieldy due to its increased size. For most users, the standard iPhone 16’s screen size and features are more than sufficient.
The Verdict
The iPhone 16 is a solid device with incremental improvements that enhance its performance and usability. While it may not be a must-have upgrade for everyone, it offers enough refinements to appeal to those looking for a reliable and capable smartphone. For users who don’t need pro-level features, the standard iPhone 16 strikes a good balance between performance and practicality.
Source: Wired - Apple iPhone 16 Review
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