Apple iPhone 16 Series: A Two-Week Review

should i buy new iPhone ?.

Photo by Amanz on Unsplash

Apple has officially launched its iPhone 16 series, and after using it for two weeks, here’s my take.

At first glance, the iPhone 16 doesn’t seem to introduce major upgrades over the iPhone 15 series, but it does pack a lot of AI-powered features — though most of them aren’t fully functional yet. Despite the event being dubbed “Glowtime,” which hinted at a strong focus on AI, Apple hasn’t delivered all the promised features at launch. Nevertheless, let’s dive into what’s new.

What’s Actually New in the iPhone 16 Series?

Design

Design-wise, there’s a subtle difference in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models, but the Pro and Pro Max largely stick to the previous design language. However, a standout addition is the new Camera Control feature, which we’ll explore in detail later. The fresh range of colors for the 16 series is also quite eye-catching, offering more vibrant options for users.

Sizes

Although the designs of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have changed slightly, the screen sizes remain the same. However, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max now boast larger screens at 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively, giving users a more immersive display experience.

Display

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come with a decent low-bezel display, but they’re limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which is a bit underwhelming in 2024. Meanwhile, both Pro models feature a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a much smoother visual experience.

Battery

Apple has made notable improvements in battery life across the board, with all models showing significant increases in video playback hours. Perhaps the most exciting update is the introduction of fast charging — finally! The iPhone 16 series now supports up to 45W charging, making it much more convenient to top up quickly.

Chipset

The new A18 and A18 Pro chipsets promise 20–30% faster performance compared to the previous generation, according to Apple (though we’ll need to see real-world tests to fully confirm that claim). These new chips should enhance everything from everyday tasks to more intensive activities like gaming and video editing.

Camera

When it comes to the camera, there are some impressive changes across the iPhone 16 lineup, especially in the Pro models. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have improved camera systems, but the Pro versions take it a step further. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max feature a larger main camera sensor, a higher resolution ultrawide camera, and a 5x telephoto lens — a major upgrade for iPhone photography. However, one downside is the increased storage space required for videos, especially with these new camera enhancements.

Photo by Amanz on Unsplash

Camera Control: The Only “Button” That Matters

One of the most talked-about new features is the Camera Control button — or, as Apple prefers to call it, a “sensor,” not a button. Regardless, it functions as a button and adds a lot of value to the camera experience. This new feature allows users to control various aspects of the camera with one hand, making photography and videography much more convenient. It gives users control over the tone, exposure, style, zoom, depth, and more. While there’s a learning curve to fully utilize it, with practice, it becomes a powerful tool.

Here’s a quick rundown of how Camera Control works:

• Click the Camera Control to open the Camera.
• Click again to take a photo, or click and hold to record a video.
• Lightly press the Camera Control twice to open an overlay that shows the available settings for that camera mode.
• Slide your finger on the Camera Control to scroll through the settings choices, then lightly press to select the setting you want.
• Slide your finger to adjust the selected setting.
• The setting is saved and appears the next time you press the Camera Control.
• Click the Camera Control to take your shot.

Conclusion: Should You Upgrade?

While Apple’s “Glowtime” event emphasized AI, the promised features aren’t available on the new iPhone 16 series at launch (they’re said to be coming in future updates). This raises the question: Should you buy the new iPhone?

If you already have the iPhone 15, there’s not much reason to upgrade unless you’re particularly interested in the improved cameras of the Pro models. The 5x telephoto lens and other enhancements make the Pro versions appealing for photography enthusiasts. However, if you have an older iPhone model and want a serious camera upgrade, going for the Pro or Pro Max might be worth it.