Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup represents a familiar strategy: refine what already works, inject meaningful new features, and subtly separate the regular models from the Pro tier. The result is a pair of devices that feel distinctly “Apple”—polished, premium, and carefully thought-out—while finally embracing some changes users have been demanding for years.
Design & Build Quality
At first glance, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro look comfortably familiar, but Apple has introduced noticeable design refinements.
iPhone 16 / 16 Plus
The regular iPhone 16 line keeps its matte glass back but brings a new camera layout: vertically stacked lenses instead of the previous diagonal arrangement. The refreshed color palette feels fresh and modern. The finish remains premium, lightweight in hand, and unapologetically Apple.
A new addition is the Camera Control button, a physical pressure-sensitive control placed near the power button. It acts as a shortcut into the camera and adds pressure-sensitive feedback for zoom control, quick shots, and recording triggers. It’s a genuinely useful hardware feature, although its real-world practicality will depend on habit and personal workflow.
USB-C remains, but Apple still limits the standard iPhone 16 to USB 2 speeds, which feels outdated on a device in this price tier.
iPhone 16 Pro
The Pro variant continues with a titanium frame—still premium, still distinct—but now comes in a new Desert Titanium finish alongside returning shades. Bezels have been reduced even further, allowing Apple to increase the display size to 6.3 inches without noticeably enlarging the chassis. It looks modern, futuristic, and incredibly refined.
The Pro maintains the Action Button, gains the same Camera Control hardware feature, and supports faster USB-C (USB 3) transfer speeds, giving professionals what they actually need.
Display
- iPhone 16: 60Hz OLED
- iPhone 16 Pro: 120Hz ProMotion OLED
This is one of the clearest dividing lines between the models. The iPhone 16 display remains sharp and vibrant, but at 60Hz it feels noticeably less fluid compared to the Pro’s ultra-smooth 120Hz panel. ProMotion continues to be a defining experience upgrade—animations glide, interactions feel premium, and overall usability simply hits different.
Apple also continues to refine its bezel work. The Pro’s slimmer frame and expanded canvas make content look immersive without bulk.
Performance
Under the hood:
- iPhone 16: A18 chip
- iPhone 16 Pro: A18 Pro chip
- Both: 8GB RAM
Both devices offer elite-class performance. Apple’s silicon efficiency keeps everything responsive, with apps, processing, and everyday tasks handled effortlessly. The Pro chipset naturally delivers additional headroom for high-end workflows, graphics, and creative work.
Camera System
iPhone 16
- 48MP Main
- 12MP Ultrawide
It still delivers the reliable Apple camera experience: sharp imaging, strong color science, clean HDR, and predictable performance. The vertical layout supports upcoming spatial recording compatibility, making this more than just an aesthetic tweak.
iPhone 16 Pro
- 48MP Main
- 48MP Ultrawide
- 5x Telephoto
Apple finally standardizes 5x optical zoom on both Pro models, removing the previous year’s differentiation. The new ultrawide is sharper than ever, and video continues to be Apple’s supremacy zone—now enhanced with 4K120 recording, expanding slow-motion cinematic possibilities.
A standout upgrade is Audio Mix Studio Mode, which enhances voice capture significantly, simulating studio microphone warmth. Creators will appreciate this deeply.
New Camera Control Button
Both models gain the new Camera Control button—arguably the biggest behavioral shift in this generation. It:
- Launches the camera instantly
- Press → quick shutter
- Press & hold → instant video capture
- Soft press → pressure-sensitive mode for zooming & adjustments
It’s powerful, flexible, and surprisingly deep. That said, it may take time to feel natural. It’s an ambitious change that aligns the iPhone closer to professional camera ergonomics.
Battery & Charging
Charging performance remains similar to last year, with around 50% in 30 minutes when using sufficient wattage. Battery efficiency is still strong, backed by Apple’s software optimization. The bigger upgrade rests on endurance tuning rather than charging speed breakthroughs.
Pricing
Based on stated pricing converted from local references:
- iPhone 16 Plus ~ around $1,250
- iPhone 16 Pro ~ around $1,560
These are premium devices, and Apple positions them accordingly.
Verdict
The iPhone 16 series isn’t about radical reinvention. It’s about sharpening edges, delivering practical upgrades, and giving users more control—especially in the camera experience. The regular iPhone 16 is familiar, dependable, and cleanly executed. The Pro, meanwhile, is a genuinely impressive refinement-machine: sharper display, stronger imaging hardware, faster data throughput, and real creative capabilities.
If you want an iPhone that simply does everything right, the iPhone 16 delivers.
If you want the best iPhone experience with professional-grade headroom, the iPhone 16 Pro is exactly what it claims to be.
Value Score
iPhone 16: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
A premium all-rounder, but the 60Hz and USB 2 limitations hold it back.
iPhone 16 Pro: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Expensive, yes—but packed with meaningful upgrades, future-proofing, and creator-focused power that justifies its price.