iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus Reviews: 'Pro Features at a Mainstream Price'

[dannyyankou]

Yep. Call me crazy but I'd rather have 60Hz OLED than 120hz of another display tech.

And if you've never actually used 120hz on your display, you likely won't even care anyway. The problem is typically going from 120 back to 60, though I've personally been able to acclimate back to that in a week or so anyway.

Now to be fair, I’ve understand the argument “if Samsung can do 120hz OLED for $799, why can’t Apple?”.

That’s a better argument than “these $200 phones have modern tech in this one area, but 2017 tech in all these different areas” (compare iPhone X benchmark scores to OnePlus Nord)

 

[dannyyankou]

And so what? Android manufacturers are using 90-120Hz as a standard since at least 4-5years, and Apple is selling Pro Motion iPhone pros since 2022. They do have the technology, as well as a well larger scale than Android manufacturers.
If it had wanted to, Apple could have put 90-120Hz displays on iPhone 16 as well for an extra few bucks. Let's be honest and admit that the only reason they didn't do it is to not cannibalize iPhone 16 Pro.
That's the very definition of technology gatekeeping.

That’s a fair argument, and probably a correct one. But I just had to push back on the comparisons to $200 phones that compromise on everything else because it doesn’t tell the whole story.

 

[rp2011]

I still use a 13 and 11 as my daily drivers, I think one of these or possibly the (hopefully) soon to be released SE would be a nice upgrade but what I currently have seems to be perfectly fine. The 11 has 90% battery health and the 13 has 95% so that's not much of a reason to change. Seriously seems like these things are really at a plateau now. I have my sights set on the rumored "Slim"

I have my sights set on the rumored "Slim" If it will be noticeably lighter in weight, I would be willing to give it a try. It would be nice to place a phone in your pants that doesn't pull them down.
I still need to carry a wallet for my driver's license, keys for my car, and a Pro Max. That's a lot of weight. Hopefully, my next car can be activated by my phone and my driver's license is legally available to carry digitally.

 

[SactoGuy18]

People sometimes forget that 120 Hz refresh rate on a phone is a MAJOR battery drain issue. Look at how big the batteries are on the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S24 models.

Besides, Apple has done a very good job with 60 Hz refresh on their display panels. I have an iPhone 12 and 60 Hz is not an issue even seeing the display close up.

 

[sflagel]

So many buttons.

It should have been possible to multi-function the volume-up button for this.

 

[gfbio]

That’s a fair argument, and probably a correct one. But I just had to push back on the comparisons to $200 phones that compromise on everything else because it doesn’t tell the whole story.

I agree, it was an extreme case. An iPhone certainly has a higher value, but as far as I am concerned it is not acceptable to sell such an expensive device without a 60Hz display in 2024. I will stick to my solid iPhone 12 pro.

 

[SactoGuy18]

So many buttons.

It should have been possible to multi-function the volume-up button for this.

We may get that with the iPhone 17 next year. Remember Apple's original plans to replace the volume buttons with single longer "button" on the iPhone 16? And that "button" may have multiple functions, too.

 

[gfbio]

People sometimes forget that 120 Hz refresh rate on a phone is a MAJOR battery drain issue. Look at how big the batteries are on the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S24 models.

Besides, Apple has done a very good job with 60 Hz refresh on their display panels. I have an iPhone 12 and 60 Hz is not an issue even seeing the display close up.

Honestly, this argument reminds of when people argued that it was better not to have 2gb more ram because it consumed battery power. I guess power consumption depends on your usage - but you can always turn it off if you want 60Hz.

 

[SactoGuy18]

Honestly, this argument reminds of when people argued that it was better not to have 2gb more ram because it consumed battery power. I guess power consumption depends on your usage - but you can always turn it off if you want 60Hz.

But you notice how big the batteries are on the Samsung Galaxy S24 models. Samsung should default it to 60 Hz but offer the 120 Hz option just to keep battery size reasonable (I've picked up a Galaxy S24 Ultra and wow, that thing is heavy).

 

[ersan191]

It just needs 120Hz.

These posts are exactly why Apple will never do it.

 

[Phone Junky]

I wonder how many years they are going to stick with the laggy old 60hz screens

Man this company has become such a sham

It's so sad

Isn’t it nice that there are other manufacturers to choose from and not be stuck with this “sham” of a company?

 

[gfbio]

But you notice how big the batteries are on the Samsung Galaxy S24 models. Samsung should default it to 60 Hz but offer the 120 Hz option just to keep battery size reasonable (I've picked up a Galaxy S24 Ultra and wow, that thing is heavy).

Not sure how it works with Samsung phones, but when it comes to the iPhone 15 lineup the Pro version has a smaller battery and just a 4% shorter (nominal) battery life.

 

[Bustermd]

I had to upgrade my phone this year. I went with the 16 from a 14 pro.
In my mind the 120 hz is in the "nice to have but not essential" category. Sure it "feels snappier", but honestly that's a totally subjective assessment and if I scroll normally, not as fast as possible to try and notice the difference between 60 and 120 it becomes even less obvious. Its not a deal breaker at all. Its something youtubers nitpick on to generate content.

One of the underdiscussed and underrated things that people ignore is weight. My 14 pro is heavy, and top heavy to boot. It often has toppled over in my hand. I'm excited to have a lighter phone again.

