Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus Review: Little Improvements Add Up

Apple’s iPhone lineup has always been synonymous with innovation, but sometimes, it’s the subtle, incremental improvements that make the biggest difference. The new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are perfect examples of this philosophy. While the changes may not be as groundbreaking as previous iPhone releases, these small updates come together to create a smoother, more refined user experience. Here's our review of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus and why these incremental upgrades could be the perfect choice for many users.

Design and Build: Familiar Yet Refined

At first glance, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus may seem almost identical to their predecessors. Apple sticks with the sleek, flat-edge design introduced in the iPhone 12, maintaining the same premium materials, with Ceramic Shield glass on the front and a glass back. The aluminum frame gives the phones a solid, premium feel, with excellent durability.

The most notable design change is in the thinner bezels, which Apple claims provides a more immersive viewing experience. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are still not drastically different from the iPhone 15 in terms of size and feel, but the slightly more compact build (especially the 16) makes one-handed use easier than before.

While the design doesn’t break new ground, the colors available on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are fresh and vibrant. Apple has introduced new shades like "Sunset Gold" and "Sapphire Blue," adding a touch of personality and variety to their color options.

Display: A Refined Visual Experience

Apple has always excelled in display quality, and the iPhone 16 series continues this tradition. The iPhone 16 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, while the 16 Plus boasts a larger 6.7-inch display. Both phones support ProMotion with 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and enhanced responsiveness, especially noticeable during gaming or while browsing.

Colors are vivid and accurate, thanks to the HDR10+ support, and the brightness levels are more than sufficient even in bright sunlight. While these displays are exceptional, the improvements aren’t revolutionary—just a refined continuation of what iPhone users have come to love over the years.

One of the quiet upgrades is the always-on display functionality, which shows time, notifications, and widgets without fully turning on the screen. It's not the most dramatic change, but it's a highly appreciated feature for users who are accustomed to quick access to important information without unlocking their device.

Performance: Power and Efficiency Under the Hood

Under the hood, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are powered by Apple’s new A17 Bionic chip, a powerful, energy-efficient processor that takes performance to new heights. In terms of raw power, the A17 chip delivers faster speeds, enhanced AI processing, and better GPU performance, making the phones more capable of handling demanding tasks, from mobile gaming to augmented reality applications.

While the A17 Bionic is an impressive upgrade, the real strength lies in the improved energy efficiency. The iPhone 16 series sees better battery life than its predecessor, with the iPhone 16 providing up to 20 hours of video playback and the 16 Plus extending this to 26 hours. Apple’s commitment to optimizing both performance and efficiency means users can expect a more reliable experience throughout the day, even with heavy use.

Camera: Subtle Enhancements for a Sharper Experience

The camera system on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus is where Apple made some notable, albeit incremental, improvements. Both phones feature a 48MP main camera with advanced computational photography features that enhance low-light performance and improve detail in photos.

In particular, Night Mode has been improved, allowing for better color accuracy and more natural lighting in darker settings. Apple’s new Photonic Engine improves image processing, making photos crisper and more detailed in a variety of lighting conditions. The ultra-wide camera has also seen improvements in edge-to-edge sharpness, making group photos and landscape shots more vibrant.

The front camera has been upgraded with a 12MP sensor and new software that enhances portrait mode and improves face tracking for more natural, flattering selfies. While the camera system isn’t drastically different from the iPhone 15, the enhancements are still noticeable, especially for users who love photography.

Software and Features: A Polished iOS 17 Experience

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come preloaded with iOS 17, Apple’s latest mobile operating system. iOS 17 brings several new features, including an improved lock screen customization, interactive widgets, and Live Activities, which allows apps to show dynamic content directly on the lock screen (great for live sports scores or food delivery tracking).

Another standout feature in iOS 17 is Focus Mode improvements, which give users better control over notifications and app usage based on time of day or activity. The Personalized Spatial Audio in iOS 17 also creates a more immersive audio experience when using AirPods, making it easier to enjoy music, movies, or calls with dynamic sound tailored to your preferences.

Battery Life: A Subtle, Yet Significant Improvement

As previously mentioned, battery life is a significant area of improvement in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. With the combination of the A17 chip’s energy efficiency and larger battery capacities, both devices offer impressive endurance. Whether you're watching videos, browsing the web, or playing games, the iPhone 16 series is designed to get you through a full day with ease.

Verdict: Small Changes, Big Impact

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus may not feature groundbreaking, revolutionary changes, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Apple has taken a more refined approach this time, focusing on making subtle but significant improvements across the board. The result is a polished, well-rounded device that delivers the kind of performance, battery life, and camera quality that Apple users have come to expect.

If you're coming from an older iPhone (iPhone 12 or earlier), the upgrades in the iPhone 16 series will feel much more pronounced. However, if you're already using an iPhone 15 or even an iPhone 14, the incremental improvements may not feel as essential unless you’re looking for the latest in performance and camera capabilities.

Ultimately, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are ideal for those who want the latest tech from Apple without needing massive changes. They’re polished, powerful, and packed with the features that make the iPhone experience great.

Pros:

Stunning display with ProMotion and always-on features

Powerful A17 Bionic chip with improved energy efficiency

Excellent camera system with enhanced low-light performance

Sleek, refined design with vibrant color options

iOS 17 introduces meaningful software improvements

Cons:

Incremental upgrades, not a huge leap over the iPhone 15

The design remains largely unchanged

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

The iPhone 16 series might not push the boundaries of smartphone technology, but for many users, its small but meaningful improvements add up to a great overall package. If you're looking for a reliable, powerful phone with a premium feel, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus won’t disappoint.