Answering YOUR iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Questions!

Summary

This video answers key questions about the iPhone 16 Pro series, covering comparisons with older models and competing phones. It highlights the differences in size, battery life, camera performance, and new features like the audio mix tool. The host discusses iPhone color choices, durability concerns, and provides recommendations based on user priorities like screen size and battery life. Low-light camera performance, phone overheating, and battery tests are also addressed. The video concludes with advice on choosing between the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max based on personal preferences.

Takeaways

• 📱 If you have an iPhone X and are considering an upgrade, the iPhone 16 Pro offers a larger display (6.3 inches) and more features, while the regular iPhone 16 (6.1 inches) shares many features but lacks the telephoto zoom camera.
• 🎨 Apple's color choices for iPhones may not be exciting, and durability hasn't significantly improved despite the 'Ceramic Shield' display being marketed as 50% stronger.
• 📸 Camera improvements in the iPhone 16 include a 48MP main sensor and optical zoom, but the regular iPhone 16 still offers impressive camera features without the telephoto zoom.
• 🖱 The capacitive buttons on the iPhone 16 Pro and Plus work through Apple's official cases, though performance with third-party cases is not guaranteed.
• 📏 The iPhone 16 Pro's 6.3-inch display is slightly larger than the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro, but the difference isn't dramatic. However, it's noticeable in video content and one-handed use.
• 🔋 The iPhone 16 Pro Max outlasts the regular Pro in battery life (18+ hours vs. 14+ hours), and it also starts with higher base storage (256GB vs. 128GB).
• 🎧 The new Audio Mix feature on all iPhone 16 models helps reduce background noise in videos, though results may vary in terms of audio quality.
• 📸 In low-light tests, the iPhone 16 Pro generally outperforms the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro, offering more natural lighting and balanced exposure.
• 🔥 The iPhone 16 Pro tends to heat up more than the 15 Pro in stress tests, but Apple claims it's not overheating in everyday use, especially with the camera.
• 🧐 The choice between the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max depends on user priorities: the Pro Max offers a bigger display and longer battery life, but the regular Pro is easier to handle with one hand and offers almost identical performance.

Q & A

What iPhone should someone with an iPhone 10 upgrade to?

If you're upgrading from an iPhone 10, consider the iPhone 16 Pro. It has a larger 6.3-inch display, up from the iPhone 10's 5.85-inch screen. If you don't need the extra telephoto camera, the regular iPhone 16 might also be a good option with its 6.1-inch display and similar features.

Why are colors important on iPhones, and is Apple doing enough to make iPhones more durable?

Colors are a matter of style and personalization. Apple has not made significant strides in durability beyond the Ceramic Shield display, which they claim is 50% stronger. However, iPhones still need cases to protect against damage.

Will a third-party silicone case work with the iPhone 16's capacitive buttons?

The capacitive buttons on the iPhone 16 work well through Apple's official cases, but it's uncertain how well third-party cases will perform.

Is there a noticeable difference in screen size between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro?

While the iPhone 16 Pro's 6.3-inch display isn't dramatically larger than the iPhone 15 Pro's 6.1-inch display, the extra screen real estate might be noticeable when watching videos or browsing web pages.

Besides size, are there any key differences between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max?

Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a longer battery life (over 18 hours compared to 14 hours for the Pro) and starts with 256GB of storage, while the iPhone 16 Pro starts at 128GB. The Pro Max is also more expensive.

How does the new 'Audio Mix' feature on the iPhone 16 work?

Audio Mix is available in the Photos app when editing videos. It allows you to minimize background noise by cycling through different options like 'Inframe,' 'Cinematic,' and 'Studio' to adjust sound quality.

How does the iPhone 16 Pro compare to the Samsung S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro in low-light photography?

In low-light conditions, the iPhone 16 Pro tends to offer more natural results compared to the brighter images from the S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro. However, these other devices can render more visible details in some instances.

Why hasn't there been a battery test on the iPhone 16 Plus?

There have been battery tests for the iPhone 16 Plus, and it performed well, lasting around 16 hours in tests. The iPhone 16 Pro Max lasted even longer, at over 18 hours.

Does the iPhone 16 Pro have overheating issues during intense use?

In general use, there are no significant overheating issues, but during intense activities like gaming, the iPhone 16 Pro can heat up. In stress tests, the device did get warmer than the iPhone 15 Pro.

