Apple’s new iPhones are finally here.
The Cupertino-based tech giant hosted its annual September launch event today, where it pulled the wrappings back on the iPhone 16, as well as new AirPods and Watch models.
For this article though, we’ll be focusing on the iPhone, specifically what features we like and don’t like about the new series. There’s a number of them that are worth highlighting, and we’re here to do just that.
Do note that what you’ll read below is just our initial impressions of the iPhone 16 based on the keynote presentation. We, of course, want to reserve final judgment for when we get some hands-on time with the new devices, so our opinions might still change.
But without further ado, here’s what we like and don’t like about the iPhone 16:
We like the bump in display size
Like last year’s iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 series comes in four models: the standard iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
This year, Apple decided to give the two Pro models a bump in display size. The top-end iPhone 16 Pro Max features a display measuring 6.9 inches, up from the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 6.7 inches. The iPhone 16 Pro, meanwhile, features a display measuring 6.3 inches, up from the iPhone 15 Pro’s 6.1 inches.
We get that display size can be a matter of preference, and not everyone likes carrying large, phablet-like devices. But for us, a larger display is almost always the better option because it lets us view more and use apps more effectively.
We don’t like that it’s limited to the Pro models
Sadly, the size bump is limited to the Pro models. We understand that Apple every year needs to come out with exclusive features for the Pro models to differentiate them from their more affordable siblings.
However, we wish that the tech giant also increased the size of the iPhone 16 Plus since it’s often marketed as the supersized variant of the standard model.
We like the new Camera Control button
The debut of the Action button last year with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max proved to be a hit among iPhone users. The button replaces the mute switch and can serve a whole host of functions depending on how you program it, such as launching Shortcuts and toggling Focus mode.
We’re glad that Apple is expanding that button to non-Pro models of the iPhone 16.
But we’re even more glad that it’s adding a new button, the Camera Control, on all the new models.
This capacitive button lets you perform various camera-related functions without touching the display. Lightly tapping on it, for example, lets you quickly access technical camera settings, while sliding on it lets you adjust those very settings.
We don’t like that non-Pro models are stuck with a 60Hz display
After its debut with the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, ProMotion, Apple’s 120Hz adaptive refresh rate display — from its name — has remained exclusive to Pro iPhone models.
And that remains the case for the iPhone 16 series, with the standard and Plus model being stuck with a 60Hz display, which is now starting to feel outdated.
Many mid-range and budget Android devices now have 120Hz displays, making its absence on the non-Pro iPhone 16 models even more glaring. Having the feature could dramatically improve the non-Pro models’ overall user experience, allowing the display to feel more responsive and animations to appear more fluid.
We like the inclusion of the telephoto lens on the iPhone 16 Pro
Apple last year introduced what it calls a “tetraprism” lens with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This variation of the periscope lens gave the top-end iPhone more shooting flexibility, enabling it to have 5x optical zoom.
This year, Apple expanded the feature to both Pro models, which means iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max alike have improved zooming capabilities.
We like this change because it saves us from having to get the Pro Max to enjoy 5x zoom. And if the feature works as well as it does on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, we can expect to take high quality photos of subjects that might be otherwise too far for the iPhone’s other two lenses.
We don’t like the staggered release of Apple Intelligence features
Apple touted that all four iPhone 16 models have been built from the ground up to support Apple Intelligence, the company’s generative artificial intelligence (AI) platform, as they’re all powered by the new A18 series chip.
However, you won’t have access to all of the platform’s features until next year, with the company choosing to roll them out in waves, instead of all together in one go. That’s kind of a shame since one of the main reasons we can see iPhone owners upgrading this year is to play around with the new AI features.
Remember, currently, only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max can support Apple Intelligence; the chips powering all other models are not capable enough to run the platform smoothly, according to Apple.
Also, the first wave of Apple Intelligence features aren’t due out until later in the year, so there’s a good chance they won’t be available yet for those getting their hands on the iPhone 16 early.
We like the “cinematic” recording on the Pro models
Last year’s iPhone 15 Pro models already offered great, cinema-quality recordings with their stellar photo- and video-taking capabilities. This year’s iPhone 16 Pro models, however, easily trump last year’s thanks to improvements in video and audio.
Both iPhone 16 Pro models can shoot 4K video at 120 frames per second, allowing you to apply a “cinematic” slow motion effect on them if you want to. You can even toggle playback speed after the video is shot, giving you more flexibility and control with your recorded clips.
Meanwhile, you can now capture Spatial Audio while shooting video using the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. Additionally, you can expect to capture improved sound recordings thanks to both models having “studio quality” microphones built-in. You also have the ability to access the audio mixes from your recording, letting you, for instance, isolate the ambient noise from people’s voices.
The iPhone 16 starts at P54,990; the iPhone 16 Plus starts at P62,990; the iPhone 16 Pro starts at P69,990; and the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at P84,990.
Pre-orders for all four models begin Friday, September 13 in the US, with a release date of September 20, but release details in the Philippines have yet to be announced. – Rappler.com