Iphone 16 Reviews

iPhone 16 Deep Tech Review

🧠 What’s New: Hardware & AI in iPhone 16

A18 vs A18 Pro

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus run on the A18, a 3 nm chip with 6 CPU cores (4 + 2), 5‑core GPU, and 16‑core Neural Engine capable of 35 TOPS—about 2× faster ML vs A16. The Australian, Unbox Diaries, Reddit, The Verge

iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max use the A18 Pro, adding a sixth GPU core and extra memory cache, making it around 15% faster on AI tasks and 20% more efficient than A17 Pro. Wikipedia, Unbox Diaries

These upgrades support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of on-device AI tools included in iOS 18.1: transcription, email help, writing tools, and ChatGPT integration. HQ Manila, The Verge, Reddit

Cameras & Controls

The iPhone 16 standard features a 48 MP “Fusion” camera with sensor-shift OIS and a 12 MP ultrawide. The Pro adds a 5× optical zoom telephoto and 4K@120fps video. Tom’s Guide, Wikipedia

All models include a Camera Control button and customizable Action Button. The Verge, Wikipedia

Thermal & Battery

Apple introduced a passive thermal system using aluminum and strengthened glass, helping sustain performance under long use. Unbox Diaries

Battery life: iPhone 16 = 22h video, 16 Plus = 27h, Pro Max = 33h. Supports 25W MagSafe, 15W Qi2, and 20W wired charging. Unbox Diaries

Connectivity

All models support Wi‑Fi 7. International versions offer dual SIM (nano + 2× eSIM); US models are eSIM-only. Wikipedia

πŸ‡΅πŸ‡­ Local Philippine Sentiment

Frustration Over Minor Upgrades:
“Underwhelming. No new feature compels me to upgrade.”
“Save your money if your iPhone still works.” Reddit
Mixed Reaction to iPhone 16e:
“Not worth it. Better get a decent Android phone.”
Common issues: 60 Hz screen, no MagSafe, and one rear cam. TechRadar, HQ Manila, Reddit
Preference for Pro Models:
“Go for Pro, not 16 or Plus. Malit lang ang price diff.”
“If for photography, sagad na sa Pro.” Reddit

🌐 International Reviews

Unbox Diaries: Worth upgrading from iPhone 14 or older. Good chip, camera, thermal and battery.

Tom’s Guide: iPhone 16 Pro Max is 2025’s best iPhone. 16e is limited but affordable.

The Verge: AI features still rolling out; base 16 lacks ProMotion and zoom.

TechRadar: iPhone 16 is good overall. 16 Pro Max is top-tier, 16e has major trade-offs.

πŸ“Š Summary Table

Model Best For Strengths Weakness / Caveats
iPhone 16e New to iPhone, tight budget A18 chip, basic Apple Intelligence, lightweight Single cam, 60 Hz, no MagSafe/ultrawide
iPhone 16 Users upgrading from older iPhones Ultrawide, battery, AI support No zoom, only 60 Hz screen
iPhone 16 Plus Battery lovers, big screen fans Extended life, bigger display No 120 Hz, no zoom
iPhone 16 Pro Photography, video use ProMotion, zoom, 4K/120fps Expensive, bulky for some
iPhone 16 Pro Max Power users Biggest battery, top camera Most expensive, large form

πŸ’¬ Final Thoughts for Pinas Buyers

Skip iPhone 16e unless on a tight budget. Base iPhone 16 is okay, but 16 Pro offers better long-term value. Wait if you’re already on iPhone 14/15 unless AI or camera matters.

Apple Intelligence is promising, but many Filipinos say Siri and other features still feel incomplete.

🎯 TL;DR

  • Coming from iPhone 11 or 12? ✅ Upgrade to iPhone 16.
  • Using iPhone 14 or 15? ⚠️ Upgrade only for camera/AI.

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