Which is better, the iPhone 16 Pro or the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a larger display and longer battery life, which can be beneficial for activities like watching videos or attending events. However, the regular iPhone 16 Pro is easier to use with one hand and may be sufficient for most users.

Outlines

00:00

📱 iPhone 16 Pro Overview and Common Questions

The presenter discusses common questions regarding the iPhone 16 Pro. They encourage viewers to watch the full iPhone 16 Pro review and highlights some common queries they've received, such as helping users decide which iPhone to buy. They recommend the iPhone 16 Pro over the iPhone 16 due to its larger display, advanced features, and performance. For users still holding on to older models like the iPhone X, it's suggested to upgrade based on screen size and feature requirements.

05:02

🎨 iPhone Colors and Durability Concerns

In response to a question about iPhone colors, the presenter talks about the durability of iPhones, agreeing that there hasn't been much progress in making phones tougher. They mention that while Apple's ceramic shield is supposed to be stronger, real-world tests suggest iPhones remain prone to damage, making cases necessary. They also critique the current iPhone color options, suggesting ultramarine for something more dramatic and unique.

🖲️ Capacitive Button Functionality with Cases

Addressing a question about the functionality of the new capacitive buttons with a silicon case, the presenter demonstrates that the buttons work well through Apple's official case. They express uncertainty about third-party cases but confirm that Apple's own cases don't hinder the button's function.

📏 iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro: Screen Size and Comparison

The presenter compares the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro, emphasizing the difference between the 6.1-inch and 6.3-inch displays. While the difference in size is subtle, it can make a noticeable impact when viewing media like photos or videos. However, it's noted that the iPhone 16 Pro is slightly heavier, which could be a downside for some users.

🔋 iPhone 16 Pro vs Pro Max: Battery and Storage Differences

Here, the main differences between the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are outlined. The Pro Max offers longer battery life (18 hours vs. 14 hours) and comes with higher starting storage (256GB vs. 128GB). Despite these differences, the presenter suggests that for most users, the iPhone 16 Pro should suffice.

🎤 Understanding AudioMix Features in iPhones

The presenter explains the new AudioMix feature available in the Photos app on all iPhone 16 models. It allows users to minimize background noise in videos with different modes, such as 'Inframe' and 'Studio.' They note that while the feature reduces noise, the resulting audio may sometimes sound tinny.

🌃 iPhone 16 Pro Low-Light Photography vs. Competitors

The presenter compares the iPhone 16 Pro’s low-light photography capabilities with the Samsung S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro. In various tests, the iPhone performed better in certain situations, such as providing better exposure in low-light environments. However, the competition sometimes produced brighter images, although not always in a natural way.

📱 The Presenter's Tech Experience and Expertise

Responding to criticism about their expertise, the presenter shares their extensive experience in covering smartphones, including the original iPhone launch. They highlight their career in tech journalism, starting with covering early cellphones and smartphones, reaffirming their credibility as an expert in the field.

🔋 iPhone 16 Plus Battery Performance and Overheating Concerns

The presenter discusses the battery performance of the iPhone 16 Plus, dispelling concerns about battery downsizing. Based on testing, the iPhone 16 Plus battery performs well, lasting around 16 hours, with no signs of overheating under regular use. However, the iPhone 16 Pro can run hotter during stress tests compared to the iPhone 15 Pro.

🤔 Choosing Between iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max

In the final part of the video, the presenter shares their personal dilemma between the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. While they appreciate the larger screen and longer battery life of the Pro Max, they acknowledge that the smaller Pro model is more convenient for one-handed use, making it a solid choice for many users.

Keywords

💡iPhone 16 Pro

The iPhone 16 Pro is the central focus of the video, with the reviewer discussing its features, performance, and comparison with previous iPhone models. It has a 6.3-inch display and advanced capabilities like the A18 chip and a 48-megapixel camera. The device is portrayed as an upgrade for users with older iPhones, especially those considering screen size, battery life, and camera performance.

💡A18 chip

The A18 chip is the latest processor used in the iPhone 16 Pro and other models in the series. It represents a significant technological upgrade, enhancing performance and power efficiency. The chip allows for features like improved AI capabilities (referred to as 'Apple intelligence') and faster processing. It is a key selling point in the comparison between older iPhones and newer models.

💡Battery life

Battery life is a crucial factor discussed in the video, especially in the comparison between the iPhone 16 Pro and the Pro Max. The reviewer notes that the iPhone 16 Pro Max lasts over 18 hours on a single charge, while the iPhone 16 Pro lasts over 14 hours. Battery life is emphasized as a critical aspect for users who need long-lasting power, such as during travel or extensive phone usage.

