Apple iPhone 16 Review – same same but so much different

Haters gunna hate folks, and yep there’ll be loads of comments about how this looks the same and there’s nothing different “Again”. Spot the hater there instantly, because what the iPhone 16 is, is a culmination of all the design and technology of every previous iPhone with some new features and advanced capabilities.

I have all four iPhone models with me, and they are the Teal iPhone 16, Pink iPhone 16 Plus, Natural Titanium iPhone 16 Pro and Desert Titanium iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Because I’ve had just six days with these phones, I chose to go all in on the iPhone 16 Pro as my daily driver.

Coming from the 15 Pro Max there’s no noticeable performance leap, though of course the new A18 Pro chip is offering more under the hood. Will you notice it – not likely. But if you’re doing pro video work, editing, and high end gaming, yes, it will be advantagous.

iOS 18 changes are what you’ll notice most because that too is fresh with your new iPhone, but the re-arranging apps, new Photo app and other things are also available on your bog-standard iPhone 12 – so, let’s move on and just accept and enjoy all that.

There’s really three things to know about this phone. Size, Camera, Apple Intelligence.

On size, the 6.3 inch iPhone 16 Pro is perfection, it’s a big phone by 2010 standards:) But today, it’s on the smaller size of things. But the screen pushes ever closer to the edge and really tries to give that thin border look.

Pop up to the Max and I find the 6.9 inch screen unmanageable, but that’s just me – i’ll stick with just the Pro.

Critically, by avoiding the Max I’m not forgoing Zoom this year, and that has been a game changer. I literally stuck with the 15 Pro Max for the 5x zoom, but now it’s on the Pro. In fact the only difference between the two Pro models is the screen size and battery size. Perfect!

Speaking of the camera there’s some solid specs on the lenses, but the real magic is in the software. Apple’s team has worked to ensure that the style of photography you love is reflected in your iPhone photos. They call this Photographic Styles and you can choose a kinda default for yourself, or customise each photo after it’s taken. It’s like a set of presets, not filters, but presets to the tone and colour mapping. Here’s a bunch of the default preset Styles represented:

In addition to this, in the Edit function of the iPhone 16 is a new touch pad style interface to further customise the look of the image.

It appears in a position for your thumb to roll around it to find the look you love..

These screenshots don’t do it justice, but it’s taking what many photo apps have tried to do, and really making it easier to find an image style you love.

I think it’s a fantastic feature of iPhone 16.

But the real standout is the new Camera Control button.

This is far, far more than just a shutter button.

Yep, you click it to launch the camera, press again to take a photo. Press and hold to take a video.

It just works.

Then half press it and the sensor feels that and gives you a taptic feedback so you know what you’ve done.

Pressing it lightly brings up a new menu on the screen, like an exposure gauge on a DSLR but customisable to suit your need.

That narrow black bar appears right in line with the Camera control button and just on the edge of your screen.

Once that’s there, you can slide your finger across the button to activate that control, in this case zoom.

It works a charm. Double light press the button and bring up more options like exposure, f-stop etc.

This takes some getting used to – so don’t judge it on the first week’s use.

Is it a gimmick? Yes. Will people use it? Yes.

Additionally, for video you can now record in 4K 120fps, which is great, and choosing playback speed is a breeze, loved this update.

We have a slick design, great colours, awesome camera and photography software.

But no Apple Intelligence. That’s a coming soon. Apple say December for Australia.

I tested Apple Intelligence on another phone over recent months as part of the Beta trials, and I have to tell you it’s the most remarkable AI integration of a consumer tech product I’ve seen.

Sure, you can choose to have it help you write an email, or re-write a message in a different tone. But Apple Intelligence does something others have not done – it helps without you asking.

Of course you choose to Enable Apple Intelligence, but look at these example notifications.

One is the Notification I saw, the other the expanded actual notification.

And it does it for all your notifications too:

Plus, imagine now your inbox but instead of the first words of an email, you get an intelligent summary. Game-Changer.

I am so excited about Apple Intelligence, and the only phones compatible with Apple Intelligence are iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and all the iPhone 16 Models.

Thus, making the iPhone 16 the most desirable upgrade to iPhone in a long, long time.

I Suspect a second wave of sales in early 2025 when people start hearing about and seeing other people using Apple Intelligence.

For now though, we have to stick with old Siri – not the new “Glowtime” vibe:

All that is to say that the iPhone 16 is worthy of your money. Regardless of your interest in Apple Intelligence, iPhone 12 owners and anyone with an iPhone before that – this is your new phone.

I actually think the pick of the bunch is the iPhone 16 Plus, but I’m sure plenty will level up for Pro features.

All four models go on sale Friday – starting at $1,399 which is cheaper than last year – yay!

For another Aussie perspective, check out Stephen Fenech’s review at TechGuide.com.au