iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max: Early Reviews Are In!
The highly anticipated iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are set to officially launch on September 20, 2024, and the early reviews are already pouring in. These new Pro models bring some exciting upgrades to the table, and if you’ve been eyeing the latest from Apple, here's everything you need to know about the first impressions.
Colors, Storage, and Pricing
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are available in sleek new finishes: black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and desert titanium. You can choose from 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage, giving you plenty of options depending on your needs. Pricing starts at $999 for the iPhone 16 Pro and $1,199 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with flexible monthly payment plans available.
What Do the Reviews Say?
Let’s dive into what the top reviewers have to say about Apple’s latest Pro devices.
CNET
CNET highlights that the iPhone 16 Pro models have all the features you’d expect from an annual upgrade, including a bigger display (6.3 inches on the iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9 inches on the Pro Max), better battery life, and incredible camera quality. The only downsides mentioned were the limited storage starting at 128GB for a $999 phone and the relatively plain color options. But overall, CNET believes these are excellent devices if you’re looking for a premium iPhone experience.
Engadget
While Engadget praised the iPhone 16 Pro Max for being a solid upgrade, they noted that battery life could have been better, especially when compared to the competition. However, if you're already in the Apple ecosystem, upgrading is a no-brainer—especially if you’re coming from an iPhone 14 Pro or older. But, for those who have an iPhone 15 Pro, Engadget suggests you might want to wait a bit longer, as the differences aren’t groundbreaking.
The Verge
The Verge tackles a common question: Is the Pro model worth the extra cost? According to them, the answer is yes if you're interested in top-notch camera performance. However, they also point out that some of the exciting new features, like Apple Intelligence, aren't available just yet, and certain regions like the EU and China may face longer delays due to regulatory hurdles. So, while the phone is great, some features feel incomplete for now.
PetaPixel
If you’re into photography and videography, PetaPixel highlights the 4K/120p slow-motion video and the new Camera Control button, which are impressive features for content creators. Their review emphasizes the potential of these Pro iPhones for shooting professional-level video, but you'll have to decide whether those new buttons and features fit your style.
Wired
Wired found that the differences between the Pro models and the non-Pro iPhone 16 weren’t as dramatic as in previous years. The lack of a 120Hz display on the regular iPhone 16 is one of the bigger differences, but many users may not even notice that unless they’re really into smoother refresh rates. Overall, Wired believes the Pro models are polished, but they do wonder if Apple might be playing catch-up with some features, like Apple Intelligence, which is still rolling out.
CNBC
CNBC points out that the most noticeable improvements over last year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max are the new camera button, the faster A18 chip, and the slightly larger display. However, if you’re hoping for a big leap in AI features, you'll need to wait a little longer, as Apple Intelligence is still in its early stages.
Brian Tong
Brian Tong addressed some of the online chatter about the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max being “boring” upgrades, but he argues that Apple has doubled down on creating tools for content creators. Even if you’re not a creator, the improved battery life and cameras are designed for everyone to enjoy.
Should You Upgrade?
The general consensus among reviewers is clear: the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are fantastic phones with meaningful upgrades, particularly for photography, video recording, and overall performance. If you’re coming from an iPhone 14 Pro or older, the new Pro models are worth considering. However, if you already own an iPhone 15 Pro, you might not see enough of a difference to justify upgrading just yet, especially with some of the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features still in development.
As we inch closer to the official release date, it’s clear that the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max offer plenty of reasons to get excited—especially if you’re looking for the latest in performance and photography from Apple.
Are you planning to upgrade? Let us know what you think about the new iPhone 16 Pro lineup!
