The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro have officially launched, raising the bar even higher for smartphones in 2025. Apple has once again revolutionized the smartphone industry, delivering new features, design changes, and advanced technology that set these phones apart from the competition. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at both models, examine their standout features, and determine if these devices are worth upgrading to.
Design: Sleek and Modern
At first glance, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro may look similar to their predecessors, but a closer look reveals a sleek and sophisticated design. The iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro comes with a larger 6.7-inch display, making it a better choice for those who prefer larger screens.
Both models have gotten slimmer, now measuring just a few millimeters thinner than previous iPhones and are lighter than ever. The stainless steel frame gives the Pro version a premium, sturdy feel, while the aluminum frame of the standard iPhone 16 keeps it lightweight. The glossy glass back adds elegance to the device, and the ceramic protective glass offers extra durability to reduce the chance of cracks or scratches.
The new iPhones also come in fresh, appealing colors, including classic space gray, silver, and some new hues like midnight blue and sunset orange, giving users more options to match their personal style.
Display: Stunning OLED and ProMotion
One of the biggest upgrades to the iPhone 16 is the display. Both models feature Super Retina XDR OLED displays that deliver vibrant colors, deep blacks, and impressive brightness. Apple has upped the ante with the iPhone 16 Pro, which now includes ProMotion technology for an ultra-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making everything from scrolling to gaming feel smoother and more responsive.
For regular iPhone 16 users, the 60Hz refresh rate is still a solid experience, but the Pro model’s 120Hz makes it perfect for those who want top-notch graphics for gaming, video editing, or just smoother interactions with apps.
The Always-On Display is another fantastic feature of both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. You can check your notifications, the time, and other important updates without having to unlock the phone, saving time and battery.
Performance: Powerful chips for a seamless experience
Under the hood, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are both powered by Apple’s latest A18 Bionic chip. This chip offers an impressive performance boost over the previous generation, and handles demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking with ease.
For everyday users, both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro offer an ultra-responsive experience with smooth transitions, app launches, and fast multitasking. Whether you’re browsing social media, watching videos, or running multiple apps, the devices perform flawlessly.
The iPhone 16 Pro has more RAM than the standard iPhone 16, so it can handle more demanding tasks. This is ideal for professionals, content creators, or gamers who need extra processing power.
Another big improvement is the 5G connectivity on both models. With 5G support, downloading apps, streaming high-quality videos, and browsing the web is faster than ever, especially in areas with 5G coverage.
Camera: Best in class
Apple continues to lead the way in smartphone camera technology, and iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro feature some of the most impressive camera systems ever.
The iPhone 16 features a dual camera, including a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. Camera performance has been improved with sensor-shift optical image stabilization, which helps produce clearer, more detailed photos, especially in low-light conditions. You can capture stunning photos whether you’re photographing landscapes, people, or food.
The iPhone 16 Pro takes things a step further, with a triple-camera system that includes a 48MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Pro model’s advanced computational photography features like Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 5 enable sharper, more vibrant photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. The LiDAR scanner improves the phone’s autofocus in low light and enhances AR experiences, making it a top choice for anyone interested in augmented reality.
Both models offer 4K Dolby Vision HDR video recording, meaning you can shoot videos with incredible detail and rich colors.
Battery Life: Lasting Performance
When it comes to battery life, both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro offer impressive performance. Apple promises up to 20 hours of video playback on the iPhone 16 and up to 22 hours on the iPhone 16 Pro. With the efficient A18 Bionic chip and optimized battery performance, both devices should easily last a full day.
The iPhone 16 Pro also supports fast charging, so you can charge up to 50% of the battery in just 30 minutes using a 20W adapter (sold separately). Wireless charging is supported by both models, and the MagSafe feature ensures your device stays aligned with chargers, making wireless charging easier.
Software and features: iOS 18 and new innovations
Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro run on iOS 18, which brings a host of new features and improvements. One of the standout features of iOS 18 is the new Focus mode, which helps users stay focused on their task by limiting notifications to certain times of the day. This can be especially useful for those who want to avoid distractions while working or relaxing.
Additionally, Apple’s privacy features remain a top priority. App privacy labels let you know exactly what data apps are collecting, and the App Privacy Report shows you how often apps are accessing your data.
Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro feature Face ID for secure and convenient unlocking, as well as support for Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.
Should you upgrade to the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro?
The iPhone 16 is perfect for users who want a reliable, powerful phone with all the essential features like a stunning display, impressive camera, and solid performance without having to jump straight to the Pro model. It’s an excellent choice for everyday use, streaming, gaming, and photography.
The iPhone 16 Pro, on the other hand, is tailored for power users who need the best performance, advanced photography features, and a larger display. If you’re a content creator, professional, or someone who values the very best mobile technology, the iPhone 16 Pro is the clear choice.
Conclusion: A step ahead in smartphone technology
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro have raised the bar for smartphones in 2025. With powerful performance, excellent camera systems, and additional features like ProMotion displays and better battery life, both models are a worthwhile investment. Whether you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or switching to iOS for the first time, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro won’t disappoint. Choose the model that best suits your needs and enjoy the cutting-edge technology Apple has to offer.
