iPhone 16 Six Months Later - is it Worth it??

Summary

In this six-month review of the iPhone 16, Jason highlights its iterative design, closely resembling its predecessors with some minor updates. Despite the addition of the action button and a camera control button, performance and features remain largely unchanged. The introduction of Apple Intelligence has been underwhelming, with Siri still falling short compared to competitors. While the camera performance and battery life are solid, the launch of the 16e—offering most features at a lower price—raises questions about the iPhone 16's value. Overall, Jason concludes that the iPhone 16 may not be worth the investment, especially with the more affordable 16e.

Takeaways

• 😀 The iPhone 16 is Apple's latest non-pro flagship, and it closely resembles the iPhone 15 in design with only minor updates.
• 😀 Apple promised the iPhone 16 would feature Apple Intelligence, but the AI capabilities were initially unavailable and gradually rolled out via software updates.
• 😀 Six months later, some AI features have been added, but they are underwhelming, especially with Siri's lack of meaningful improvement despite the integration of ChatGPT.
• 😀 The iPhone 16's design, including the slightly slimmer bezel and robust aluminum frame, provides a familiar yet comfortable feel, but the overall design is still due for an overhaul after five years.
• 😀 The introduction of the action button has been a highlight, with users finding various ways to personalize its functionality using Apple Shortcuts.
• 😀 The new camera control button has been mostly unnecessary and uncomfortable to use, with many preferring the traditional method of accessing the camera app.
• 😀 The iPhone 16’s camera performance is excellent, with sharp, natural still images, strong video quality, and a useful two-time zoom, though it lacks 4K 120fps slow-mo found in the iPhone 16 Pro.
• 😀 Battery life remains consistent, providing enough power for a full day of moderate use, but not enough to last into the next morning without a recharge.
• 😀 The addition of AI-driven writing tools and photo cleanup features is appreciated but falls short compared to similar functionalities from Samsung and Google.
• 😀 The iPhone 16e, which offers about 95% of the iPhone 16’s features for $200 less, makes the regular iPhone 16 less appealing, especially for budget-conscious consumers.

Q & A

What makes the iPhone 16 different from its predecessor, the iPhone 15?

The iPhone 16 is very similar to the iPhone 15 in terms of design, but it introduces Apple Intelligence, which was initially promised as a key feature. The main differentiators also include a slightly modified frame design, slimmer bezels, and new buttons like the Action button and camera control button.

Why is the design of the iPhone 16 considered iterative?

The design of the iPhone 16 is seen as iterative because it closely resembles previous iPhones, particularly from the iPhone 14 and 15 models. The overall design has been largely unchanged for several years, with only slight refinements like a more robust frame and slimmer bezels.

What’s the significance of the Action button on the iPhone 16?

The Action button on the iPhone 16 is a new feature that allows users to customize shortcuts for various tasks. Over time, Apple has added more functionality to this button, making it a useful tool for those who enjoy experimenting with Apple shortcuts.

How has the camera performance of the iPhone 16 held up over 6 months?

The iPhone 16's camera performance has remained excellent after six months. It produces sharp, natural-looking photos, and its 2x lossless zoom feature is particularly useful. While the camera quality is similar to previous models, it still offers fantastic results in both still photography and video, especially in 4K resolution.

What are the main drawbacks of the new camera control button on the iPhone 16?

The camera control button on the iPhone 16 has been criticized for being an unnecessary addition. Despite impressive engineering, it is not very easy or comfortable to use, and most users still prefer accessing the camera app in the traditional way, making the button rarely used.

How has Apple Intelligence performed on the iPhone 16 after 6 months?

Apple Intelligence has underperformed in the first six months after its release. While features like writing tools and photo cleanup have been useful, the AI assistant, Siri, still falls short of expectations. Many of the AI features, including the promised upgrades, have not yet been fully realized.

What do users think about the Siri integration with Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16?

Siri, even with ChatGPT integration, has been a major disappointment for iPhone 16 users. It provides generic, high-level responses that fail to address more specific queries. The promised upgrades to Siri, once a major selling point, have been delayed, leaving many users dissatisfied.

How does the iPhone 16's battery life compare to previous models?

The iPhone 16's battery life is on par with the iPhone 15, providing enough power for a full day of moderate use. However, it's not enough to last through the next day without recharging, which remains a typical limitation for many smartphones.

What are the new features on the iPhone 16 that Apple fans may appreciate?

Notable new features on the iPhone 16 include the Action button with customizable shortcuts, the 2x lossless zoom camera, and the introduction of Apple Intelligence, albeit underwhelming. These additions, along with a more refined design and color options, offer incremental improvements over previous models.

Is the iPhone 16 worth upgrading to, especially with the introduction of the iPhone 16e?

The iPhone 16 is not considered worth the upgrade by many users, especially with the release of the iPhone 16e. The 16e offers about 95% of the features at a $200 lower price, making it a more value-driven option for most users. While the iPhone 16 does have some unique features, the iPhone 16e is a more practical choice for those on a budget.