The iPhone 16 Pro delivers bigger displays, plenty of camera upgrades and the promise of Apple Intelligence.
The iPhone 16 Pro continues Apple’s tradition of blending cutting-edge technology with refined design, offering a powerful and seamless user experience. With notable improvements in performance, display, and camera technology, this phone solidifies itself as one of the best smartphones available today.
- Design & Build Quality:
Apple retains the titanium frame introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro, giving the device a premium feel while making it lighter and more durable. The slightly rounded edges make it comfortable to hold, and the finish, especially in the new Dark Blue variant, is both sleek and elegant. The camera bump has been refined, but it still stands out—both literally and figuratively. While the phone feels premium, the large camera array still creates a wobble when placed on a flat surface, something Apple fans might be used to by now.
One of the most impressive design changes is the thinner bezels, providing an almost edge-to-edge display experience. The Dynamic Island remains a unique design feature, though its novelty is starting to wear off as more apps adopt it. Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro is a visually striking device that balances form and function beautifully.
- Display:
The iPhone 16 Pro’s 6.3-inch ProMotion display is an absolute stunner. With the switch to MicroLED technology, colors are more vibrant, blacks are truly inky, and the overall brightness is incredible, even in harsh sunlight. The 120Hz refresh rate makes every swipe feel buttery smooth, whether you’re scrolling through social media or playing high-intensity games. Apple has also pushed the peak brightness to a remarkable 2,500 nits, making HDR content pop like never before.
The Always-On Display has received some nice tweaks, offering more customization options and better integration with widgets. It’s a small but welcome improvement that lets you personalize your lock screen in new ways.
- Performance:
Powered by the A18 Bionic chip, the iPhone 16 Pro is a performance beast. Multitasking, gaming, and heavy app usage feel effortless, and there’s no noticeable lag or stutter. The 6GB of RAM complements the chipset well, handling even the most demanding apps with ease. Whether it’s high-end gaming, video editing, or augmented reality applications, the iPhone 16 Pro never breaks a sweat.
Battery life is solid, lasting a full day on a single charge with mixed use, although power users might find themselves needing a top-up by the end of the day. The inclusion of MagSafe continues to be a convenient feature, though the rumored shift to a portless design didn’t happen just yet, with USB-C still present.
- Camera:
Apple continues to dominate the smartphone camera game with the iPhone 16 Pro. The triple-lens system has been improved with larger sensors and better low-light capabilities. Night mode photos are crisper, and the telephoto lens now offers up to 6x optical zoom, a noticeable jump from previous models.
Portrait mode has also seen improvements, particularly in edge detection and background blur, making it easier to achieve professional-looking shots. The LiDAR scanner enhances depth-sensing for AR applications and faster autofocus in low-light settings.
Video recording is, as always, exceptional. With ProRes support and 4K recording at 120fps, the iPhone 16 Pro remains the go-to device for content creators. Apple’s Cinematic mode has been refined, allowing for more dynamic depth-of-field effects in videos.
- Software:
Running on iOS 18, the iPhone 16 Pro brings a host of new features, such as improved multitasking and smarter notifications. The new Smart Widgets feature makes it easier to stay organized, and the tighter integration with Apple’s ecosystem—like seamless handoffs between Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch—continues to be one of the platform’s biggest strengths.
Pros:
- 5X Tetra Prism Zoom & Cool Slo-Mo Videos
- Bigger Screen & Smaller Bezels
- Battery Life Boost
- Camera Control
Cons:
- Minor Design Changes
- Less storage than the Pro Max
- No change in charging speed
Verdict:
The iPhone 16 Pro is a masterclass in smartphone design and performance. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it improves upon nearly every aspect of its predecessor. With a stunning MicroLED display, exceptional camera system, and lightning-fast performance, it’s the phone to beat in 2024. However, with a premium price tag, it might not be for everyone. If you’re looking for the best iPhone experience and cutting-edge technology, the iPhone 16 Pro is undoubtedly worth the upgrade.