Early Reviews of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus Are In! Here's What You Need to Know
The new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are almost here, with their official release on September 20, 2024. Excitingly, early reviews have already started rolling in, giving us a sneak peek at what to expect from Apple's latest iPhones. If you're wondering whether it's time to upgrade, we’ve got you covered with a roundup of some of the best insights from top reviewers!
Gorgeous Colors and Plenty of Storage
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus come in some stunning new colors this year: ultramarine, teal, pink, white, and black. You’ll also have three storage options to choose from: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Pricing starts at $799 for the iPhone 16 and $899 for the iPhone 16 Plus, with monthly payment plans available, making it easier to snag one of these beauties.
What Are Reviewers Saying?
Here’s a look at what some of the top tech sites and reviewers are saying about the new iPhone 16 lineup.
The Verge
The Verge praises the iPhone 16 for being a solid upgrade, especially if you're coming from an older model like the iPhone 11 or 12. While it may not have any mind-blowing new features, it brings enough upgrades—like the new Camera Control button and a more efficient design—to make it worth considering. If you're on the fence, The Verge suggests this could be the year to go for it, especially since the iPhone 16 is future-proofed with upcoming Apple Intelligence features.
CNET
CNET agrees that the Camera Control button, while cool, isn't the main reason to buy the iPhone 16. But when you combine it with the Action button, the improved Dynamic Island, and the incremental camera and battery improvements, the iPhone 16 shapes up to be a compelling upgrade for anyone with an older device. The review emphasizes that the Apple Intelligence features haven’t officially launched yet, so there's even more to look forward to in the coming months.
Techradar
If you're all about performance, Techradar was seriously impressed. The A18 chip powers through daily tasks with ease, and the iPhone 16 even beats some of the top Android devices on the market. Geekbench scores for the iPhone 16 show it’s a true powerhouse, with plenty of performance headroom to keep things smooth for years to come. Techradar notes that the iPhone 16 is creeping closer to the Pro models than ever before.
Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide’s biggest critique? The 60Hz display. While other phones are pushing higher refresh rates, the iPhone 16 sticks with a more basic 60Hz. That said, the review points out that you’re saving about $200 by choosing the iPhone 16 over the Pro model, so it’s a bit of a trade-off. Overall, the iPhone 16 still packs in plenty of Pro-level features at a more mainstream price, making it a great choice for anyone wanting a premium experience without the premium price tag.
Andru Edwards
Andru Edwards calls the iPhone 16 a significant upgrade for non-Pro users. With a 48MP Fusion camera and the power of the A18 chip, the iPhone 16 delivers some of the best performance and photography capabilities we’ve seen in a non-Pro model in years. If you’re looking for a breakdown of all the key updates, his video review dives deep into everything from performance and battery life to the sleek new design.
GQ
GQ highlights how the iPhone 16 is a clear upgrade from last year’s model, especially with or without Apple Intelligence. For those holding onto an older iPhone, GQ believes this new release is well worth the upgrade. From fun new color options to performance boosts in battery and camera, the iPhone 16 is the closest a standard iPhone has come to feeling like a Pro in quite some time.
Should You Upgrade?
The overall consensus is clear: while the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus may not have any revolutionary new features, they pack in enough upgrades—especially for those with older iPhones—to make it a great year to upgrade. From faster performance and better cameras to more convenient features like the Camera Control and Action buttons, there's plenty to love. And with Apple Intelligence on the horizon, the iPhone 16 is ready to take advantage of even more innovative features soon.
So, if you’ve been holding off on upgrading, now might be the perfect time to make the switch! Stay tuned as the official release date approaches, and let us know—are you planning to pick up an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus?
