Apple has once again launched its latest series of devices: the iPhone 16 lineup. This lineup includes four different models: the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. In this review, we will focus on the base model, the iPhone 16.
While this device offers minor upgrades and retains Apple’s signature premium feel, it does not deliver the level of innovation we expect from the tech giant. Below is an overview of the device and reasons why it may not be the best choice for your next smartphone purchase.
iPhone 16: Specifications and Overview
Display
The iPhone 16 packs a compact 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. The panel has the support of HDR10 and Dolby Vision playback. It has upto 1000-nits of typ brightness and upto 2000-nits of HBM. It gets a 1179*2556 pixel resolution with 19:5:9 aspect ration and 460 ppi density. The screen is protected by Apple’s latest 2024 gen Ceramic Shield Glass.
Performance
Talking about the performance, the iPhone 16 is powered by Apple A18 SoC, which is based on 3nm finfet technology. It’s a Hexa-core chipset with 2×4.04GHz primary core and 4×2.20GHz secondary core configurations. For graphic intensive task, there’s Apple’s 5-core GPU. It runs on iOS 18 and is eligible for next 4-5 major iOS versions.
Camera
Starting with the rear cameras, it has basic dual camera setup. The primary is 48-megapixel 26mm wide lens with f/1.6 aperture, 1/1.56′ sensor size and sensor-shift OIS support. The secondary lens is a 12-megapixel 13mm ultrawide lens with f/2.2 aperture and 120-degree FOV. For selfies, there is a 12-megapixel 23mm wide lens with 1/3.-6′ sensor size and f/1.9-aperture.
Battery
Apple has taken a significant leap in its battery optimization tech. The iPhone 16 packs a 3561mAh Li-Ion battery with PD2.0 wired charging support. It further has 25W wireless (MagSafe), 15W wireless (Qi2), and 4.5W reverse wired charging support. If the fastest supported charging tech is used, it can go from zero to 50% in 30 minutes.
Body & Design
The iPhone 16 brings a brief redesign and new colour options when compared with its predecessor. The camera bump is now smaller with two lenses aligned vertically which gives it a better overall look. The gadget measures the dimension of 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs 170gms. It’s a compact and light-weight device.
Verdict
The iPhone 16 is undeniably a premium smartphone, but it struggles to justify its high price tag. With minimal design changes, incremental performance upgrades and marginal camera changes, it feels more like a refinement of the iPhone 15 than a proper upgrade.
The lack of significant innovation is glaring, especially when competitors are pushing boundaries with faster charging tech, better performance and cameras with powerful telephoto.
In a nutshell, the iPhone 16 doesn’t offer enough value for its price, especially if you already own a recent iPhone. Unless you absolutely need the latest mode, you are better off waiting for Apple to deliver a more compelling upgrade or can look for alternatives that offer better features at similar or lower cost.
