iPhone 16/Plus What to buy as first iPhone ever for digital minimalist user

[martala]

I've never had iPhone, I've always used budget Andrioid phones (mainly Xiaomi). Recently I've started to think about switching to iPhone becasue I've heard good opinions about iOS. I value minimalism and efficiency and I heard iOS is like that. But I don't know which iPhone I should buy. Currently thinking about 16 and 16 Pro.

I use phone mainly for calling, sending messages, browsing the Internet, listening to music and sometimes I take some photos (but not often and I don't really pay attention to it). For me, a phone is an investment for years. I want to use it for 5 years or more. What matters the most for me is battery time.

First I though about 16 Pro, but then I started to think that maybe Pro is a bit of overkill to me. I mean I'm really minimalist regarding these stuff, Pro probably has many professional options that I don't even need. But sure my main concern is 60hz screen in 16, comparing to 120hz in Pro, but I've never had 120hz so probably I don't know what I'm loosing.

Please help me decide considering I'm looking for a simple phone for basic use. Btw Plus and Max versions are too big for me.

 

[Apple_Robert]

The iPhone 16 would be fine for you.

 

[Antarctica]

iPhone 16, or you could save a couple of hundred $ and get the iPhone 15

 

[martala]

Do 60hz vs 120hz really matters considering my needs?

 

[UnifiedMelody]

Do 60hz vs 120hz really matters considering my needs?

I went from a 11 Pro Max (60Hz) to 16 Pro Max (120Hz) recently...
It's nice ; that said not something I really "need" but it's nice to have just as a bonus. Just like a Want.
Need would imply a 60Hz is agonising and non-functional to a certain point it would not fulfill a need.

If I were being honest, the 120Hz is a no brainer for stuff like iPad Pros [i've tested iPads with 60Hz display, base model and iPad Air M2] and those are jarring to use as the drag is very obvious. Phones not as much but you can notice it a bit if playing side by side [but not as bad as iPads where the differnces can get jarring/obvious]

Also if you buy from apple store you have two weeks to decide if you like the product. if not just return within 2 week for no frills refund/exchange to another product. im not sure on other retailers tho, they're not as flexible as apple store.

Battery life wise; the pro max is king and is why i went for itr straight away, if it were to degrade over years it'd still be performing way better than say a normal sized 16 that went through the same use. [falls down quicker]...

That said... for MOST people the base 16/16+ is fine. it's gotten most of the upgrades like the same A18 chip and such that puts it way up there considering it's their 'base model'... before the base model used to get last gen stuff and crippled back and forth lol

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

As a minimalist, stick with Android. You already know how to use it, so there will be no learning curve. Minimalist uses should work fine on it. Your list of uses work fine on Android.

Apple fans will push Apple and only Apple. But other than you saying you want to go iOS, there's nothing else in your post that suggests you should.

With an iPhone, you'll immediately face a learning curve. And for the things you do, I don't think any of them will be simpler. A new Android phone is going to have "incredible" battery life too... or perhaps just replace the battery in the one you already have to return to out-of-the-box battery life? Furthermore, maybe pick up a battery case to add more battery life, built within the case.

Else, you are paying way up for "premium" phone without intent to take much advantage of whatever makes it premium. If minimalism persists with this next purchase, you are already set... or already set with a battery replacement and/or battery case upgrade... or could spend a lot less to get yourself a new Android phone that will do your list just fine- just as simple- and you already know how to use it (so perceptually simpler).

 

[JPack]

16 Plus if you want battery runtime.

 

[martala]

Plus will be too big for me.

 

[martala]

As a minimalist, stick with Android. You already know how to use it, so there will be no learning curve. Minimalist uses should work fine on it. Your list of uses work fine on Android.

Learning iOS is not an issue

 

[Jay-Jacob]

Any base model will be fine like iPhone 15 if want spend less or iPhone 16 if want all new features plus iPhone 16 have quite few previous Pro features on it now. No need go Pro unless want bigger screen, 120hz screen, always on display and better camera. They are main features for Pro.

 

[NoBoMac]

Since minimalist, I’d wait until March and get the new SE. Will have most of the major features of the modern iPhone, modern guts, but at a better price point. Battery life might not be as good as a 16, but if truly a minimalist, should not be a problem (Read: not on the phone 23/7).

iPhone SE 4 to Complete Apple's Switch to OLED Across iPhone Lineup

Apple is expected to launch a fourth-generation iPhone SE early next year with an OLED display for the first time, marking the completion of...

www.macrumors.com

 

[martala]

Any base model will be fine like iPhone 15 if want spend less or iPhone 16 if want all new features plus iPhone 16 have quite few previous Pro features on it now. No need go Pro unless want bigger screen, 120hz screen, always on display and better camera. They are main features for Pro.

I don't need bigger screen and I don't care about camera. But is 120hz making a difference in basic use like messaging, internet or music? And doesn't always on display drain battery so it's better to shut it down?

 

[Dc2006ster]

If like me you have very basic needs (my plan has 1GB which I rarely use up) I suggest you consider the SE and save a decent amount of money. I have the 2nd gen SE and it does all I need. I don’t game or take many photos so do not need a high end camera or screen . I do listen to music when exercising, text, browse the internet, use maps and make a few calls. The only thing I would like is MagSafe charging But I cope very well by plugging it into a charger.

 

[I7guy]

As a minimalist, stick with Android. You already know how to use it, so there will be no learning curve. Minimalist uses should work fine on it. Your list of uses work fine on Android.

Apple fans will push Apple and only Apple. But other than you saying you want to go iOS, there's nothing else in your post that suggests you should.

The above makes no sense. OP said they were looking at IOS and this has nothing to do with apple fans pushing apple and only apple.

With an iPhone, you'll immediately face a learning curve. And for the things you do, I don't think any of them will be simpler. A new Android phone is going to have "incredible" battery life too... or perhaps just replace the battery in the one you already have to return to out-of-the-box battery life? Furthermore, maybe pick up a battery case to add more battery life, built within the case.

Else, you are paying way up for "premium" phone without intent to take much advantage of whatever makes it premium. If minimalism persists with this next purchase, you are already set... or already set with a battery replacement and/or battery case upgrade... or could spend a lot less to get yourself a new Android phone that will do your list just fine- just as simple- and you already know how to use it (so perceptually simpler).

Nothing in this post is helpful as to help the OP decide if IOS would suit them.

OP: I now have a 15PM and really like the phone I had my previous phone for 5 years and Apple replaced the battery 4 years in for $69. As for your use cases "calling, sending messages, browsing the Internet, listening to music" can be done on a flip-phone today or any phone period. If it's a matter of trying something the apple ecosystem though will get you hooked, imo. IOS is IOS no matter what phone. The more expensive the better the hardware features such as shooting 4K at 120 vs 4K at 60. The 16 pro max is also the biggest. I like my 15PM for the screen size. The battery will last all day, there is zero concern about battery life throughout the day.

Certainly can get one to try out, there is a generous return policy. Good luck.

 

[martala]

If you have very basic needs I suggest you consider the SE and save a decent amount of money.

but current SE is old and I can't wait till spring for next relase

 

[maxrest]

120 hz is really nice but it's not a necessity, especially if you don't have other devices that have that refresh rate. Based on your usage/description, I'd go regular 16.

 

[Biro]

To the OP: You have answered your own question. The Plus and Pro Max are too big for you. You can’t wait until the new SE comes out next year. You don’t care about the camera and lots of features. Others tell you 120hz may be nice to have but certainly isn’t necessary. Get the base iPhone 16… it has slightly better battery life than the base iPhone 15.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

The above makes no sense. OP said they were looking at IOS and this has nothing to do with apple fans pushing apple and only apple.

Ask Apple people if someone should buy Apple anything and the answer is universally YES. Ask any biased crowd about anything within the realm of their bias and they will show it. Ask a Coca Cola crowd which soft drink is best and you know the answer. Ask a political party crowd which candidate or party platform is best and you'll get THEIRS. Etc.

Nothing in this post is helpful as to help the OP decide if IOS would suit them.

How nice of you to play " what is helpful?" judge & jury... for somebody else!

OP is asking a question about phones but also shares "minimalist" uses for which the Android they already have does those things just fine. The "helpful" could be that instead of spending $1000+ for an iPhone to do that relatively short list of things, perhaps only a new battery, battery case and/or much less expensive new Android phone could scratch all itches... EXCEPT a stated interest of considering going iOS this time.

He'll drown in enthusiastic answers of which iPhone to buy, so I offered an alternative that already works perfectly fine for him (and has for years)... and costs much less. I believe there is plenty of "helpful" in that.

