By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
The iPhone 16 offers a well-balanced experience, slotting neatly between the higher-end iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max without too many compromises. After using the device for a few days, I found it to be familiar yet enhanced with enough improvements to keep things interesting. The iPhone 16 may not revolutionize the smartphone market, but it builds on the solid foundation of its predecessors with better camera features, increased battery life, and subtle design tweaks.
iPhone 16 continues Apple’s tradition of offering premium design, even in its base models. When I unboxed the iPhone 16 in its sleek white finish, it immediately evoked memories of classic Apple designs from the Jony Ive era. Despite Ive’s departure, his design philosophy remains, evident in the clean, elegant lines of the iPhone 16. The flat-edged shape and aluminum rails are reminiscent of previous models, making it a device that feels comfortable to use with one hand.
Though it might appear similar to the iPhone 15, the new pill-shaped camera island stands out. This design choice isn't just aesthetic—it supports stereoscopic spatial videos for viewing with the Apple Vision Pro VR headset. But, visually, if you are using an iPhone 14 or 15, you could comfortably stick with your device for a couple of years without feeling the need to upgrade based on design alone.
One of the standout additions to the iPhone 16 is the Action Button, which replaces the ring/silent switch found on previous models. Borrowed from the Pro series, this customizable button allows users to quickly access features like ChatGPT or activate Focus mode. Its versatility makes it more useful than the older switch, and it adds a layer of personalization that will appeal to a broad audience.
Along with the Action Button, the Camera Control Button is an interesting new feature. Located on the right side, this physical button offers a more DSLR-like experience, enabling users to launch the camera quickly, take pictures, and adjust settings with a half-press. However, the button feels slightly stiff at times, and despite its potential, I found myself reverting to the on-screen shutter for convenience.
While the iPhone 16 may not dramatically change Apple’s camera game, it does introduce modest improvements. The 48MP main camera continues to deliver detailed, true-to-life photos, while the new ultra-wide sensor captures more light, making it particularly effective in low-light conditions. The Camera Control Button enhances the experience for users who prefer physical controls over touchscreen inputs, although it may take some getting used to.
If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 12 or 13, the difference in camera quality will be noticeable, particularly in night photography and macro shots. However, for iPhone 14 or 15 users, the improvements are more incremental.
One of the more surprising aspects of the iPhone 16 is its lack of a 120Hz display, especially when this feature is available on much more affordable Android devices. The 6.1-inch screen is bright and colorful, but it only supports a 60Hz refresh rate, making it feel slightly dated compared to its competitors. While the absence of 120Hz may not affect daily tasks, users who are accustomed to the smoother experience of the Pro models might notice the difference.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 16 is powered by Apple’s new A18 chip, providing a noticeable speed boost over its predecessors. However, the gains are incremental, and even older iPhones have enough processing power for most users. Where the A18 really shines is in future-proofing the device for upcoming AI features, branded as Apple Intelligence. Although these AI-powered features are not yet available, they hold promise for enhancing the user experience in future updates.
One of the most practical improvements in the iPhone 16 is its extended battery life. My testing showed that the device could easily last a full day of usage, even with heavy streaming and social media use. Faster 25W MagSafe charging also makes a noticeable difference, charging the device quicker than previous models.
The iPhone 16 bridges the gap between Apple’s entry-level and Pro models with significant improvements in performance, design, and usability. For users coming from older iPhones like the 12 or 13, the iPhone 16 offers enough new features, including improved cameras, faster performance, and better battery life, to justify an upgrade. However, for those already using the iPhone 14 or 15, the changes may not be compelling enough to make the switch immediately.
With Apple Intelligence set to roll out in future updates, the iPhone 16 could become even more powerful. For now, it remains an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality smartphone that balances performance and usability without the Pro price tag.
