iPhone 16 Pro review- Apple levels up its smaller ‘pro’ phone

In a recent interview, Samuel Gibbs, the Consumer Technology Editor at The Guardian, discussed the impressive enhancements in the iPhone 16 Pro. One of the key features that caught his attention is the introduction of the 5x optical zoom camera, taken from the more extensive Pro Max line. This upgrade positions the smaller iPhone 16 Pro as a formidable contender in the compact smartphone market.

“The price remains steady at £999 (€1,199/$999/A$1,799), the same as last year’s model. It fits neatly between the iPhone 16, which starts at £799, and the 16 Pro Max priced at £1,199,” Gibbs elaborated. This pricing strategy directly pits it against Google’s Pixel 9 Pro, which boasts a similarly-sized display.

Upon first glance, the iPhone 16 Pro may look much like its predecessor, the 15 Pro. However, it features a slightly larger screen that now measures 6.3 inches diagonally, thanks to slimmer bezels. Although the device is only marginally larger, at a weight increase of 12 grams, it remains comparable in size to the previous model.

“The iPhone 16 Pro is still a compact device when compared to most flagship phones, making it convenient for one-handed use and effortless to slip into pockets,” Gibbs noted. He praised the display as one of the best on the market for viewing photos and videos, although it doesn’t quite achieve the peak brightness levels seen in some competitors under bright outdoor conditions. While the glass is reported to be 50% tougher than its predecessors, he advised that using a case is still a smart choice for added protection.

Among the new features is a dedicated camera control button on the side, which enables users to quickly launch the camera and adjust settings with various swipes and clicks. This brings the total number of physical buttons to five, including the action button that was introduced last year. The device operates on iOS 18, which introduces numerous customization options, updates to essential apps, and RCS support in messaging. However, some advanced AI features, including an upgraded Siri and a variety of creative tools, are not yet available; users can anticipate a beta rollout with the upcoming iOS 18.1 update.

The specifications of the iPhone 16 Pro are certainly impressive, boasting a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display, the new A18 Pro chip that offers a 10-15% performance boost, and an enhanced camera system featuring a 48MP main sensor along with those exciting 5x optical zoom capabilities. Apple claims battery life can last approximately 38 to 40 hours between charges, depending on usage, and it’s designed to endure over 1,000 full charge cycles.

Sustainability has also been a significant focus for Apple with this model, with more than 25% of the materials being recycled, and a commitment to repairability leading to a score of seven out of ten from iFixit.

Gibbs pointed out the camera upgrades as standout features. The new camera control button streamlines the process of opening the camera and taking photos, although he acknowledged that adjusting settings might be challenging for some users. The photography capabilities have seen substantial improvements, particularly with the 5x optical zoom, which greatly enhances the ability to capture distant subjects.

“The photographic styles feature enhances creative control, allowing users to craft the mood of their photos in real-time,” Gibbs explained. This includes a variety of presets for color and tone adjustments, making it straightforward to achieve desired effects without the need for post-processing.

Regarding pricing, the iPhone 16 Pro starts at £999, which puts it in direct competition with other flagship models like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Fairphone 5.

In summary, Gibbs concluded, “The iPhone 16 Pro strikes an excellent balance of size and capability, offering a high-quality camera, strong performance, and a sleek design—all while remaining compact enough for daily use. Although its price may be higher than the base model, the advantages make it Apple’s strongest offering in this category to date.” However, he cautioned potential buyers to consider the learning curve associated with the new camera features and the lack of some advanced AI functionalities that have become crucial selling points for competing devices.