OP has since reiterated the goal of embracing iOS, so any one of dozens of other posts may be helpful. OP has the right to be judge & jury about suggestions as they are the one looking for input and actually making the purchase. The rest of us are only offering suggestions/ideas for their consideration.

In broad strokes well beyond only this topic, sometimes the best answer is not "buy, buy, buy, replace, upgrade, spend, etc" but "love the one you're with."

 

[Garethe86]

Do 60hz vs 120hz really matters considering my needs?

I thought this would matter coming from the 15PM and right out of the box I didn't even notice, Apple's software has been optimized enough to make it irrelevant, except to the YouTubers and MacRumors enthusiasts of course. But seriously, I can't believe how smooth the iPhone 16 is, it surprised even me.

 

[martala]

I thought this would matter coming from the 15PM and right out of the box I didn't even notice, Apple's software has been optimized enough to make it irrelevant, except to the YouTubers and MacRumors enthusiasts of course. But seriously, I can't believe how smooth the iPhone 16 is, it surprised even me.

why have you downgraded from 15PM to basic iPhone 16?

 

[Garethe86]

why have you downgraded from 15PM to basic iPhone 16?

I've had two strokes, gripping is now difficult, and the pro max was too big/unwieldy.

 

[I7guy]

Ask Apple people if someone should buy Apple anything and the answer is universally YES.

And that’s what it should be. Advise ashyou believe.!Anyone that believes they are unbiased can’t see they own blind spots. But in this case OP was requesting IOS advice.

Ask any biased crowd about anything within the realm of their bias and they will show it. Ask a Coca Cola crowd which soft drink is best and you know the answer. Ask a political party crowd which candidate or party platform is best and you'll get THEIRS. Etc.

For sure and that’s acceptable. Can’t say an opinion is wrong.(well here at MR one can)

How nice of you to play " what is helpful?" judge & jury... for somebody else!

Any post is open to any comment.

OP is asking a question about phones but also shares "minimalist" uses for which the Android they already have does those things just fine.

Op is clearly asking about iOS.

The "helpful" could be that instead of spending $1000+ for an iPhone to do that relatively short list of things, perhaps only a new battery, battery case and/or much less expensive new Android phone could scratch all itches... EXCEPT a stated interest of considering going iOS this time.

Does one think op misses the point of staying with android for $0 or buying an iPhone for $$$?

He'll drown in enthusiastic answers of which iPhone to buy, so I offered an alternative that already works perfectly fine for him (and has for years)... and costs much less. I believe there is plenty of "helpful" in that.

OP has since reiterated the goal of embracing iOS, so any one of dozens of other posts may be helpful. OP has the right to be judge & jury about suggestions as they are the one looking for input and actually making the purchase. The rest of us are only offering suggestions/ideas for their consideration.

The rest of us can comment on any post we want, hopefully our answers are found helpful. But it’s still up to op to make the final choice.

In broad strokes well beyond only this topic, sometimes the best answer is not "buy, buy, buy, replace, upgrade, spend, etc" but "love the one you're with."

Sometimes the best answer is to do what’s right for you and if that means spending $$$ than you do that.

 

[klasma]

But is 120hz making a difference in basic use like messaging, internet or music?

If you have to ask the question, then no, absolutely not. Some people get accustomed to it and then can’t bear using 60 Hz anymore, but that isn’t a problem that would affect you. Some people can’t see the difference even when looking at it side by side.

And doesn't always on display drain battery so it's better to shut it down?

You certainly save battery by turning it off.

but current SE is old and I can't wait till spring for next relase

Not sure why you can’t wait, I would.

 

[azhava]

An iPhone 16 would be fine for your needs. Even an iPhone 15 would serve you well, and you could save some money in the process if that's an issue.

Some people notice the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz, others don't. For your stated uses it's not going to be a big deal, and since you've never had a 120Hz phone you can't miss what you never had.

Keep in mind that MacRumors is a very niche audience, there are some people here who obsess over the most microscopic details of a phone that most others would never even notice or care about. Things that are very, very important to some users are trivial/inconsequential to many others.

 

[martala]

Not sure why you can’t wait, I would.

Because my old phone is in really bad shape it's really slow and battery is so low so I can't wait till spring.

What about baterry. Is battery in Pro significantly better?