Smartphones
a photo of iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
Apple

Everything You Need to Know About the New iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro

Discover the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro's standout features, including the powerful A18 Pro chip, advanced cameras, larger displays, and Apple Intelligence for a personalized experience.

Like GearBrain on Facebook

Apple has introduced its latest smartphone lineup, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models, packed with impressive new features and upgrades. As these phones hit the market later this month, it’s crucial to know the key differences and new functionalities they offer. This guide will help you understand what makes the iPhone 16 series stand out and why you should consider upgrading.

Pre-Order iPhone 16

1. Apple Intelligence: A New Personal Intelligence System

a photo of iPhone 16 Pro with Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence: A New Personal Intelligence System

Apple

One of the most exciting new features in the iPhone 16 series is Apple Intelligence, a personal intelligence system designed to enhance user interaction with the device. Apple Intelligence leverages AI and machine learning to offer predictive suggestions, contextual reminders, and more intuitive user experiences.

For instance, Apple Intelligence can learn your daily habits, such as the time you typically use certain apps or your most frequent contacts, and suggest actions based on these patterns. Whether it’s suggesting an app before you even search for it or notifying you of upcoming events, this system aims to streamline your interaction with your iPhone.

For buyers, the integration of Apple Intelligence means you get a phone that better understands and adapts to your daily routine, making your smartphone experience faster and more personalized.

2. A18 Pro Chip: Speed and Efficiency

product shot of Apple A18 chip

A18 Pro Chip: Speed and Efficiency

Apple

Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro are equipped with Apple’s latest chips, ensuring faster performance and improved power efficiency.

  • iPhone 16 Pro models feature the new A18 Pro Chip with a 6-core GPU, delivering enhanced graphics performance, especially for gaming and professional applications. This chip supports complex AI tasks, enables smoother multitasking, and provides faster data processing.
  • The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come with the A18 Chip, which includes a 5-core GPU. While slightly less powerful than the A18 Pro, the A18 chip still ensures excellent speed and efficiency for everyday tasks, from browsing and social media to video streaming and light gaming.

For buyers, the A18 Pro chip’s performance boost makes the iPhone 16 Pro an excellent choice for those who need advanced computing power, while the A18 chip in the iPhone 16 provides ample performance for regular users.

The iPhone 16 and 16 Pro are equipped with Apple’s latest chips, ensuring faster performance and improved power efficiency.

  • iPhone 16 Pro models feature the new A18 Pro Chip with a 6-core GPU, delivering enhanced graphics performance, especially for gaming and professional applications. This chip supports complex AI tasks, enables smoother multitasking, and provides faster data processing.
  • The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come with the A18 Chip, which includes a 5-core GPU. While slightly less powerful than the A18 Pro, the A18 chip still ensures excellent speed and efficiency for everyday tasks, from browsing and social media to video streaming and light gaming.

For buyers, the A18 Pro chip’s performance boost makes the iPhone 16 Pro an excellent choice for those who need advanced computing power, while the A18 chip in the iPhone 16 provides ample performance for regular users.

3. Display Sizes and Quality

photo of iPhone 16 side by side with another iPhone 16

iPhone 16

Apple

Apple has retained its stunning Super Retina XDR OLED display technology across the iPhone 16 lineup, but the models have notable screen size and resolution differences.

  • iPhone 16: 6.1-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2556 by 1179 pixels at 460 ppi.
  • iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7-inch OLED display with the same 2556 by 1179 pixels at 460 ppi.
  • iPhone 16 Pro: 6.3-inch OLED display with 2622 by 1206 pixels at 460 ppi.
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max: 6.9-inch OLED display with a higher resolution of 2968 by 1320 pixels at 460 ppi.

Each display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making it ideal for viewing content, playing games, and watching videos. The larger screens on the Pro Max and Plus models are perfect for users who prefer more screen real estate.

Pre-Order iPhone 16

4. Storage Options

a photo of iPhone 16 Pro Homescreen features

New features on Homescreen of iPhone 16 Pro

Apple

Storage is an essential factor for many buyers, and Apple offers various options depending on the model:

  • iPhone 16 and 16 Plus: Available in 128 GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options.
  • iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: These models offer more extensive storage, ranging from 128GB up to 1TB, providing ample space for heavy media users and professionals.