💡Telephoto Zoom

Telephoto Zoom refers to the camera feature available on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, which allows for optical zoom without losing image quality. The video highlights that while the iPhone 16 has a 2x quasi-optical zoom, the Pro models offer superior zoom capabilities, which is important for users who prioritize photography. This is one of the main differences between the regular iPhone 16 and the Pro models.

💡Ceramic Shield

Ceramic Shield is the material used for the iPhone 16 Pro's display, designed to be 50% stronger than previous versions. The video acknowledges this feature but points out that drop tests suggest iPhones are still vulnerable to damage, meaning a case is recommended. The reviewer mentions it in response to a question about iPhone durability, noting that despite the shield, the iPhone's toughness hasn't dramatically improved.

💡Screen size

Screen size is a significant topic in the video, particularly in the comparison between the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro, as well as between the Pro and Pro Max models. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, which is an upgrade from the 6.1-inch display of the iPhone 15 Pro. The reviewer emphasizes how this slightly larger screen can enhance the viewing experience, particularly for media consumption like watching videos.

💡iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro

This comparison is central to the video, helping viewers decide between the regular iPhone 16 and the Pro models. While both phones share features like the A18 chip and improved camera systems, the Pro models offer additional features like better zoom and larger screen sizes. The decision ultimately comes down to individual preferences, such as screen size and camera needs.

💡AudioMix

AudioMix is a new feature in the iPhone 16 series that allows users to adjust audio settings when editing videos. The feature offers options like reducing background noise or enhancing the clarity of the subject’s voice. In the video, the reviewer explains how AudioMix works through the Photos app and its various modes, such as 'inframe' and 'studio,' highlighting its utility for video editing.

💡Capacitive button

The capacitive button is a touch-sensitive button on the iPhone 16 models, designed to work even through cases. The video demonstrates that the button works well with Apple's official silicone case but questions whether third-party cases will have the same functionality. This feature is particularly useful for users who need to interact with their phone while it is in a case.

💡iPhone 16 Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is compared to the iPhone 16 Pro throughout the video, primarily in terms of battery life, screen size, and price. The Pro Max offers a larger display and significantly longer battery life, making it a better choice for users who prioritize media consumption or need extended battery performance. However, it is also heavier and more expensive, which might deter some users.

Highlights

The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, up from 6.1 inches in the iPhone 15 Pro.

The regular iPhone 16 shares many of the same features as the Pro, including the A18 chip and a quasi-optical zoom with 2x on the 48MP camera.

The durability of iPhones hasn't seen major improvements, despite Apple's claims about the Ceramic Shield being 50% stronger.

Apple's desert titanium color isn't particularly exciting, with Ultramarine being a more dramatic and interesting choice.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a battery life of over 18 hours, while the iPhone 16 Pro lasts over 14 hours.

For those deciding between iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, the Pro Max offers more battery life and starts with 256GB of storage compared to 128GB on the Pro.

The iPhone 16 series introduces the Audio Mix feature, allowing users to adjust background noise in video recordings via the Photos app.

In low-light photography tests, the iPhone 16 Pro performed slightly better in some conditions than the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro, offering more natural results.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max achieved a higher heat dissipation stability score (80%) compared to the iPhone 16 Pro (60%) in stress tests.

The iPhone 16 Plus lasted about 16 hours in battery tests, up by 2 hours compared to the iPhone 15 Plus.

The iPhone 16 series battery doesn't show signs of overheating in general use, though it heats up slightly during intense gaming sessions.

In side-by-side comparisons, the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro and 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro show subtle but useful differences in screen size for activities like watching videos.

The capacitive button on the iPhone 16 Pro works well through Apple's official silicone case.

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max share the same tetraprism zoom lens and processor, with the primary differences being screen size, battery life, and price.

The speaker prefers the iPhone 16 Pro Max for its larger display and longer battery life, especially for activities like watching videos on long flights.

Transcripts

by the time you're watching this our

iPhone 16 Pro review has been live on

the channel for over a week and we've

also posted a ton of behindth scenes

content like unboxings on our Tik to

I've seen a lot of the questions come

through on our videos and disclaimer

I've already tried to answer a bunch of

them in the comments but I thought I'd

go through some of the biggest ones here

quickly just one last thing if there's a

question I don't answer or a question

you still have make sure to go to my

iPhone 16 Pro review video and there's a

chance I may have already answered it

first up we have I have an iPhone 10

which iPhone should I buy help okay so

here's where I come in if you're holding

on to an iPhone 10 congratulations

you've been had a phone for about seven

years and I can't believe that it's

still it's probably hanging by a threat

at this point but there was some really

cool things about it like face ID was

the first with that technology so if

it's time for an upgrade I would think

about size first the iPhone 10 had a

fairly small 5.85 in display at least

for the time so right off the bat in

terms of size I think you're going to

look at the iPhone 16 Pro because it has

a 6.3in display now that's up from 6.1

in on the iPhone 15 Pro if you don't

need the additional camera in terms of

telephoto Zoom you might want to go for

the regular iPhone 16 because you're

getting a lot of the same features like

an a18 chip Apple intelligence and even

a quasi optical zoom with 2x with the 48

megapixel camera in a more manageable

6.1 in size so I think it really comes

down to what size screen do you want

overall I would go with the iPhone 16

Pro why do they put colors on iPhones a

real upgrade would be making iPhones

that don't need cases is well that would

be an accomplishment I'm not sure how

Apple would make an iPhone without a

color I mean transparent would be really

cool but when it comes to the durability

factor I do think you have a point it

doesn't seem like we've made great

strides when it comes to the toughness

of iPhones Apple says that the ceramic

Shield display is 50% stronger than

previous iPhones but based on the drop

test that we've seen it's just as

susceptible to damage so you are going

to need a case but when it comes to the

colors I definitely hear you I feel like

desert titanium is not very exciting we

may have seen them a few years ago with

the iPhone 11 or something very close if

you want something that's truly dramatic

and interesting I would go with like

let's say the iPhone 16 and Ultra Marine

next question if I buy a silicon case

will the camera button still work or is

it sensitive enough all right well the

good news is that I have the iPhone 16

plus right here and the capacitive

button works perfectly directly through

the case so I can use it in landscape

mode or portrait mode and it works just

fine but this is the official case from

Apple I'm not sure how well third party

cases are going to work so going to have

to see here's another one please do a

side-by-side comparison of the iPhone 15

Pro versus iPhone 16 Pro the screen size

difference is very intriguing to me no

one has a video of this after many

searches so well your search is over we

have the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 16

Pro side by side this is 6.1 in this is

6.3 in if you're looking at the phone

side by side it doesn't seem dramatic at

first glance like let's say if you're

looking at like web pages or videos or

photos I think you'll appreciate the a

little bit of extra real estate but it's

not a dramatic difference but there is a

difference in terms of how heavy the

device is and how easy it is to use with

one hand I think some people might be

bummed that it's no longer a small phone

I would say if you're watching Netflix

or YouTube having that extra 2 in might

not seem like much but I think it'll

help especially if you're on a long

flight is there any difference between

the iPhone 16 pro and pro Max besides

size well you can definitely see that

but there's two other main differences

one is that in our battery test the

iPhone 16 Pro Max lasted over 18 hours

on a charer charge which is among the

longest that we've ever tested the

iPhone 16 Pro was still pretty good at

over 14 hours but there is a pretty big

difference between the two when it comes

to the price and starting storage with

the iPhone 16 Pro you're starting with

128 gigs of storage versus 256 for the

iPhone 16 Pro Max but even if you spend

$100 more to get to 256 you're still

going to be $100 under the 16 Pro Max

here's a pretty easy one how do you use

audiio miix so audiomix is a feature

that is on all four new iPhones and it's

a feature that's in the photos app so

what you want to do is when you're

looking at a video you're going to hit

edit and then audio mix is going to be

one of the features and the idea is that

you can cycle through different options

in order to minimize background noise so

inframe is one of them there's also

cinematic if you want a little

background noise in there's also a

studio option to make it sound like

you're in front of the microphone in the

studio itself and then there's standard

so you get like the whatever you're

usually going to get when you're

recording video based on our testing it

definitely did a good job removing

background noise but the resulting audio

in some cases was a little bit tinny so

don't expect dramatically better results

in terms of audio quality just less

noise shots at night or low light on

iPhone 16 Pro are worse than the s24

