Apple iPhone 16
Smartphone Awards 2025!
Pros
- It is the cheapest new iPhone in the current lineup.
Cons
- Features a single rear camera, lacking telephoto and ultrawide lenses.
- Utilizes an outdated A8 chip, offering subpar performance.
- Comes with a smaller, 60Hz display that includes a notch.
- Has a high price point ($599-$900) considering its compromised features.
- Lacks modern connectivity like Wi-Fi 6E/7, ultrawideband, and MagSafe.
“the trophy is yours this year, Apple. It's the iPhone 16. The mission was actually pretty simple here. Apple was looking to create a new entry-level iPhone at the bottom of the lineup.”
“the starting price was $5.99. [...] It is the cheapest new iPhone, but it is not a cheap iPhone. And if anyone was considering buying one, they were recommended to get a 17 or a 15 Pro instead.”
Ultimate iPhone Buyer's Guide - (Don't Waste $500)
Pros
- Decent daylight photo quality from the primary rear camera.
- Fast performance with the A18 chip for everyday tasks.
- Includes the Dynamic Island display feature.
- Relatively affordable pricing, especially if on sale.
- Sufficient battery life for daily use.
Cons
- Standard 60Hz display with no always-on functionality.
- Only 128GB starting storage, lower than newer models.
- Lacks advanced camera features such as Action Mode.
- Slower USB-C Gen 2 data transfer speeds.
- Comparatively shorter video playback battery life.
The Apple iPhone 16 offers a solid experience at a $699 price point, featuring a 48MP main camera that performs well in daylight and a capable A18 chip for general use. Its 6.1-inch display includes the Dynamic Island, and its battery generally lasts a full day.
However, it utilizes a 60Hz display without always-on functionality and starts with a modest 128GB of storage. Advanced camera features like Action Mode are absent, and data transfer speeds are slower compared to Pro models.
While a good option, especially if found on sale, the iPhone 16 is notably overshadowed by the iPhone 17, which offers significant upgrades and double the starting storage for only $100 more, making the 17 a more appealing choice overall.
“I know last year's iPhone 16 is a really good price and if you find that on a better sale, hey, there's nothing wrong with buying that phone, but the iPhone 17 is such a big step forward this year compared to the iPhone 16 that I think most people would really like buying that.”
TOP 10 MOST COST-EFFECTIVE SMARTPHONES | Q2 2025
Pros
- Value: Preferred choice for Apple fans if the budget allows.
- Value: Recommended over the iPhone 15 due to potential battery issues with the previous model.
Cons
- Performance: Minor performance differences compared to the iPhone 15.
- Value: Higher price compared to the iPhone 15 with no drastic improvements.
- Performance: Mentioned AI from Apple does not bring drastic changes, according to the reviewer.
The iPhone 16 is an option for Apple fans, especially if the budget allows for a small additional expense compared to the iPhone 15. The reviewer notes that the 16 costs around 3100 PLN, while the 15 is about 2600 PLN.
A key point is that the differences between the iPhone 15 and 16 are not drastic, encompassing both overall improvements and performance, despite mentions of Apple's AI. The final recommendation depends on the user's individual budget, with a slight preference for the 16 if the expense is manageable, also considering potential battery issues with the iPhone 15.
“In eighth place are phones for Apple fans, the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16. [...] the 16 for around 3100 PLN. The differences are not drastic. [...] So, if someone has the opportunity to spend a few hundred [PLN] more, I suggest choosing the 16. [...] The differences are not drastic. Some mention Apple's AI. Well, but we all know what Apple's AI is like. Regardless, eighth place goes to both the iPhone 15 and 16, depending on your budget.”