Brief Summary
Marques Brownlee reviews the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, highlighting the incremental hardware upgrades and the focus on AI features, which are not yet fully implemented. He discusses the new Camera Control button, the improved cameras, especially on the Pro models, and the overall performance of the phones. He also emphasizes the importance of buying the phone for its current capabilities, not based on promises of future software updates.
- The iPhone 16 is a minor upgrade over the iPhone 15, with a new Camera Control button, slightly larger batteries, and faster charging.
- The iPhone 16 Pro features a new display, improved cameras, and a larger main sensor.
- Apple Intelligence features, which are heavily marketed, are not yet available on the phones, making them feel unfinished.
Intro/Panels!!
Marques Brownlee starts by introducing his new app, Panels, which is a wallpaper app available on both iOS and Android. He explains that it features a collection of wallpapers from various artists, with profits split 50/50. He also mentions that the app is still in development and will be consistently improving over time. He then transitions to the iPhone 16 review, highlighting the trend of incremental hardware upgrades and the focus on AI features.
What's Actually New
Marques discusses the physical changes in the iPhone 16, including the addition of the action button from the iPhone 15 Pro and the new Camera Control button. He also mentions the new colors and slightly larger cameras. He notes that the battery life is about the same as the iPhone 15, despite Apple's claims of larger batteries. However, he highlights the faster charging capabilities, both wired and wireless. He also mentions the new A18 and A18 Pro chips, which offer improved performance, and the increased RAM across all models.
Camera Control
Marques delves into the new Camera Control button, comparing smartphone cameras to headphone EQs. He explains that the default camera settings on the iPhone 16 produce a more "iPhoney" look, with overly brightened shadows and less contrast. The Camera Control button allows users to adjust various camera settings, including exposure compensation, zoom, photographic styles, and tone. He emphasizes the importance of the tone setting, which can be used to adjust shadows. He also discusses the D-pad, which allows for further customization of photo elements.
New Cameras
Marques reviews the new cameras on the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. He states that the iPhone 16 cameras are solid but not significantly better than previous models. However, he praises the iPhone 16 Pro cameras, particularly the main camera, which he considers the best primary sensor in any smartphone currently available. He also highlights the improved ultrawide camera and the new 5X telephoto lens. He mentions that the 5X telephoto lens is better at resolving detail past 5X than previous models. He also notes the improved shutter speeds and the ability to achieve shallow depth of field. He concludes by discussing the video capabilities, including the new 4K 120 FPS mode and the Fusion camera system.
Barely Reviewable
Marques addresses the fact that the iPhone 16 is being launched without the promised Apple Intelligence features, which are heavily marketed. He argues that it's unusual to launch a product with features that are not yet available and that it's important to buy a product for its current capabilities, not based on promises of future updates. He compares the situation to the Rabbit R1 and Humane AI Pin, which were both launched with incomplete functionality. He acknowledges that the iPhone 16 is a viable product even without the AI features, but he expresses concern about the lack of trust in Apple's ability to deliver on its promises.
So... Buy It?
Marques provides his recommendations on whether to buy the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro. He suggests buying the iPhone 16 if you are using an iPhone 13 or older and are looking for an upgrade. He recommends the iPhone 16 Pro if you prioritize better cameras or displays. He acknowledges that the base iPhone 16 is a good option for those who don't need ProMotion, but he personally prefers the Pro model due to its improved cameras. He concludes by reiterating the importance of buying the phone for its current capabilities, not for what it might be in the future.