 

[minhrom]

60Hz in 2024? NO THANKS!

 

[Lwii2boo]

People sometimes forget that 120 Hz refresh rate on a phone is a MAJOR battery drain issue. Look at how big the batteries are on the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S24 models.

Besides, Apple has done a very good job with 60 Hz refresh on their display panels. I have an iPhone 12 and 60 Hz is not an issue even seeing the display close up.

You forgot one thing that reduces significantly consumption on pro iPhones. 120hz display on iPhone have VRR while 60hz display are just stuck to constant 60 whatever you are doing

 

[BigBlur]

People sometimes forget that 120 Hz refresh rate on a phone is a MAJOR battery drain issue. Look at how big the batteries are on the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S24 models.

Besides, Apple has done a very good job with 60 Hz refresh on their display panels. I have an iPhone 12 and 60 Hz is not an issue even seeing the display close up.

The thing with iPhone Pro and ProMotion...it isn't just about 120Hz...it means it has a variable refresh rate. It'll only ramp up to 120Hz when it's needed, and will drop down to 24Hz or 10Hz when a higher refresh rate isn't needed (or down to 1Hz for the always on display). That's why the Pro models have a longer battery life, due to being able to drop below 60Hz. In fact, the batteries in the Pro models are actually smaller than the regular models (3290mAh vs. 3349mAH for iPhone15 Pro/iPhone 15).

The regular models are stuck on 60Hz all the time, therefore lesser battery life despite having a larger battery.

Personally, I can't tell the difference between a 60Hz and a 120Hz display either, but it's still nice to have ProMotion to make use of the lower/variable refresh rates and battery savings.

 

[ssledoux]

I wish they’d just make a single phone (preferably aluminum for light weight and cool colors) with all the available features in two sizes, and then keep a “budget” phone.

 

[VisceralRealist]

It just needs 120Hz.

Yep.

Which is exactly why it doesn't have it: to upsell you to the Pro.

If the rumors are true and all models get 120Hz next year, I'm thinking the "Air" replaces the non-Pro.

 

[BigBlur]

I wish they’d just make a single phone (preferably aluminum for light weight and cool colors) with all the available features in two sizes, and then keep a “budget” phone.

I agree. I think we'll eventually get to this point. Smartphone tech is peaking and the regular 16 is almost a "Pro". That'll be even more true next year if the rumored ProMotion/120Hz does indeed come to the regular iPhone 17. Soon, there won't be much to differentiate between them anymore. They've already done this with the MacBooks. There is no "MacBook" line anymore...just the "MacBook Air" and "MacBook Pro".

 

[Spike1999]

Oh here come the YouTube ‘reviews’ again 🙄

 

[ssledoux]

I agree. I think we'll eventually get to this point. Smartphone tech is peaking and the regular 16 is almost a "Pro". That'll be even more true next year if the rumored ProMotion/120Hz does indeed come to the regular iPhone 17. Soon, there won't be much to differentiate between them anymore. They've already done this with the MacBooks. There is no "MacBook" line anymore...just the "MacBook Air" and "MacBook Pro".

Yeah I just think it’s a bit ridiculous to hold back one or two features so one phone can be a “pro.” I get the materials are more premium, but to me a heavier device to hold is NOT better. Of course I’m sure others may feel differently.

 

[Spike1999]

Preselected favorite reviewers who are guaranteed to give good reviews

I wish Mac Rumours would stop giving them publicity.

 

[Octavius8]

still 60hz screen?????. Amazing the greed of Apple. So sad people don’t have access to all choices of devices brands in USA and still pay for 10 years old screens just for the logo on the back. The CPU is no longer a differentiating factor between a 3 o 4 years old phone, most games plays basically the same in an iPhone 12 vs an iPhone 16. Who is at fault, Apple or people for settling for less and not demanding Apple for better value for the money.

 

[ssledoux]

I had to upgrade my phone this year. I went with the 16 from a 14 pro.
In my mind the 120 hz is in the "nice to have but not essential" category. Sure it "feels snappier", but honestly that's a totally subjective assessment and if I scroll normally, not as fast as possible to try and notice the difference between 60 and 120 it becomes even less obvious. Its not a deal breaker at all. Its something youtubers nitpick on to generate content.

One of the underdiscussed and underrated things that people ignore is weight. My 14 pro is heavy, and top heavy to boot. It often has toppled over in my hand. I'm excited to have a lighter phone again.

After a while with my pro max, I can honestly say I’m feeling ready for a smaller, lighter phone. I just don’t know if I’d wind up being as happy with it as I think I would. I’m not in a position to upgrade this year anyway, but am hoping/planning to go back to the smaller, regular iPhone next year.

 

[Bustermd]

I wish they’d just make a single phone (preferably aluminum for light weight and cool colors) with all the available features in two sizes, and then keep a “budget” phone.

The initial appeal of the iPhone was that there was only one iPhone model. Everyone got the same thing for the same price. Then the plastic 5C came along and the rest is history. I also think having a cheaper model was intended for Apple to be more competitive in developing economies, where Android phones are the default for the most part. That probably didn't work as even the 'basic' iphone is much more expensive than the cheapest androids.

I personally wish they would just go back to one model, and maybe offer it in 2 or 3 sizes.