iPhone 16 Pro 8 to 16 Pro: Honest review and heartbreaking reality

[SteveJawbs]

I’ve been putting off upgrading forever. I was always seduced by the mini but my 8 has been so incredibly flawless. Hats off to Apple. You did well. Such incredibly reliable hardware and software.

This post is not meant as a flame throwing attack. I’m just stating my experience and sadness that this device just doesn’t replace my 8 with ease and sufficiency.

My father has the newest SE and I’ve flirted with going there. Then the articles about an impending SE 4 got my juices warm.

I always stopped in the Apple stores the past year and held the 15 and wow what a gorgeous device.
But my 8 is so perfect, why leave? Security. iOS. EOL.
All Correct.

Last week I thought now was the time to get in the game with a modern iPhone. The upgraded camera and features were worth the $ so I justified it.

So I have had the 16 Pro for less than 24 hours and I’m already Googling how to return and go back to an old iPhone with big red.

I have small hands. The effort to hold the pro and navigate one handed is just too cumbersome. I tried it without the beater case I bought and it’s still just too big.

The Dynamic Island and notch is still an eyesore for me. The lack of Bluetooth status and alarm status hurts. Sure, down swipe and get the status. But I loved the ability to see it at all times.

My small hands make it too difficult to navigate apps. Even when texting the inability to click the emoji chooser is just too difficult.

FID is fine. Even though I believe our photos will be compromised by it at some point. The single greatest pieces of data nefarious sources want is IP, location and our facial imagery. All the big chain retail stores are taking our pics and selling them. Conspiracy? Nope.

I don’t know how Apple thinks the world population can use such large phones. I don’t know how women with tiny hands can use a max comfortably, but that is not something I need to worry about. Everyone has their preferences and perceived user experience. I am envious of people that can use these one handed.

For some reason, karma police slapped the cuffs on me as I type this as my 8 seems bricked. Not powering on and doesn’t appear to be charging. I’ll take it to the mall and have them reseat the battery.

My plan now is to return the 16 Pro and get a SE 3 and then hope for the SE 4.

I am a one handed iPhone user. It’s just the way I use it. Hats off to those with big hands and are not bothered by these big iPhones. God I wish I could.

It’s an amazing testament to Apple that they made this 8 that performed so perfectly for 7 years and still works so well.

I’ll miss this beautiful 16 pro screen. I’ll miss not having the latest and greatest but it’s too much of a downgrade for me.
The 8 is my GOAT.
I hope the SE4 is my new GOAT.
I’ll be heartbroken if the SE4 is just a AI generated rumor.

I am amazed at how flawlessly my data transferred over. Imagine doing that with Windows. Incredible that all my settings, MP3 song library, passwords and apps perfectly migrated in 1.5 hours. The only hiccup was carrier contact was needed to help with activation. Took 10 minute call to big red. Thanks Megan.

My 8 took amazing pics the other day. How much better can it be?

 

[Wando64]

If the SE4 is going to be based on a chassis with the notch, don't expect it to be any smaller that the 16 Pro you are about to return. Also, the notch is more intrusive than the island.

Coming from an SE, I initially found my 12 Pro too large and heavy, but I soon got used to it.
Whenever I pick up my old SE (now used by my wife) I marvel at the almost perfect design, size and weight.
If only they could do the same design, but full screen (i.e. without the home button) I would consider it perfection.

 

[NotApplicable]

I strongly suggest you learn how to handle and use a 6.x” phone, as this is the “small” size in modern days.

Most rumors have the new SE at 6.1”, and even those that don’t have it minimally smaller than that (nowhere close to the OG SE).

 

[thv]

Genuinely sorry you don't like it cause that would suck, but they think the world population can use such a phone because it can. I'm a woman with small hands and have had a Max since the XS when I was a teen. It took some time getting used to but now I can't imagine not having it. And I use it one handed lol. As do the kpop idol girls I follow. I don't think the experience of being unable to click things on a 6" phone is the norm.

 

[kupkakez]

You do get somewhat use to the bigger size with time. I also find a pop socket on the back helps. This year I bought a cute beaded wristlet attached to my plus and I’ll see how that works.

I cannot one hand type on the plus or pro max. This is a two handed phone for me. My 6’4 husband can on his pro max and I also wish I could 😂

I do think we will see an SE4!

 

[SteveJawbs]

Genuinely sorry you don't like it cause that would suck, but they think the world population can use such a phone because it can. I'm a woman with small hands and have had a Max since the XS when I was a teen. It took some time getting used to but now I can't imagine not having it. And I use it one handed lol. As do the kpop idol girls I follow. I don't think the experience of being unable to click things on a 6" phone is the norm.

Truly hard to believe but I believe you.

Just earlier today I could not hit the emoji icon one handed. So bizarre.

Many other examples.

I appreciate the input.

 

[Adora]

I love my 8 Plus too. But I also like some new features of iOS 17 and 18. I will replace it maybe next year. So I have an SE 2020 in addition to it.

The SE is just too small for some things. If there had been a Plus version I might have upgraded earlier. So I just paid about 350 Euro and now have two phones with 256GB. This isn't my original 8 Plus, I got it for €150 and the SE for €200. But that's another story.

There is also a third one, a iPhone SE 2022 (also only half the price than an Apple refurb would cost). But as long as I don't see any difference in speed to the 2020. I let it wait. And don't have to be that careful with the very cheap one.

I also don't really notice any speed difference to the 8 Plus. It should just have gotten iOS 17 and 18 too.

 

[antiprotest]

I sympathize. I am a man with medium-sized hands. My iPhone 14 Pro is very heavy. I've gotten used to it, and 2 years later I am much more muscular. My health has improved drastically just walking around with this extra weight. But this doesn't make the phone any more pleasant.

Sadly, you are not the kind of customer that Apple cares to keep, but I guess that's the reality. Apple has decided to shove your demographic to the side.

 

[raylo32]

I guess. I am lucky I am a guy with big mitts and work the Pro one handed, just like my old XR.... and that Apple decided to make a phone custom made for me. ;-). I mean essentially the same screen size as the XR and within 1 gram in weight. But I get where you are coming from. With a Max I would need 2 hands for some stuff which would be a PITA.

And I also agree that even all the cool new stuff is incremental. Better cams, but old ones worked pretty darned well. Macro, tele, etc. Nice, but not revolutionary. Other apps all work the same. One semi-big thing for me is that wireless charging is much better so that it is actually useable in the car whilst running wireless Carplay. But that is also just incremental. It wasn't really all THAT hard to plug in a charging cable. LOL.

 

[FranApple]

Give it a few more days. You have two weeks. I agree, the phones are bigger than before. But going from an 8 to a 16 Pro is a big leap. Give it some time. The screen is miles better than what's on your 8. And, yes, the camera is better. That's a nice photo you took, but go out and take some photos with the 16 Pro. And VIDEO. You'll see a difference.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Enable the Reachability feature and set the keyboard to left side or right side depending on hand dominance. You can type one handed that way. That will solve most of your hand use problem. Apple doesn’t market phones as being one-handed.

 

[surfzen21]

For some reason, karma police slapped the cuffs on me as I type this as my 8 seems bricked. Not powering on and doesn’t appear to be charging. I’ll take it to the mall and have them reseat the battery.

Interesting you said that. I use two phones, one for personal and one for work.

I am currently using a 15Pro (personal) and my older iPhone 11 (work)

Before that my setup was 11 (personal) and 6 (work)

I stuck the 6 in a draw after upgrading to the 15P. Sat there for about 6 months. It worked perfectly fine when I stopped using it. I pulled it out of the draw to boot up and use as either a connected music player for my car or give to my niece to use.

Like you, it just wont turn on. I tried charging it and then booting up in DFU mode. Nothing. I started to wonder if this is an Apple design since I didnt remove my Apple account from the phone and transferred it directly to my 11. Maybe their idea of theft prevention or something for unused phones.

Oddly enough my iPhone4 still boots up. 🥲

 

[raylo32]

Could just be that the battery sheet the bed?

Interesting you said that. I use two phones, one for personal and one for work.

I am currently using a 15Pro (personal) and my older iPhone 11 (work)

Before that my setup was 11 (personal) and 6 (work)

I stuck the 6 in a draw after upgrading to the 15P. Sat there for about 6 months. It worked perfectly fine when I stopped using it. I pulled it out of the draw to boot up and use as either a connected music player for my car or give to my niece to use.

Like you, it just wont turn on. I tried charging it and then booting up in DFU mode. Nothing. I started to wonder if this is an Apple design since I didnt remove my Apple account from the phone and transferred it directly to my 11. Maybe their idea of theft prevention or something for unused phones.

Oddly enough my iPhone4 still boots up. 🥲

 

[surfzen21]

Could just be that the battery sheet the bed?

I suppose that possible but the battery was about 80% capacity when I put it in the draw. I used coconut battery to check.

 

[now i see it]

Using any of the older Touch ID iPhones for so many years creates muscle memory in a sense. The home button is very hard to give up once you’ve become so accustomed to it.
I’ve never liked the Face ID iPhones. Any of them.

 

[SteveJawbs]

FID working well so far but my goodness imagine if Elon owned Apple. Luckily Tim is not a bad actor.

The data Apple owns on the world is extraordinary.

It’s why Elon bought Twitter.

It’s why Microsoft bought LinkedIN.

Data is a weapon.

I digress.

I cannot believe control center has no action button and is placed on the upper right.

Simply terrible design.

 

[th1nk]

I find the 15 Pro is noticeably smaller in the hand than the 16 Pro even though it’s just 1 mm, maybe try that one out.

 

[blairh]

Use two hands. It’s much easier that way.

 

[James6s]

Maybe try a 15 Pro as they’re slightly smaller than the 16 Pro? Apple don’t sell them direct anymore but plenty of other places will have stock to shift.

