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

[neuralengine]

As many here have already suggested, try finding a refurbished 13 mini from Apple. They do seem to show up every now and then on the Apple online store, though only in the Midnight color.

I can use the regular 6-ish inch phones no problem but I didn't realize just how much I dislike the new “normal” size until I got a 13 mini. I bought mine a week before the iPhone event (knowingly) and it has been nothing short of a revelation. I have absolutely zero FOMO about the new phones, though I was planning on getting a 16 Pro originally. The size and ergonomics absolutely trump everything else. I love everything* about this phone and honestly don’t know what I’ll do when it stops getting software support or the battery gives up.

* I do dislike the overly processed photos that come out of it (I upgraded from an iPhone 11) but that’s true for all phone sizes these days sadly

 

[leifp]

That’s how I felt when the 6 came out. And the 11 was gross. But then Apple s*canned the mini and the 77mm equivalent lens is only on the Pro… so here I am. Pining for the past, unlikely to ever get it back (although a part of me believes the next iPhone SE will be based on the 13 mini…)

 

[ssledoux]

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.

I know it wouldn’t help with weight or bulk, but have you considered something like a Loopy case? I am pretty small with small hands currently using the 15 pro max (however, I likely WILL go back to the smaller phone next time I upgrade because I won’t go bigger), and I use a Loopy case. It is a game changer for many who are using the bigger phones.

Worth a try - www.loopycases.com - and no I don’t work for them, but I have purchased plenty!

 

[ssledoux]

That’s how I felt when the 6 came out. And the 11 was gross. But then Apple s*canned the mini and the 77mm equivalent lens is only on the Pro… so here I am. Pining for the past, unlikely to ever get it back (although a part of me believes the next iPhone SE will be based on the 13 mini…)

I hope you’re right about that! I think that would be their best move with the regular lineup getting larger and larger. A LOT of folks want smaller phones!

 

[JosephAW]

My iPhone 8 Plus 256 GB was an amazing phone alongside my iPhone 11 Pro Max and it’s battery life.
The 14 Pro is lacking and now that I see that the iPhone 16 Pro Max 3X photos are worse I’m tempted to hold off upgrading.
That iPhone 8 was so fast that it would boot up faster than my 11 and my 14. Still use it for my social media accounts, unfortunately it’s stuck at iOS 16.

 

[michaelant]

Amazingly, I am just now upgrading to an iPhone 16 Pro from an iPhone X, so I'm in the same boat as you, since the 8 and the X came out in the same year. My iPhone X has been truly incredible to work almost flawlessly for seven(!) years. I don't yet have the 16 Pro, but I know I will appreciate the speed, as some big apps are slow now on the X. And I'm really going to like the 5X optical zoom.

Some people have mentioned, but if you haven't been using Reachability, you gotta try that. I didn't really rely on it until I got the X, even though it had been available a few years before the X.

Since this is the first time you're using Face ID, you now bring the top of the screen down via "Reachability" with a down-swipe at the bottom (on the iPhone 8 you double-tap the home button, not double-press of course). The down-swipe is right where the horizontal line is at the bottom that indicates how to control the phone now that it has no home button. You can even do it on the lock screen, and that's how I get to Control Center one-handed: swipe down, screen slides down, then swipe down from upper right corner. It slides down exactly half-way, so I think everyone can reach it.

Good luck! It took me a couple days to get used to Reachability on the X, but I'd say give your 16 Pro a chance a little longer. That swipe-down gesture at the bottom is truly second nature for me now, and really helps, because even the X is too big to use one handed securely.

 

[ibookemo]

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?

I think you’re pretty correct. The older iPhones are still really great.

 

[Charlesrfinal]

Sorry but perhaps give it a try for a few days and see if it grows on you. As a male of only 5 feet and 10 inches with hands to match the XR was big but I've used every max since the 12PM. Took a week to get used to and whether I txt with 1 hand or 2; the battery, screen, and camera features all make me never want to use a smaller phone again.

my new 16PM is even slightly larger! Love it.

 

[SteveJawbs]

Thank you all for the mature and non flammable replies.

I’m not alone. It’s good to know people do like having a solid one handed iPhone.