ultra and pixel 9 Pro please answer this

question well actually based on our

testing so far and we've done a number

of photo faceoffs but I actually tested

the s24 ultra and the pixel 9 Pro XL

versus the iPhone 16 pro and pro Max in

the reviews and based on the few tests

that I did in low light which was

indoors and Outdoors I think the iPhone

performed a little bit better there was

one shot in front of a municipal

building where you could actually make

out more of the frame there's like a

better exposure both in the foreground

and the building itself but the s24

ultra did a better job of rendering the

letters on the building there was

another shot that I took in a park that

was almost completely dark and I think

the s24 ultra and the pixel 9 Pro did a

good job in terms of like a very bright

image but the sky was so bright that

actually thought it was like daylight

instead of nighttime I think the

iPhone's result was a little bit more

natural so I think when it comes to low

light performance you're going to be

really excited and pleased with what the

iPhone 16 pro and pro Max have to offer

and if you're looking for more info on

this be sure to check out our photo

shootouts with both the Galaxy s24 Ultra

and the pixel 9 Pro all right so and

it's okay to take Digs at me what makes

you an expert I've never even heard of

you since iPhone 4 well first of all

iPhone 4 was a long time ago but I've

actually be covering smartphones before

the original iPhone and I covered the

orinal orinal iPhone launch for Laptop

Mag in fact I worked for a magazine

called mobile Computing for Solutions

and life which just rolls off the tongue

so we were covering the very first cell

phones like period at the time and the

first that came with Bluetooth so I

followed the evolution of smartphones

from Windows mobile to iOS and Beyond so

I'm definitely an expert suspiciously

the iPhone 16 plus battery and test is

absent I haven't found a channel nor

site doing a battery test with the

iPhone 16 plus did Apple send out an NDA

to exclude the 16 Plus testing so people

don't realize they downsize the battery

well first off they actually increased

the battery size across the board and

you can see that on tomsguide.com but

the other thing that you need to know is

that the battery test results were

actually quite good on the toms guy

battery test the iPhone 16 plus lasted

about 16 1 12 hours on average now the

iPhone 16 Pro Max was even better at

over 18 hours and just so you know

compared to the iPhone 15 plus from last

year it's it's a jump of about 2 hours

were there any issues of battery

overheating or phone getting hot during

trials so we actually tested like heat

and heat dissipation in a couple of

different ways one was in the 3D Mark

stress test which lasts for about 20

minutes and then it gives you a

so-called stability score on the iPhone

16 Pro it was really interesting that

one got in like the 60% range which is

not great whereas the iPhone 16 Pro Max

got in the 80% range so my theory is

that because there's more space for heat

to ation and there's more thermal head

room for it to get rid of heat to test

the heat on the iPhone 16 Pro by itself

we actually put it up against the iPhone

15 Pro and then ran the same 3D Mark

stress test for about 20 minutes then

measured the temperature on the back of

the phone and this device got to about

111° which was a few degrees hotter than

the iPhone 15 Pro so I would say that

Apple's claims about like a better like

redesign on the inside are not really

coming to fruition so far but I wouldn't

say that it's over heating when it comes

to Everyday Use I would say like if

you're playing a intense game for maybe

30 minutes or longer you're going to

notice the phone start to heat up but in

general use especially when using the

camera which can sometimes heat up the

phone I didn't get any like overheating

on my end and finally we're on did you

choose the max or the regular one you

could probably tell in my review video

that I was somewhat torn between the two

phones like if I was going to buy one

with my own money I would probably get

the 16 Pro Max because you get the

longer battery life and the larger

display

I like to be able to like watch videos

on planes for example so I probably get

it for that reason and I need the extra

endurance when I'm at Tech events

whether it's the Apple event or CES but

I think for a lot of people the regular

iPhone 16 Pro will be good enough

because you're still getting the same

tetr prism zoom lens the same processor

the same performance and I think little

less battery life so it really comes

down to what you prioritize and I think

it's a lot easier to use in one hand

which I think for a lot of people is

probably the the most important thing

but before you choose between the pro

Max and the pro I just want to say you

know based on a review we literally

saying that the regular iPhone 16 and

plus are pro enough this year because

you are getting Apple intelligence an

a818 ship even though it's not the pro

the battery life has improved what

you're really missing is the telephoto

zoom and the larger displays but again

I'm not sure everyone wants a bigger

screen all right guys hopefully that was

helpful we wanted to answer all of your

questions about the iPhone 6 and 16 Pro

Series if you have any additional

questions make sure you drop them right

here in the comments and keep your eye

out for Kate answering all of your

questions around the Apple Watch series

10 I'm Mark spow for Tom's guide and be

sure to follow us on all of our social

channels at Tom's guide