It has 6.1” screen the same as the rumoured SE4 and it has the more rounded edges which will make it easier to hold (if the new SE4 keeps the flat sharper edges)

 

[LeafsFanNL]

Hi,

I’d look out for a used iPhone 13 mini. Same chip as the SE, but a better device in all respects.

HB

 

[Smittywerben]

FID working well so far but my goodness imagine if Elon owned Apple. Luckily Tim is not a bad actor.

The data Apple owns on the world is extraordinary.

It’s why Elon bought Twitter.

It’s why Microsoft bought LinkedIN.

Data is a weapon.

I digress.

I cannot believe control center has no action button and is placed on the upper right.

Simply terrible design.

You concluded all that just because the 16 Pro is 1 cm taller than the iPhone 8 after 7 years?

 

[Macsidia]

Hi,

I’d look out for a used iPhone 13 mini. Same chip as the SE, but a better device in all respects.

HB

Can always buy a 2nd hand SE 3rd Generation.

 

[Scarboose]

Biggest thing is you have to give it more than 24 hours. Example, bought the new iPad Pro and strongly disliked the new folio case but there wasn’t anything better in my opinion… after a month of use now, I actually really like it. Not saying you will love the 16 pro after some time, but every change needs more than a few days

 

[JoHugh]

I’ve been putting off upgrading forever. I was always seduced by the mini but my 8 has been so incredibly flawless. Hats off to Apple. You did well. Such incredibly reliable hardware and software.

This post is not meant as a flame throwing attack. I’m just stating my experience and sadness that this device just doesn’t replace my 8 with ease and sufficiency.

My father has the newest SE and I’ve flirted with going there. Then the articles about an impending SE 4 got my juices warm.

I always stopped in the Apple stores the past year and held the 15 and wow what a gorgeous device.
But my 8 is so perfect, why leave? Security. iOS. EOL.
All Correct.

Last week I thought now was the time to get in the game with a modern iPhone. The upgraded camera and features were worth the $ so I justified it.

So I have had the 16 Pro for less than 24 hours and I’m already Googling how to return and go back to an old iPhone with big red.

I have small hands. The effort to hold the pro and navigate one handed is just too cumbersome. I tried it without the beater case I bought and it’s still just too big.

The Dynamic Island and notch is still an eyesore for me. The lack of Bluetooth status and alarm status hurts. Sure, down swipe and get the status. But I loved the ability to see it at all times.

My small hands make it too difficult to navigate apps. Even when texting the inability to click the emoji chooser is just too difficult.

FID is fine. Even though I believe our photos will be compromised by it at some point. The single greatest pieces of data nefarious sources want is IP, location and our facial imagery. All the big chain retail stores are taking our pics and selling them. Conspiracy? Nope.

I don’t know how Apple thinks the world population can use such large phones. I don’t know how women with tiny hands can use a max comfortably, but that is not something I need to worry about. Everyone has their preferences and perceived user experience. I am envious of people that can use these one handed.

For some reason, karma police slapped the cuffs on me as I type this as my 8 seems bricked. Not powering on and doesn’t appear to be charging. I’ll take it to the mall and have them reseat the battery.

My plan now is to return the 16 Pro and get a SE 3 and then hope for the SE 4.

I am a one handed iPhone user. It’s just the way I use it. Hats off to those with big hands and are not bothered by these big iPhones. God I wish I could.

It’s an amazing testament to Apple that they made this 8 that performed so perfectly for 7 years and still works so well.

I’ll miss this beautiful 16 pro screen. I’ll miss not having the latest and greatest but it’s too much of a downgrade for me.
The 8 is my GOAT.
I hope the SE4 is my new GOAT.
I’ll be heartbroken if the SE4 is just a AI generated rumor.

I am amazed at how flawlessly my data transferred over. Imagine doing that with Windows. Incredible that all my settings, MP3 song library, passwords and apps perfectly migrated in 1.5 hours. The only hiccup was carrier contact was needed to help with activation. Took 10 minute call to big red. Thanks Megan.

My 8 took amazing pics the other day. How much better can it be?

Or to cut a long story short you tried a new phone and didn’t like it 😂

 

[klasma]

I agree about the size problem. Even the iPhone mini screen is too large (vertically) for comfortable one-handed use. Though I already found the iPhone 6 too large as well. The last true one-handed iPhone was the OG SE. (Some would even say the 4S.)

FID is fine. Even though I believe our photos will be compromised by it at some point. The single greatest pieces of data nefarious sources want is IP, location and our facial imagery. All the big chain retail stores are taking our pics and selling them. Conspiracy? Nope.

You may not be aware, but Face ID doesn't take photos of your face. It projects a grid of infrared dots on your face and computes the face's 3D shape from that. Of course, face shape is still sensitive biometric information, and you'll have to trust Apple that it doesn't leave your device, the same as for the Touch ID fingerprints.