iPhone 16 Pro Review: 30 Days Later!

Summary

The iPhone 16 Pro brings incremental design updates with a larger screen, slimmer bezels, and a new camera control button. The 5x optical zoom, improved ultra-wide camera, and 48MP macro photography enhance the device’s imaging capabilities. Battery life remains similar to the 15 Pro, but heat management is significantly better, improving performance during intensive tasks. Apple’s new AI tools, like notification summaries, show promise, though writing tools fall short compared to other AI models. Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro refines the software experience, focusing on AI-driven features, and continues to evolve with more manual control in photography.

Takeaways

• 😀 The iPhone 16 Pro has a larger footprint with a 6.3-inch display, but the size increase is hardly noticeable when switching from the 15 Pro.
• 😀 Apple has reduced the bezels slightly, but the visual difference isn't significant in daily use.
• 😀 The new camera control button is a touch-sensitive surface that allows users to control settings like brightness, zoom, and f-stop through haptic feedback.
• 😀 The camera control button has mixed opinions, with some users labeling it a gimmick, as the same functions can be done faster on-screen.
• 😀 The iPhone 16 Pro introduces a 5x optical zoom, now available on all Pro models, delivering good image quality, especially in outdoor settings.
• 😀 The ultra-wide camera has been upgraded to 48 megapixels, providing more detail and improved macro photography.
• 😀 4K 120fps slow-motion video has been added, offering high-quality video recording, though it requires an external storage device for smooth use.
• 😀 The new photographic Styles feature allows users to apply and customize filters with a slider, offering post-capture flexibility for photo edits.
• 😀 Battery life is comparable to the iPhone 15 Pro, typically providing 5-6 hours of screen-on time, which is sufficient for most users.
• 😀 Heat management has been improved with a new aluminum thermal substructure, resulting in a 20% better sustained performance and less heat during heavy usage.
• 😀 Apple Intelligence features, such as notification summaries and writing tools, enhance user experience, but the writing tool's approach differs from traditional AI assistants like ChatGPT, focusing on creativity over automation.

Q & A

What are the notable design changes in the iPhone 16 Pro compared to the iPhone 15 Pro?

The iPhone 16 Pro is slightly taller, wider, and heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro. It also features slimmer bezels and a larger 6.3-inch display, although the increase in size is not very noticeable in practice.

How does the new camera control button on the iPhone 16 Pro work?

The camera control button on the iPhone 16 Pro is a multi-functional button that allows users to adjust camera settings such as brightness, f-stop, zoom levels, and more. It also serves as a shutter button for taking photos.

What is the general reception of the camera control button?

The camera control button has received mixed opinions. Some see it as a gimmick, similar to the discontinued MacBook touch bar, as many of its functions can already be done more easily on the screen. However, others appreciate the added control it provides for photography.

What camera improvements are featured in the iPhone 16 Pro?

The iPhone 16 Pro includes a standard 5x optical zoom across all Pro models, a 48MP ultra-wide camera (upgraded from 24MP), and 4K 120fps slow-motion video capabilities. These improvements offer better zoom quality, more detailed ultra-wide shots, and enhanced slow-motion footage.

How does the new 48MP ultra-wide camera improve photo quality?

The new 48MP ultra-wide camera provides more detailed shots, especially in macro photography, delivering sharper images with greater clarity and better quality in wide-angle photos.

How does the iPhone 16 Pro's battery life compare to the iPhone 15 Pro?

The battery life of the iPhone 16 Pro is about the same as the iPhone 15 Pro, averaging around 5 to 6 hours of screen-on time. However, the iPhone 16 Pro benefits from improved heat management and optimized performance, which enhances its efficiency during heavy use.

What improvements have been made to heat management in the iPhone 16 Pro?

Apple introduced a new aluminum thermal substructure and back glass optimizations, which result in a 20% improvement in sustained performance and less heat build-up during intensive tasks like wireless charging and hotspot usage.

How has wireless charging speed improved in the iPhone 16 Pro?

The iPhone 16 Pro now supports wireless charging at 25 watts, an increase from the 15 watts supported by the iPhone 15 Pro. This improvement is made possible by the better heat management in the 16 Pro.

What is Apple Intelligence, and how does it enhance the iPhone 16 Pro experience?

Apple Intelligence refers to the AI-powered features on the iPhone 16 Pro. Key features include writing tools that help with message crafting and notification summaries that condense notifications into a short summary. While some features are still being rolled out, these improvements aim to enhance the overall software experience.

What are the limitations of the writing tools in Apple Intelligence?

The writing tools in Apple Intelligence require users to input content first before the AI can assist with crafting messages. This differs from AI systems like ChatGPT or Gemini, where the AI can proactively generate content, which some users find less efficient in comparison.