If you store large amounts of photos, videos, or apps, the Pro models with 1TB storage are ideal. However, for the average user, the 256GB option in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus may suffice.

5. Advanced Camera Systems

photo of iPhone 16 camera system

iPhone 16's Advanced Camera Systems

Apple

Camera quality is always a critical factor, and the iPhone 16 series brings significant upgrades across the board.

iPhone 16 Pro Camera System
  • 48MP Advanced Fusion Camera: Apple’s most advanced 48MP camera system delivers stunning photos with incredible detail.
  • 5x Telephoto Camera: Ideal for long-distance shots, the 5x zoom allows you to capture distant subjects with clarity.
  • 48MP Ultra-Wide Camera: Perfect for landscape and wide-angle shots, this camera enhances versatility for all kinds of photography.
iPhone 16 Camera System
  • 48MP Advanced Dual-Camera System: The 48MP camera ensures high-quality photos with brilliant color reproduction.
  • 2x Telephoto Camera: Though not as powerful as the Pro’s 5x zoom, the 2x telephoto offers decent zoom capabilities for capturing closer shots.
  • 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera: The 12MP ultra-wide camera provides a broader perspective, perfect for group photos and scenic landscapes.

For video, all models support 4K video recording, HDR, and Cinematic Mode, enabling users to shoot professional-quality videos. Digital zoom varies slightly:

  • iPhone 16 Pro models: Up to 15x digital zoom.
  • iPhone 16 models: Up to 10x digital zoom.

For photography enthusiasts, the iPhone 16 Pro is the obvious choice. It offers a more advanced system with better zoom capabilities and ultra-wide photography options.


6. New Feature: Camera Control

The Camera Control feature is new to the iPhone 16 series and gives users more granular control over their photography. This feature adjusts ISO, exposure, focus, and white balance, making it a perfect tool for professional photographers or those looking to elevate their photography skills.

7. Pricing and Availability

Apple offers a range of price points to accommodate different budgets:

  • iPhone 16 starts at $799.
  • iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999.
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199.

All models are available for pre-order, and buyers can choose from various storage options to fit their needs.


Pre-Order iPhone 16 on Apple


8. Color Options


photo of new iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 SmartphonesiPhone 16 and 16 Pro: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Apple

When it comes to color choices, Apple offers a range of elegant finishes:

  • iPhone 16 and 16 Plus: Available in Black, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine.
  • iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: Available in Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium.

Whether you prefer bold colors like Ultramarine or a sleek, professional look with Titanium, there's a color for everyone.

9. Durability and Water Resistance

All iPhone 16 models have an IP68 rating, ensuring splash, water, and dust resistance. This makes the iPhone 16 lineup ideal for users who need a durable phone that can withstand the elements.

Pre-Order iPhone 16 on Walmart

a photo of iPhone 16 with new audio mixApple iPhone 16 comes with new audio mix featureApple

Conclusion: Which iPhone 16 Should You Buy?

The iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models offer something for every type of user. Suppose you need advanced performance, a professional-level camera system, and larger storage options. In that case, the iPhone 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max is the right choice, especially for content creators or those using their phones for intensive tasks.

However, suppose you're looking for a more affordable option without compromising essential features like camera quality, display resolution, and battery life. In that case, the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus offers excellent value at a lower price point.

Whichever model you choose, the iPhone 16 lineup represents Apple's latest innovations in performance, camera technology, and personal intelligence, making it a top contender for your next smartphone upgrade.

Pre-Order iPhone 16 on Walmart

Check out The GearBrain, our compatibility find engine, to see which other compatible products work with your iPhone and smart devices, as well as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.


Like GearBrain on Facebook
The Conversation (0)

GearBrain Compatibility Find Engine

A pioneering recommendation platform where you can research, discover, buy, and learn how to connect and optimize smart devices.

Join our community! Ask and answer questions about smart devices and save yours in My Gear.

Top Stories

Weekly Deals