I’m shocked that as I type this I’m down to 76% battery. I left my house an hour ago with 95% and have listened to CNN stream and took a few test videos.

I’ve decided to keep the 16pro. I will take all the tips given here to heart. Will try the Reachability tip first.

It seems many of you are not from the USA and it shows with the thoughtful replies. Not that my fellow US citizens are nasty - but I was expecting alot of pushback from reactionary personalities that use usually US based. Instead, I have many thoughtful replies and understanding.

My 8 booted up bit the charging port is dead. I tried all the cleaning tips but it’s dead. So a wireless charge works and that’s it.

I’ll let it retire. But man, 7 years of flawless use.

It sounds so silly - but it just really is sad that I cannot customize the top ribbon with Bluetooth or alarm. Or can’t move the safsri tabs icon to the left instead of out of reach on the right. Apple could do so much more. Just simple customization opportunities.

It just seems like iOS could be so much better and still seems years behind. Even Windows 95 allowed you to customize the hell out of it with ease. iOS seems so antiquated.

I will live with the 16pro and the feeling of downgrading will always remain.

Its weird how it’s just the same phone as the 8. Safari is the same. Mail is the same. Photos are the same.

I wish the excitement of migrating 7 years later was positive. But I will always keep the 8 close and dear to my heart. What an amazing device Apple produced. Flawless. Reliable. Perfection.

Our phones are a such a huge part of our lives unfortunately - I believe they have done more damage than good - but it’s our shared reality now. We live through our phones. Real life is no longer our reality. It’s why people can’t enjoy a concert without an iPhone in their hand.

When I see the high school track team running and training all the female runners are holding an iPhone max in their hands. It’s amaze that they cannot live without their phones while training for competition. Our phones control us. but again, that is our shared reality. Are we better for it - not sure yet.

If Apple turns evil and uses our data for nefarious means, that will be the darkest day ever. Or, if the hack of the century occurs and iCloud becomes totally compromised. When Zuckerberg was at Harvard he bragged that he had everyone’s private conversations. Elon now has every important political, government and social figures’ of our time data - location, phone number, email address, DMs. Imagine if he was Timmy. Data holds extraordinary power.

3rd world problems indeed.

Enjoy your $1300 toy and shut up guy.

It’s just a GD phone.

☺️🎻☺️

(Apologies to MOD for the tapatalk denacle. Sorry about that.)

 

[NvidiaIntelPC]

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?

Why not buy a 13 Mini?

 

[TracerAnalog]

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?

Pet peeve: I never understand people with particular wants and needs buy a new phone without trying it out first. Best to try things out beforehand than burden yourself with returns etc.
Having said that, I hope the new SE will suit you better!

 

[leifp]

Why not buy a 13 Mini?

Personally, it’s now a completely deprecated handset (in that Apple no longer sells any iPhone 13 models “new” rather than unsupported in iOS) and the A15 is only an interim step between the A11 of the iPhone 8 and the A18 of the iPhone 16. Of course, if you believe that Apple will release another mini handset in the future, then any stopgap helps!

 

[blairh]

I’m in the same situation as the OP although I have not bought one yet. My 12 mini is still working. Having to use two hands is really a step down. There are so many situations in daily life where I only have one hand to use the phone. Coming home with groceries and have to turn off the alarm… just to give one example to avoid funny suggestions 😅

In all seriousness: A phone where you can’t reach from top to bottom using your thumb is just too big.

The only scenario I can personally imagine where I must use my iPhone with one hand is if I'm on a subway and I'm standing and holding onto something. And even then it's with the assumption that I can't get something done with my Apple Watch.

Otherwise I have no issues using my iPhone with two hands. And I strongly prefer it.

 

[NvidiaIntelPC]

Personally, it’s now a completely deprecated handset (in that Apple no longer sells any iPhone 13 models “new” rather than unsupported in iOS) and the A15 is only an interim step between the A11 of the iPhone 8 and the A18 of the iPhone 16. Of course, if you believe that Apple will release another mini handset in the future, then any stopgap helps!

1.They haven’t released any smaller handsets, and chances are they won’t, because the OP is in the minority here. However, he still wants a small phone, so the 13 Mini is the latest he can get.

