iPhone 16 Pro Review: A Comprehensive Look at Apple’s Latest Powerhouse

Apple’s latest flagship phones, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, are here with a host of impressive features, including a stunning 4K slow-motion video, larger displays, and the latest iOS 18. While Apple Intelligence—a much-anticipated feature—hasn’t fully launched yet, the iPhone 16 Pro offers plenty to be excited about.

In this review, we’ll break down the pros and cons of the iPhone 16 Pro, its standout features, and whether it’s worth upgrading from your current device.

Pros of the iPhone 16 Pro

1. Larger Screens and Thinner Bezels: The iPhone 16 Pro sports a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max offers a whopping 6.9-inch screen. Both models have thinner bezels for a sleek, modern look.
2. 4K Slow-Mo Video at 120 FPS: Recording slow-motion videos in 4K at 120 frames per second is a game-changer, making everyday moments look cinematic.
3. Audio Mix Feature: The Audio Mix tool helps to isolate voices, remove background noise, and enhance audio quality—perfect for creating professional-grade videos.
4. iOS 18: This version of iOS brings advanced customization options, including dynamic island flashlight controls, personalized home screens, and improved privacy features.

Cons of the iPhone 16 Pro

1. Apple Intelligence Isn’t Ready: Though Apple Intelligence promises generative AI features, including ChatGPT integration and image editing tools, it won’t be fully available until iOS 18.1 is released.
2. 128GB Storage: The base storage of 128GB feels a bit limited, especially when compared to other budget phones offering the same storage.
3. Camera Control Placement: The new Camera Control button adds functionality but is not ideal for one-handed use. Its placement can lead to accidental taps, especially in landscape mode.
4. Drab Color Options: Although the finishes are elegant, they lack variety and vibrancy, offering more muted color choices.

The Best New iPhone Feature: 4K Slow-Motion Video

While the iPhone 16 Pro introduces several upgrades, the standout feature is its 4K 120fps slow-motion video recording. This technology allows users to capture incredible high-resolution videos that bring out details you might miss in real time.

During testing, a lion dance rehearsal was filmed, and the results were breathtaking. The iPhone 16 Pro captured the fast movements with stunning clarity, making the footage appear smooth and graceful.

The slow-motion feature is seamlessly integrated into the native camera app, which means there’s no need for third-party apps to access or preserve this high-quality footage. It’s a significant leap from the slow-motion video capabilities of earlier iPhones, which maxed out at HD resolution.

Apple Intelligence: A Sneak Peek

Although Apple Intelligence isn’t fully available yet, early testers have had a glimpse into its capabilities. The AI-based suite will include features such as automated writing tools, a photo cleanup tool, and a Summarize tool for quickly digesting news articles.

While ChatGPT integration and advanced visual intelligence tools like Genmoji and Image Playground are still in development, the Summarize tool has proven to be particularly helpful for cutting through clickbait and focusing on valuable content.

The Clean Up tool in Photos allows users to remove unwanted elements from images with remarkable accuracy, although it’s not perfect yet. Siri also gets a sleek rainbow-glowing interface and improved responsiveness, though it lacks the level of control offered by Google’s Gemini Live.

Camera Control Button: A Mixed Bag

The new Camera Control button brings a unique twist to the iPhone’s photography experience. Located below the power button, this button allows users to open the camera with a press and snap a photo or start recording with ease.

However, the placement can be awkward for one-handed use, as users may accidentally tap the button when holding the phone in landscape mode. While this button shows potential—especially when paired with Apple’s upcoming Visual Intelligence feature—it could benefit from better ergonomics.

Camera Quality: Stunning Photos and Videos

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max feature three upgraded cameras: a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, a 48-megapixel main camera with a faster sensor, and a 12-megapixel 5x telephoto lens.

Photos from the iPhone 16 Pro are impressive, offering great dynamic range, accurate colors, and exceptional detail, even in low light. The new ultrawide camera is particularly excellent in macro mode, allowing for sharp close-up shots.

Whether you’re capturing detailed food snaps or breathtaking cityscapes, the iPhone 16 Pro’s camera system delivers.

Battery Life and Performance

Thanks to the A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro offers excellent performance. Whether you’re filming in 4K slo-mo or gaming, the phone handles it effortlessly. In terms of battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro lasts through a full day of heavy usage, and a quick top-off can easily extend its longevity.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the iPhone 16 Pro?

If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 12 or older, the iPhone 16 Pro is a worthy upgrade. Its improved camera system, 4K slow-motion video recording, and iOS 18 features make it a fantastic device. However, if you’re currently using an iPhone 14 or 15, you might want to wait until Apple Intelligence rolls out in full.

For those looking for an iPhone with next-level video capabilities, personalization, and a future-proof AI suite, the iPhone 16 Pro is well worth the investment. Just be prepared to wait a little longer for the full potential of Apple Intelligence to arrive.