International media outlets have started to release reviews of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro before they hit the shelves on Friday, September 20. This round of reviews has many labeling it as a product review that is not yet complete. This is because the selling point of the iPhone 16, Apple Intelligence, cannot be used initially and requires an update to iOS 18.1 in October.
The iPhone 16 Pro comes with a larger screen, maintaining the same device size by reducing the screen bezels. The Pro model features a 6.3-inch screen and the Pro Max has a 6.9-inch screen, the largest ever on an iPhone. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have 6.1 and 6.7-inch screens, respectively, staying the same size. This creates a distinction among these four models.
Key selling points are still not reviewable, but additional features from previous models, especially the Pro version, include camera upgrades and the Camera Control button. The regular model may see more various capabilities added, as it includes both the Action Button and Camera Control button.
A notable change in this year’s iPhone lineup, if not Apple Intelligence, is the significant emphasis on the camera as a key selling point. Each model now features a new button at the bottom right called Camera Control, allowing for multiple functions such as single-click photo capture, two-clicks for camera shutter-like focus, or sliding the button for photo settings. Camera Control enables quicker photo capturing as it can instantly activate the camera even while the phone is locked.
However, the two-click shutter feature may not be immediately functional initially, as mentioned by Apple, promising software updates to support this capability later on. Some testers have found that this button doesn’t quite help them adjust to the changes easily, as they have to tap the screen to focus properly. Overall, though, the introduction of camera control settings via a slide on the button seems to resonate well with many users, even though there may be a learning curve initially to distinguish between pressing the button or inadvertently sliding it.
The cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have been enhanced with improved ultra-wide-angle lenses to 48MP, up from the primary lens, while the Pro model also sees a telephoto lens increase to 5x, compared to the 3x in the iPhone 15 Pro. The Pro Max maintains the same 5x telephoto feature. The front camera remains at 12MP across all models.
On the other hand, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus show more noticeable camera enhancements than their predecessors. The primary Fusion camera has been upgraded to 48MP with a 2x zoom and macro mode in the ultra-wide lens, making the camera setup in this model intriguing, despite being an upgrade from the iPhone 15.
Regarding image processing, the iPhone 16, especially the Pro model, has seen significant improvements, maintaining the same level of responsiveness. Images captured have undergone notable improvements in shadow adjustments, though they remain editable post-processing. For videos, the Pro model supports 4K 120fps capture, catering to the demands of videographers.
Other aspects reveal extended battery life, particularly notable in the Pro model. All models now come with 8GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence, while the regular iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus maintain a 60Hz screen refresh rate. Many reviewers speculate that the iPhone 16 Pro may not be a significant upgrade compared to the 15 Pro, primarily due to the focus on the camera and battery upgrades. However, the regular models have seen various changes, especially for users transitioning from iPhone models 11-14.
Review scores from various outlets mostly lean towards focusing on the camera due to the unavailability of Apple Intelligence. The Verge rates all four models at 8/10, highlighting different features related to the camera. Engadget gives the Pro model a 91/100, praising improved cameras but expressing dislike for the Camera Control button. PetaPixel finds the Pro model intriguing for users of the 14 Pro or older devices, while CNET rates the regular model at 9/10 for its fast charging and non Always-On display, and the Pro model at 9.2/10 for its larger screen and enhanced video capabilities.
In a lighthearted observation shared by Marques Brownlee on Twitter, the iPhone 16 is noted for being possibly the wobbliest slab phone ever seen, despite the general use of phone cases.
TLDR: International media outlets have started sharing reviews of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro before the official release. Despite some initial limitations on Apple Intelligence, camera upgrades and additional features make these models stand out, with variations across the lineup and positive reviews focusing on camera capabilities, albeit with some functionality concerns.
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