2. It doesn’t matter that Apple doesn’t sell them directly; he can still find brand new ones (and they will come with a 1-year warranty).

3.Its price has depreciated, even for new models, which is a good thing.

4.The A15 is 2 generation ahead of A11 and still very fast and capable. I’ve been using my 13 Pro Max since launch, and it’s still buttery smooth and very fast and powerful.

5.iOS is supported for the 13 series and will continue to be supported until 2030.

 

[subjonas]

I know it wouldn’t help with weight or bulk, but have you considered something like a Loopy case? I am pretty small with small hands currently using the 15 pro max (however, I likely WILL go back to the smaller phone next time I upgrade because I won’t go bigger), and I use a Loopy case. It is a game changer for many who are using the bigger phones.

Worth a try - www.loopycases.com - and no I don’t work for them, but I have purchased plenty!

The downside to these is you have to take them off to use car mounts or magsafe charging I assume?

 

[SteveJawbs]

Today I learned the positives outweigh the disappointments.

The better camera is a deciding factor.

Had a glorious time with new camera at a cheap hardware store.

Still want a Mini. 😇🎻😇

 

[ssledoux]

The downside to these is you have to take them off to use car mounts or magsafe charging I assume?

That’s a fact, but I don’t have a problem using the cord. In my car I use it to connect to CarPlay and at home I rarely charge my phone anytime other than at night, so it’s not a big deal To me.

 

[cutlub]

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.

Sadly, the same thing happened with my wife when the iPhone 12 came out. Navigating the larger phone actually hurt her wrists. She got a 12 mini, then a 13, which is where she will stay probably forever, haha! We’ll just keep buying them off eBay, hopefully. Really disappointed in the market more than the manufacturers. They build what the market dictates, and unfortunately, it’s huge phones. I was actually bummed when I heard the 16 Pros were getting bigger. I know the minis did not sell well, but I wish they had kept them in the line up for those who prefer comfort over mass.

 

[fisico511]

I agree, and I have large hands. The 8 was the last refinement to the pre-brick iPhone.

 

[SteveJawbs]

Sadly, the same thing happened with my wife when the iPhone 12 came out. Navigating the larger phone actually hurt her wrists. She got a 12 mini, then a 13, which is where she will stay probably forever, haha! We’ll just keep buying them off eBay, hopefully. Really disappointed in the market more than the manufacturers. They build what the market dictates, and unfortunately, it’s huge phones. I was actually bummed when I heard the 16 Pros were getting bigger. I know the minis did not sell well, but I wish they had kept them in the line up for those who prefer comfort over mass.

I would just die for a 5.7 with no notch.

This 16pro is just too damn big for small hands.

I just don’t understand how people don’t desire easy full one handed use. But to each their own.

I will keep this 16 pro but I will hope and pray for a SE GOAT in the future.

 

[ssledoux]

I would just die for a 5.7 with no notch.

This 16pro is just too damn big for small hands.

I just don’t understand how people don’t desire easy full one handed use. But to each their own.

I will keep this 16 pro but I will hope and pray for a SE GOAT in the future.

I have always felt like the 11 pro size in aluminum with a full screen would be my ideal phone.

 

[seanmcbay]

I hate big phones too and am sticking with my 13 Mini. iOS 18 still runs very fast on it so I don’t see the need to. It’s a bit frustrating that Apple can sell 4 separate ones and they all have to be massive.

 

[teh_hunterer]

I will live with the 16pro and the feeling of downgrading will always remain.

It sounds to me like you really don't like change. I hope you do get used to it eventually though.

 

[iRizz]

I have tiny Oompa Loompa hands and I have no trouble using giant phones. You’ll get used to it. Either that or get a PopSocket.

 

[mectojic]

Your phone will still work without security updates. Eventually your apps will stop getting updates, and they'll stop working, and finally your carrier will require you to upgrade because they're shutting down that network. But that is years in the future more than likely.

Yeah, people do underestimate the amount of years of usefulness. If I lose access to some apps, like banking or social media, it'll be slightly inconvenient but not a huge issue, I'll just hotspot and use my laptop for those things.