iPhone 16: The best and worst basic Apple handset that’s closer to the Pro models | Technology

The iPhone 16 looks more like its older brothers than its predecessor. It introduces two additional physical buttons, a much more powerful processor, and a very cool feature that lets you change the sound of a video. Unlike last year, when the iPhone 15 had a processor a generation older than the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple’s high-end entry-level model is now more similar to the Pro models than ever.

However, this terminal, whose price starts from 959 euros, has some limitations. The wide-angle camera lacks significant improvement, leaving users eager to try out Apple’s long-awaited generative AI system, which won’t arrive in the European Union until at least 2025. EL PAÍS has carried out intensive testing of the terminal, which aims to become the best Apple mobile device in terms of quality and price. These are its pros and cons.

The best

Long term power

The iPhone 16 features the A18 processor, which is a two generation jump from the 2023 model. Any task on this device is fast, efficient and smooth, from browsing the Internet to answering email, gaming, streaming or video editing. Apple has prepared this powerful processor for future features of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s artificial intelligence system, which debuts this October in the US but won’t arrive in the European Union until at least 2025.

Custom action button

In appearance, this mobile phone increasingly has more functions than the Pro models. In fact, it includes an action button that was exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro last year and replaces the mute lever. It’s located above the volume buttons and can be used to mute your phone, turn on the flashlight, or open a specific app such as the camera, voice recorder, or notes. That Apple has given this button versatility is a significant achievement. While for many users this may not solve a specific problem and they will simply use it to activate silent mode, others will use the shortcuts to open their most frequently used apps without having to search between screens for them.

A bolder color palette

The iPhone 16 has the same dimensions as the iPhone 15 and weighs 170 grams, compared to 171 grams for its predecessor. It is ideal for those who prefer to hold the phone with one hand. While maintaining a continuous design, two cameras are now positioned vertically in the rear module to capture spatial video. But if there’s one thing that catches your attention about these iPhones at first glance, it’s that they come in more attractive colors. Compared to the more subdued and elegant Pro models and the lighter and pastel tones of the iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 is available in the brightest pink, turquoise and ultramarine blue tones in addition to the classic black and white colors.

Goodbye background noise in videos

One of the most impressive new features of the new iPhones is audio mixing. This feature allows you to change the sound of a video in three different modes: on-screen, studio and cinema. The first mode focuses on what appears on the screen and turns off all other sounds; the second offers a studio atmosphere, while the third attempts to recreate a cinematic atmosphere. In tests carried out by EL PAÍS, it was possible to almost completely eliminate the noise of a vacuum cleaner or wind in the background, as well as making a person’s voice more noticeable. Although the results are impressive, the voice may become distorted if the effect is applied very strongly.

Worst

Camera control that doesn’t convince

The terminal also provides camera control. This button is located at the bottom right. Allows you to take photos with one touch or record videos by pressing and holding it. Additionally, it has different functions depending on how hard you press or swipe it: do scale Change photo styles or activate portrait mode. This camera control recognizes the user’s gestures very accurately. But the same thing happens with the iPhone 16 Pro Max: it’s not entirely usable, especially for taking vertical photos, and doesn’t seem to solve any big problem.

Wide angle is not enough

iPhone 16 has a 48-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera that can now take macro photos, a feature previously only available on Pro models. Photos from the main sensor are realistic, clear and with good dynamic range both day and night. The same cannot be said about wide angle. Generally works during the day and in good lighting conditions. The results in macro mode are also good. But this lens has a lot of room for improvement at night and in low light. In this case, a higher level of detail is missing, especially in the corners and shadows, which are very blurred.

Refresh rate that’s hard to justify

The iPhone 16’s OLED screen still measures 6.1 inches and can reach up to 2,000 nits of brightness. In everyday life this translates into very rich colors and ample contrast both indoors and outdoors on sunny days. However, there is still room for improvement. The refresh rate remains at 60Hz, instead of 120 like other competing handsets have had for years. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother movements and transitions between screens appear. This does not mean that the mobile phone is slow or the impressions from it are negative. In fact, some users may not even notice the difference. Even so, it seems difficult to justify the absence of 120 Hz in a phone costing more than 1000 euros if the memory chosen is more than the starting 128 gigabytes.

Where is generative AI?

Mobile phones like the Google Pixel have been gaining attention year after year for their innovations in artificial intelligence. Apple has had a hard time entering this area and still has a long way to go. Last June, the technology multinational announced that it would introduce generative artificial intelligence into the latest iPhone models to optimize everyday tasks. The announcement left a bittersweet feeling: Apple Intelligence will only be available on iPhone 15 Pro and later; and, firstly, it will only come in English. The news was even worse for those in the European Union, who will have to wait until at least 2025. It will be available in Spanish this year, but it’s unclear whether its arrival in Spain will be delayed even further by Apple. it is necessary to adapt these developments to the provisions of the European Community Digital Markets Act (DMA).