Practical examination: Review of the iPhone 16 Pro – featuring maximum zoom capabilities without the Max designation, along with the introduction of a new button for its utilization.
The new Pro model now shares the maximum zoom capabilities with the Pro Max from Apple.
After departing from the Apple Keynote, I made my way to the expansive demonstration area located directly behind it, where I encountered long tables displaying an array of new products, including the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, elegantly positioned on pedestals. The area was bustling with enthusiastic media representatives and analysts, who crowded around the devices, making it quite challenging for me to approach them closely.
Fortunately, numerous Apple representatives were present, discreetly retrieving the polished handsets from their pockets and casually guiding attendees through the features of the devices.
This was how I finally managed to get a closer look at the iPhone 16 Pro, a 6.3-inch device running iOS 18, which is slightly larger than its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro, while providing a significantly enhanced screen experience. Apple achieved this by minimizing the bezel to a slender dark line that encircles the Super Retina XDR display. It appears that Apple has successfully rerouted some of the screen traces from the edges to beneath the display, allowing for the remarkably thin bezel.
As I was handed the phone, I observed that its Black Titanium body retained the same solid and smooth feel as before. The design felt familiar, as it has remained largely consistent with the previous iPhone model. The most notable and impactful change is the introduction of the new Camera Control feature. This tactile and haptic combination button, present across the entire iPhone 16 lineup, has emerged as a standout element of the new iPhone series.
The button, equipped with advanced technology, is situated beneath the power button and is primarily utilized to launch the camera application. A gentle press activates the haptic feedback access controls, while a double press reveals a more extensive array of camera settings.
Subsequently, users can navigate through various photography options by swiping up and down at the bottom of the screen. After a brief familiarization period, I was able to utilize it for switching lenses, adjusting exposure, and modifying the depth of field. A visual indicator on the display assists in tracking all touch, tap, and gesture-based adjustments to the camera.
In time, nearly any application that employs the camera will be able to utilize the Camera Control button, with Snapchat already implementing this feature.
This button has the potential to transform the way users interact with their iPhones, and I believe it will be well-received.
The iPhone 16 Pro introduces another notable and substantial enhancement. It now matches its larger counterpart, the 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max, in terms of zoom capabilities.
In contrast to the iPhone 15 Pro, which featured a 3x optical zoom, the iPhone 16 Pro boasts a 5x tetra prism zoom, identical to that of the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Additional improvements to the camera system include a 48MP ultra-wide lens and an increased shutter speed for the 48MP main camera. I had the opportunity to observe some of these photographic features during a few sample shots, although I did not collect sufficient data to form any definitive conclusions.
Demonstrations I encountered elsewhere showcasing the 4K 120fps capabilities revealed impressive video performance. While I have yet to experience the Cinematic Slo-Mo feature, it appears to be an excellent resource for professional videographers.
The iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the new A18 Pro CPU, a mobile processor that exceeds the requirements of most consumers; however, it is likely to be appreciated by professional users. This processor will also enable the various anticipated Apple Intelligence features. Notably, the iPhone 16 Pro will not come equipped with Apple Intelligence at launch. Apple has announced that an iOS 18 update, which will include support for this feature, is scheduled for release next month.
On a positive note, I observed several Apple Intelligence features in operation. The Photo Cleanup function operates seamlessly, effectively identifying and removing unwanted elements from photographs with a simple tap or swipe.
The writing tools, although not immediately visible, appear to possess significant capabilities, ready to enhance your writing by not only refining it but potentially composing it for you, should that be of interest.
Siri has undergone a significant transformation, now illuminating the entire screen of the iPhone 16 Pro upon activation. While using her in a bustling environment proved challenging, I find the new design quite appealing.
Although my time with the phone was limited, its initial performance seemed quite responsive. The A18 Pro possesses ample power to handle nearly any task and beyond. Console-quality gaming is now achievable on the iPhone. While the 6.3-inch display may feel somewhat small for certain AAA titles, it is more than capable of managing the gameplay. This capability is partly attributed to the innovative heat management system, which enhances the iPhone's efficiency during extended peak usage.
I anticipate that pushing this smartphone to its limits will prove to be a challenge.
Despite the impressive power and new AI functionalities, Apple indicated during the keynote that users can expect an extended battery life, which could translate to several additional hours of use. This is indeed an exciting development.
It is unfortunate that the iPhone 16 Pro will launch with only half the storage capacity of the iPhone 16 Pro Max: 128GB compared to 256GB. While 128GB is a respectable amount, those who frequently record 4K video may find themselves desiring the additional 128GB.
With a larger and enhanced display, upgraded cameras featuring 5x zoom, a new Camera Control button, and substantial processing power, this device has the potential to be one of Apple's finest iPhones to date. However, whether it will be deemed the best smartphone remains to be seen until I have the opportunity to conduct a thorough evaluation.
Hands-on iPhone 16 Pro review: Price and availability
- Starts at $999 / £999 / AU$1,849
- Pre-orders open on September 13, and the phone ships from September 20
| Storage | US price | UK price | AU price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $999 | £999 | AU$1,799 |
| 256GB | $1,099 | £1,099 | AU$1,999 |
| 512GB | $1,299 | £1,299 | AU$2,349 |
| 1TB | $1,499 | £1,499 | AU$2,699 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25mm |
| Weight: | 199g |
| Display: | 6.3-inch OLED |
| Resolution: | 2622 x 1206 pixels |
| Refresh rate: | Adaptive 1-120Hz |
| Chipset: | A18 Pro |
| Rear cameras: | 48MP main (24mm, ƒ/1.78), 48MP ultra-wide (13mm, ƒ/2.2), 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom (120mm, ƒ/2.8) |
| Front camera: | 12MP (ƒ/1.9) |
| Storage: | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |