iPhone 16: review and features

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Apple enters the mobile artificial intelligence arena with the launch of its latest phone model, the iPhone 16. More than ever, the iconic phone aims to prove its usefulness for everyday or creative tasks. Find out what we think about the device and the new features it presents compared to previous models. Apple fans, you're in for a treat!

Our review 

With built-in artificial intelligence (AI) features, user-friendly Siri, and convenient Action and camera control buttons, the iPhone 16 leaps ahead of its predecessor. Apple's latest addition retains what has made the brand’s reputation over the years, such as high-quality cameras and a commitment to data privacy, even with the addition of AI (which is a feat). The A18 chip supports the device's performance, and the battery offers market-leading autonomy. Owners of an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max may not see the benefit of changing to an iPhone 16 in the same category, but the basic model breaks new ground in many ways and is well worth a look.

Strenghts

Apple Intelligence. Apple developed the iPhone 16 for its artificial intelligence, called Apple Intelligence. It can generate text or images and draw on user data to produce output that is better adapted to the context, offering a personalized experience. Here are some of the functions that Apple Intelligence can perform:

• Text summary, rewording, and revision, in almost all apps where you can enter text
• Transcribing audio recordings into text
• Suggested replies to an email in Mail

So far, nothing really new on the market (Samsung Galaxy AI offers similar functions). However, some innovations stand out:

• Genmoji, or the ability to create emojis simply by writing what you want to see (say, an astronaut squirrel). Fun!
• Playground image, which can generate small images, and the bar graph, which produces a polished image from sketches.
• Prioritizing notifications and emails—your phone understands what is most important to you and places it at the top of the list, such as an appointment reminder or an urgent task to complete.
• Memory movies, which create a slideshow of photos on the phone from a query.

Note that Apple Intelligence operates directly on the device, meaning it benefits from enhanced confidentiality. Data is never stored by Apple, but used only for user requests. Apple Intelligence is true to Apple's usual commitment to privacy. The company is trying to distinguish itself from other AI players by focusing on confidentiality, a feature that will surely appeal to many.

Apple Intelligence on iPhone 16

Redesign of Siri. Apple announced this at the outset in the title of its conference: It’s Glowtime! Siri has been given a facelift and a complete overhaul. The result: goodbye to the little green ball at the bottom of the screen, hello to a beautiful halo of light that activates when you give Siri a command. This improvement is found on all models in the range. In short, Siri has a better understanding of requests, even when you stumble over your words, and we can converse with her in text when we want more discretion. Also, Siri finds content more easily anywhere on the phone. For example, you can say “Find me grandma’s cookie recipe” if you don’t remember where you saved it! Very practical, considering that we manage an astronomical amount of information every day.

Action button. We liked it on the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and now it is finally present on all iPhone 16 models! The Action button allows you to program an action associated with the button, such as opening the camera app, turning on the flashlight, running the dictaphone, or opening an app of your choice. You can even schedule different actions depending on the time and location.

IPhone 16 Action button

Camera control button. This new wide, high-sensitivity button allows you to take photos simply by pressing it twice, without touching the screen. The click of the button gives the sensation of using a real camera. When the camera app is open, a swipe on the button allows you to change different settings, such as depth of field, zoom, or exposure. This innovation offers good ergonomics, as you can manipulate the settings with your fingers while keeping the phone in hand.

IPhone 16 Camera control button

High performance camera/video. The iPhone 16 features a 48 MP Fusion camera, a so-called “two-in-one” camera, as well as a 2x telephoto lens and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. With this kit in your pocket, you can photograph everything from macro to portrait to wide-frame. Also noteworthy is the arrival of space photos across the range, which allow you to film in 3D and relive your memory as if you were there, using a virtual reality headset such as the Apple Vision Pro.

Better autonomy. The larger battery size means that iPhone 16s are more autonomous than previous models. We’re talking about an additional two hours for the basic model and an additional four hours for the Pro Max model. This latest model makes it one of the most autonomous smartphones on the market today.

Weaknesses 

Limitations of artificial intelligence functions. Apple Intelligence will be available as a beta version, in US English, when it launches in October 2024. It is expected to be available in Canadian English in December 2024 and in French in 2025. Would you like to try it? When the time comes, set the system language of your iPhone 16 to US English.

In addition, when Apple’s artificial intelligence is unable to meet a request, it can tap into the power of ChatGPT (with the user’s permission). The transfer takes place without leaving the app you're using, but you no longer benefit from all the confidentiality conferred by Apple.

