Having been launched a little over three months ago, the iPhone 16 Pro has been a daily companion for me since then. There’s much to appreciate, but it isn’t without its shortcomings. Here’s a look at my experience with Apple’s newest flagship iPhone after three months of use.
Context for the iPhone Upgrade
Before jumping into the pros and cons of Apple’s latest model, here are two crucial points to consider:
- I purchase the latest iPhone every year, so my insights are mostly derived from comparing the 16 Pro to the previous year’s 15 Pro.
- If you’re not transitioning from an iPhone 15 Pro, you will likely find a wealth of new features to enjoy on the 16 Pro that I did not.
While there is certainly more to say about the iPhone 16 Pro as an independent device, my assessment is inevitably colored by my experience with last year’s model.
Positive Highlights
The iPhone 16 Pro has pleasantly surprised me in several ways. Some of its best qualities were anticipated, while others exceeded expectations in their impact.
Here are the standout features that have truly impressed me with the iPhone 16 Pro:
- Enhanced battery life: Apple initially downplayed the battery life improvements with the 16 Pro. This marks the first time I haven’t had to fret about battery longevity, even during travel days. This is a significant benefit.
- 5x telephoto lens: It’s a bit disappointing to mention this, as the upcoming iPhone 17 Air is set to eliminate the telephoto lens. However, the 5x capability on the 16 Pro (I’m not a Pro Max user) has been fantastic. I’ve captured numerous moments using this lens that would have been impossible before.
- 1 nit minimum brightness: The standout feature for me is the new minimum brightness level of 1 nit. It has been a blessing while using my device in bed next to my wife or baby son; the darker display is incredibly helpful.
- Camera Control after iOS 18.2: I quickly realized that the flagship Camera Control wasn’t optimal for portrait photography, so I disabled most of its features. However, the updates in iOS 18.2 have significantly enhanced its functionality, especially as a quick camera launcher and AI assistant.
- Improved thermal performance: The iPhone 15 Pro had notorious overheating issues, but I’ve found the 16 Pro to be much better in this regard. I’ve only encountered one instance where I couldn’t take a photo due to the device overheating, a frequent frustration with the 15 Pro.
Overall, considering the points above, it’s been a solid year for advancements in the iPhone. However, the overall experience hasn’t been entirely positive.
Shortcomings and Letdowns
Some of the updates implemented in the iPhone 16 Pro have felt like steps backward for me, or, in some scenarios, new features simply haven’t had the impact I anticipated.
Here are the drawbacks and disappointments I’ve encountered with the 16 Pro:
- Larger Size Without Advantage: The iPhone 16 Pro is both taller and wider than its predecessor, featuring a 6.3-inch display compared to the 6.1-inch of the 15 Pro. While some users may appreciate this change, I haven’t found the increased size beneficial at all. I can still handle the 16 Pro with one hand, but it feels bulkier without any justifiable advantage. I miss the size of my 15 Pro.
- Increased Weight: The 16 Pro is also heavier, which is disappointing, considering the significant weight reduction that the 15 Pro offered. Apple seemed to take a step back just a year later.
- Underwhelming Macro Mode: I had hoped that the upgrade to a 48MP Ultrawide lens would address my issues with macro mode. While I’ve seen some minor improvements, I often find myself disabling macro mode, as the main camera consistently yields better results, even if it can’t focus as closely.
- A18 Pro vs. A17 Pro Performance: Finally, I anticipated the A18 Pro chip would deliver a noticeable upgrade in power compared to the A17 Pro, especially in AI tasks. However, I haven’t observed much difference in my day-to-day usage; perhaps future AI enhancements will change that perception.
Three-Month Review of the iPhone 16 Pro
Overall, I’m quite pleased with my iPhone 16 Pro. It has introduced valuable enhancements that elevate the iPhone experience.
That said, it would have been ideal to enjoy these improvements without the added weight and size that I cherished in the 15 Pro.
How does your experience with the iPhone 16 Pro compare to mine? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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