Apple iPhone 16 review – GSMArena.com tests

Introduction

The Apple iPhone 16 – the namesake of the series – bridges the gap between vanilla models and the Pro models by introducing a refined design, faster hardware, improved connectivity and charging and camera improvements.

The new iPhone 16 is once again a pioneer in sturdiness thanks to an improved Ceramic Shield glass, and it keeps the expended IP68 rating for up to 6m water submersion. It also has the same 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with high brightness, HDR10, and Dolby Vision.

There is a new generation chip now – the Apple A18. It brings a new, more powerful processor, much more advanced graphics than the A16 inside the iPhone 15, faster memory bandwidth for AI tasks, and 8GB of RAM, just like the Pro models.

The dual camera on the back has seens some changes. First, there is the 48MP primary with sensor-shift stabilization and Fusion capability, allowing improved 2x in-sensor zoom (better than on the iPhone 15). Then, there is an upgraded ultrawide camera with a brighter aperture lens and autofocus for some nice macro photos. And finally, the new Tone setting allows you to fine tune the iPhone’s camera tonal processing to better match your taste.

The iPhone 16 has the next-generation MagSafe and Qi2 support for up to 25W wireless charging options if you opt for the new MagSafe charger and a 30W+ power adapter.

The iPhone 16 runs on iOS 18 and fully supports Apple Intelligence, though the latter has yet to be released.

Apple iPhone 16 specs at a glance:

• Body: 147.6×71.6×7.8mm, 170g; Ceramic Shield glass front (Corning-made glass), glass back (Corning-made glass), aluminum frame; IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 min), Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified).
• Display: 6.10″ Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 1179x2556px resolution, 19.51:9 aspect ratio, 460ppi.
• Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm): Hexa-core; Apple GPU (5-core graphics).
• Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM; NVMe.
• OS/Software: iOS 18.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm, 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS; Ultra wide angle: 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120-degree, 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF.
• Front camera: Wide (main): 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm, 1/3.6″, PDAF; Depth: SL 3D.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), stereo sound rec; Front camera: 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS.
• Battery: XXXX mAh; Wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min (advertised), 25W wireless (MagSafe), 15W wireless (China only), 15W wireless (Qi2), 4.5W reverse wired.
• Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Dual SIM; Wi-Fi 7; BT 5.3; NFC.
• Misc: Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer; stereo speakers; Ultra Wideband (UWB) support (gen2 chip), Emergency SOS, Messages and Find My via satellite.

Apple has kept the 60Hz screen refresh rate for yet another year. The solid hardware under the hood has once again turned the cheapest new iPhone into an excellent gaming machine where a steady 60fps sounds like plenty.

We will not defend Apple’s choice of the standard refresh rate, so that is an instant CON for us. But other than that, the iPhone 16 is shaping as one of the hottest compact phones of the season.

Unboxing the iPhone 16

The retail bundle of the iPhone 16 is what you’d expect these days – you get a braided USB-C cable and a SIM ejection tool.

There is no longer a paper compartment, even if the paperwork is present. The Apple sticker, on the other hand, is now gone.