Subtle differences between different models in the range. This is not new, but even more true with the iPhone 16 as the Action and camera control buttons are present on all the latest generation models. The main differences focus on performance (processor, autonomy, camera) rather than the user experience.

Pay-per-use satellite connection after two years. Satellite calling features on iPhones, such as Satellite Messaging and Emergency SOS, are free for the first two years after a phone has been activated. What happens after that period? Mystery! Apple has yet to reveal its subscription plan and the fees associated with it.

iPhone 16 features

The following features are those of the basic model. To find out the features of iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max, check out our iPhone model comparison tool.

• Front camera: 12 MP TrueDepth camera
• Rear camera: 48 MP Fusion camera + 2x 12 MP telephoto lens + 12 MP ultra wide-angle lens
• Video camera: 4K up to 60 fps
• Screen: 6.1 in Super Retina XDR OLED, definition of 2,556 x 1,179 pixels at 460 dpi
• Height: 147.6 mm
• Width: 71.6 mm 
• Thickness: 7.8 mm
• Weight: 170 g 
• Colours: Black, white, teal, ultramarine blue, pink
• Storage: 128 or 256 GB
• Operating system: iOS 18 
• Battery: Up to 22 hours of video reading and up to 80 hours of audio reading
• Processor: A18 Pro chip, 5-core graphics processor 
• Latest-generation Ceramic Shield front glass
• Resistant to water and dust: IP68
• Connector type: USB-C

Price and release date 

The iPhone 16 is available on pre-order since September 13, 2024. It will be officially available for purchase on September 20, 2024.

At Videotron, the various models will retail at the following prices:

• iPhone 16: starting at $1,128 + taxes on one-time payment, or $28.75/month for 24 months*
• iPhone 16 Plus: starting at $1,278 + taxes on one-time payment, or $33/month for 24 months*
• iPhone 16 Pro: starting at $1,452 + taxes on one-time payment, or $38/month for 24 months*
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: starting at $1,752 + taxes on one-time payment, or $46.75/month for 24 months* 

*With the Take-back Credit and a subscription to an eligible Mobile plan.

Watch out for our promotions! With the Take-back Credit, you could benefit from a lower monthly payment. Stay tuned for our Apple promotions.

Ergonomics and design 

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus come in 5 colours: black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine blue. Apple traded the pastel range of the previous model for more vibrant colours—and we like it! The iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are available in four different titanium versions: black, natural, white, and desert.

From a screen size perspective, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus retain a size of 6.1 in and 6.7 in. However, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have a larger screen than previous generations, at 6.3 in and 6.9 in respectively. The basic and Plus models are made of aerospace aluminum, while the Pro and Pro Max models are made of titanium.

 Colours of iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus 

Colours of iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max

Performance 

New to Apple is a two-generation jump from an A16 Bionic chip in iPhone 15 to an A18 chip in iPhone 16. The reason given is that artificial intelligence functions require high-performance and high-energy consumption. This is to ensure that the phone will work smoothly in any situation where Apple Intelligence is used. For the same reason, the battery has gained some volume and offers up to 22 hours of video reading (and up to 27 hours on the Plus model). This is a significant step forward, considering that we gain an average of two hours more autonomy than the previous generation.

What is the difference between iPhone 16 models?

The four iPhone 16 models are distinguished from each other in terms of colour, size, chip performance, graphics processor, telelens capability, ultra-wide-angle camera quality, and battery range.

The model(s) that have…

• The largest screen: iPhone 16 Pro Max
• The largest colour choice: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
• The best cameras: iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
• The best price: iPhone 16

To see the differences between the models at a glance, check out our iPhone comparison tool.

A welcome development, with more to come

With its fully engineered design for artificial intelligence functions, the iPhone 16 is catching up to and even surpassing its competitors in terms of performance. This new phone model will meet the requirements of Apple enthusiasts, and hints at further interesting developments in the months to come, when Apple Intelligence will be rolled out in French and other languages. If you're looking for a fast, robust device for work, play, or creativity, and you're willing to pay the price, the iPhone 16 should certainly be one of your options.

Are you a Videotron Mobility subscriber ready to switch smartphones? Find out how to order online or visit us in-store.

Read also: 

• 10 tips to preserve battery life on your iPhone or Android device
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: Test and features
• Samsung’s Galaxy AI available now on the Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra