Apple iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 is the version of Apple's current lineup built for the majority of buyers who want current-generation performance and the new Camera Control button without stepping up to Pro pricing or carrying a larger phone. It shares the A18 chip family with the Pro models, gets the same six-color aluminum design refresh, and introduces the Action Button — first seen on the 15 Pro — to the standard lineup for the first time.

Design and build

At 170 grams with a 6.1-inch display, the iPhone 16 is noticeably more compact and lighter than the Pro Max, built around an aluminum frame rather than titanium, with Ceramic Shield glass front and back. The new Camera Control button sits on the lower right edge and lets you launch the camera app and adjust settings with a light press-and-slide gesture, joining the customizable Action Button that replaced the mute switch on the left side.

Display

The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display carries over the same panel used on the iPhone 15, running at a standard 60Hz refresh rate rather than the 120Hz ProMotion found on Pro models — the clearest way Apple differentiates the standard and Pro lines. Peak brightness of 2000 nits keeps it usable in direct sunlight, and Dolby Vision and HDR10 support make it a capable screen for streaming.

Performance and software

The A18 chip is a close relative of the A18 Pro found in the Pro Max, with one fewer GPU core, and it comfortably outperforms the previous generation's A17 in sustained tasks like gaming and video editing. It also meets Apple's hardware bar for on-device Apple Intelligence features, so buyers don't need to spend Pro money to access most of Apple's current AI feature set.

Camera

A dual rear camera system — 48MP main and 12MP ultra-wide — covers the essentials well, with the main sensor's sensor-shift stabilization producing sharp, well-exposed photos in most lighting. There's no telephoto lens, so anyone who zooms frequently will want to consider the Pro models instead, but 4K Dolby Vision HDR video at up to 60fps is a strong showing for a non-Pro phone.

Battery and charging

The 3561mAh battery is modest on paper compared to Android rivals, but Apple's software efficiency generally delivers a full day of typical use. Charging remains capped at Apple's usual wired speeds plus 25W MagSafe wireless, both slower than the fast-charging standards common on competing Android flagships.

Our take

The iPhone 16 is the sensible pick for most iPhone buyers who want current performance, the new Camera Control and Action Button, and a smaller, lighter phone than the Pro Max, and who can live without a 120Hz display or telephoto zoom.