Apple iPhone 16 Review: Features, Price, and Performance
Apple iPhone 16
Network Technology
- GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
- Announced: September 9, 2024
- Released: September 20, 2024
Body
- Dimensions: 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm
- Weight: 170 g
- Build: Glass front (Corning-made glass), glass back (Corning-made glass), aluminum frame
- SIM:
- Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time - International)
- eSIM + eSIM (USA, max 2 at a time)
- Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China)
- IP Rating: IP68 (dust/water resistant up to 6m for 30 minutes)
- Apple Pay: Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified
Display
- Type: Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typical), 2000 nits (HBM)
- Size: 6.1 inches (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)
- Resolution: 1179 x 2556 pixels (~460 ppi density)
- Protection: Ceramic Shield (2024 generation)
Platform
- OS: iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.2.1
- Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm)
- CPU: Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz)
- GPU: Apple GPU (5-core graphics)
Memory
- Internal Storage:
- 128GB 8GB RAM
- 256GB 8GB RAM
- 512GB 8GB RAM
- Storage Type: NVMe
- Card Slot: No expandable storage
Main Camera
- Dual Camera:
- 48 MP (wide), f/1.6, 26mm, 1/1.56" sensor, 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS
- 12 MP (ultrawide), f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ field of view, 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF
- Features: Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR photo/panorama
- Video: 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), stereo sound recording
Selfie Camera
- Single Camera:
- 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", PDAF
- Additional Features: SL 3D (depth/biometrics sensor), HDR, Dolby Vision HDR, 3D (spatial) audio, stereo sound recording
- Video: 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
- Loudspeaker: Yes, with stereo speakers
- 3.5mm Jack: No
Comms
- WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-band, hotspot
- Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE
- Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
- NFC: Yes
- Radio: No
- USB: USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort
Features
- Sensors: Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
- Ultra Wideband (UWB) support (Gen 2 chip)
- Emergency SOS, Messages, and Find My via satellite
Battery
- Type: Li-Ion 3561 mAh
- Charging:
- Wired PD2.0, 50% in 30 minutes
- 25W wireless (MagSafe), 15W wireless (China only), 15W wireless (Qi2)
- 4.5W reverse wired
Miscellaneous
- Colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine
- Models: A3287, A3081, A3286, A3288, iPhone17,3
- SAR: 1.08 W/kg (head), 1.17 W/kg (body)
- SAR EU: 1.24 W/kg (head), 1.41 W/kg (body)
- Price: $714.95 / £749.00 / €864.00
Performance Benchmarks
- AnTuTu: 1,721,149 (v10)
- GeekBench: 7929 (v6)
- 3DMark: 4295 (Wild Life Extreme)
Display
- Max Brightness: 1708 nits (measured)
Battery Life
- Active Use: 15 hours 42 minutes
Design and Display :
The iPhone 16 has a slim, compact design and a 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 1179 x 2556 pixels. This Super Retina XDR OLED display has a pixel density of 460 pixels per inch (ppi) to deliver sharp, vivid images for every task, from watching videos to browsing the web. The iPhone 16 has a 60Hz refresh rate, which is lower than its 120Hz+ competitors, but the display still provides a smooth, fluid experience for most users.
The screen is protected by Ceramic Shield glass, which makes it more durable and more resistant to scratches and drops. The display's HDR10 support provides crisp, detailed images with deeper blacks and brighter whites for an overall better media consumption experience.
The phone measures 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm and weighs about 170 grams. It feels comfortable and light in the hand. It is available in a variety of colors, including black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine, so users can choose a design that suits their taste. With its premium feel, it's clear that Apple made it a priority to offer both style and functionality in the iPhone 16.
Performance :
Inside the iPhone 16 is the Apple A18 hexa-core processor, a powerful chipset designed to deliver smooth, efficient performance. Manufactured using the latest 5nm process technology, the chip delivers significant improvements in processing power, graphics performance, and power efficiency compared to previous models. With the A18 chip, users experience ultra-fast app launches, smooth multitasking, and great gaming performance, making the iPhone 16 the perfect choice for work and entertainment.
The device comes with 8GB of RAM, providing a seamless experience when switching between apps, running background tasks, and playing games. This increase in memory also contributes to improved overall system performance, allowing the iPhone 16 to handle demanding apps with ease.
The iPhone 16 comes with iOS 18, which introduces a range of new features and optimizations. The latest version of Apple's operating system also includes improvements to privacy, security, and personalization, as well as performance improvements to complement the hardware. Users can expect a smooth and intuitive experience with regular software updates from Apple.
Camera System :
Apple has always placed a premium on camera quality on its iPhones, and the iPhone 16 is no exception. On the back, the phone features a dual camera setup consisting of a 48MP main camera with an f/1.6 aperture and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera with an f/2.2 aperture. The main camera captures stunningly detailed images with vibrant colors even in low light thanks to its advanced sensor and improved image processing. The f/1.6 aperture on the main sensor allows for better light capture, making it ideal for nighttime photography and low-light photography.
The 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera lets users capture expansive landscapes and group shots, providing a wider field of view for those moments when you need to include more in the frame. Both cameras feature Apple's renowned image processing software, ensuring photos are sharp, vivid, and color accurate. For selfies, iPhone 16 has a 12-megapixel front-facing camera with an f/1.9 aperture that's designed to capture sharp, detailed self-portraits with natural skin tones, and features like Portrait mode for professional-looking selfies with blurred backgrounds, and AI-powered Beauty mode to enhance facial features.
Memory and Battery :
The iPhone 16 comes in multiple storage options: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. This provides plenty of space for apps, photos, videos, and documents, even without the option to expand storage with a microSD card. Users should choose the storage capacity they want according to their needs when purchasing the device.
When it comes to battery, the iPhone 16 has a built-in battery that will last most users all day. While Apple has not revealed the exact battery capacity, typical usage includes activities such as browsing, gaming, social media, and streaming. The device also supports wireless charging, providing added convenience, especially when used with a compatible charger such as Apple's MagSafe charging system. Additionally, the iPhone 16 supports fast charging via the USB Type-C port, allowing users to charge their phone quickly when they need it.
Durability and Water Resistance :
The iPhone 16 is IP68-rated, meaning it is dust- and water-resistant. This level of protection means the phone can survive immersion in water to a certain depth (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes) and is also dust-resistant, making it more robust for everyday use.
Connectivity and Sensors :
The iPhone 16's connectivity options are plentiful. It supports 5G, offering superfast internet speeds on supported networks, making the device future-proof as 5G networks continue to expand around the world. The phone also features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth v5.3, and NFC for seamless pairing with other devices and accessories.
The USB Type-C port allows for fast data transfer and charging, while the GPS feature ensures accurate location tracking for navigation apps. The phone also supports dual SIM (Nano-SIM and Nano-SIM), allowing users to manage two phone numbers simultaneously. In terms of sensors, the iPhone 16 is equipped with an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, barometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, and compass/magnetometer. These sensors improve the overall user experience by enabling features such as auto-rotate, precise navigation, and more.
Price and Value :
The iPhone 16 is positioned as a premium smartphone with a variety of features that offer great value for money. Although it is more expensive than many Android competitors, it is still a great choice for users looking for a durable, feature-rich phone with excellent performance, camera quality, and software support. Apple's ongoing updates and ecosystem integration make it an attractive choice for those looking for a reliable and future-proof smartphone.
Conclusion :
The iPhone 16 offers a comprehensive package for users looking for a premium smartphone experience. With a powerful Apple A18 processor, 48MP dual camera, high-quality OLED display, and iOS 18 software, the iPhone 16 offers the best performance in all aspects. Its sleek design, rugged durability with IP68 water and dust resistance, and excellent camera system make it a strong contender in the premium smartphone market. While the 60Hz refresh rate may seem low compared to some of the competition, the overall experience remains smooth and the iPhone 16 is still an excellent choice for those looking for a device in Apple's flagship series.
