Apple iPhone 16 & 16 Plus: The Catch-Up Chronicles!
Summary
Apple has finally dusted off the neglected standard iPhone and given it a makeover! With the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, Apple’s basic models are now strutting down the runway, looking as dapper as their Pro siblings. Gone are the days when standard iPhones were the wallflowers at the Apple dance party – they’re catching up, and they look pretty good doing it! So, if you’ve been clutching onto your old iPhone like it’s a beloved pet rock, wondering if this is the year to finally upgrade, I’ve got news for you: it’s a resounding YES! This year’s models are like your favorite pair of jeans that just got a trendy cut – they’re well worth the investment. But hang on, let’s pump the brakes for a second. This new iPhone is a work in progress, kind of like a toddler learning to walk. The much-anticipated Apple Intelligence is supposed to be the cherry on top, but it’s still in beta, like that overly ambitious diet plan you’ve been meaning to start. Sure, some features will be rolling out next month with iOS 18.1, but they’re labeled “beta,” so expect a bit of a bumpy ride just like your Uncle Joe’s old car. Now, about that new Camera Control button. Great in theory, but in practice? Well, it’s about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Sure, it lets you snap photos and adjust settings, but it felt like I was trying to start a stubborn lawn mower rather than take a quick picture. I mean, who has the time to remember button combinations when you’re just trying to capture that cute dog doing a backflip? The great news is that the guts of these iPhones are impressive. They’re packing a chipset that’s basically family with the Pro line, which means you can expect the same speed as a cheetah on roller skates. The camera is still top-notch, and yes, thank the phone gods, those juiced-up colors are back! At a starting price of $799, it’s like finding a high-quality burger at a fast-food joint – not mind-blowing, but you’re definitely getting your money’s worth. Now, let’s talk about that screen. Only 60Hz? Really, Apple? In 2024, I felt like I was stepping back in time! I mean, I love a 60Hz refresh rate as much as the next person who enjoys a stroll down memory lane, but come on! If you’ve had the pleasure of swiping on a 120Hz display, going back feels like switching from a sports car to a tricycle. But hey, if you’re fine with a little stutter, you do you! The absence of an always-on display felt like wearing a turtleneck in the summer. Sure, not everyone loves it, but for those who do, it’s a letdown. Meanwhile, let’s give a round of applause for the Action Button! I could press it to open an app to help me gather my sanity while wrangling kids. It’s a lifesaver until you realize pressing it twice daintily differs from applying a sledgehammer effect. How about the new Photographic Styles? They give your photos that extra sizzle, but getting them set up was like trying to assemble furniture from a super-exclusive catalog without instructions – mildly entertaining but also frustrating. And they only work with HEIF images, which is like trying to watch the latest blockbuster in a time capsule. Sure, it’s great until you try to share and get hit with a compatibility slap in the face. Photo quality? It still shines, but low-light conditions mixed with a smaller sensor mean your attempts at capturing that adorable midnight midnight puppy blink could flop. Also, prepare for your dreams of a dazzling 5x optical zoom to be dashed when you compare it to the Pro. Spoiler: the Pro wins every time! Performance wise, the A18 chipset brings more speed than a kid on a sugar rush, handling all daily tasks without breaking a sweat. And with the battery life? You could make it through a heavy day using Strava to track your epic quest for the perfect coffee shop, only to still have leftovers by bedtime! All things considered, this is a great year for basic iPhones – and we definitely can’t say that for previous generations. No earth-shattering revelations here, and hold on to your current iPhone 15 for now. But if you’re still rocking an iPhone 11 or 12 like it’s a vintage record, this is the perfect excuse to upgrade! With a slew of shiny new buttons and potential for future AI features, these iPhones may finally join the 21st century, and who knows, you might be better friends with the Camera Control than I was! So grab your new iPhone 16, and get ready to snap away, because this year, it’s definitely worth the ride!
Original Source: www.theverge.com
