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All the Reviews in One Score

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

85
BUYARY SCORE

Stunning display and powerful cameras impress, though AI features and storage may disappoint.

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is a sleek powerhouse for creators and pros, flaunting a 6.3-inch ProMotion OLED display that’s buttery smooth and bright enough to dazzle outdoors. Its A18 Pro chip with 16-core Neural Engine delivers snappy performance, though the much-hyped Apple Intelligence AI features remain a work in progress. Photographers get serious chops with the 48MP Fusion sensor and uniform 5x telephoto zoom, balanced by mixed feelings on the quirky new Camera Control button. Battery life impresses through clever thermal design but faces some real-world quirks, while the base 128GB storage feels tight for power users craving more space. A premium pick blending style, substance, and cautious innovation—worth it if you value refined hardware over headline-grabbing upgrades.

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Find Yours

The Scoreboard

Does this improve your life? Considers, health, habits, and environmental impact.

85
FIT
79
EXPERTS
74
USERS
82
VALUE

Benefits

🧠
Private On‑device AI

Neural Engine runs AI locally, protecting privacy versus cloud-reliant rivals and reducing data exposure.

🔋
Longer Battery Confidence

20% better sustained performance and thermal redesign versus typical aluminum designs, reduces charging anxiety.

🔆
Smoother, Gentler Display

6.3-inch ProMotion 120Hz display delivers smoother motion, lowering eye strain compared to low-refresh phones.

🛡️
Durable Titanium Build

Titanium frame and Ceramic Shield improve longevity, diverging from glass-heavy rivals and reducing turnover.

📸
Creative Capture Strength

Fusion 48MP sensor and 5x telephoto enable pro-level photos, outperforming many smartphone cameras.

Trade-Offs

🏭
High Fabrication Emissions

A18 Pro's 3nm chip brings high embedded emissions, which matters if prioritizing low embodied carbon.

⛏️
Material Extraction Impact

Titanium and rare-earth use increases mining footprint compared to recycled-material leaders, affecting ecosystems.

🗑️
Recycling Complexity Tax

Bonded aluminum-to-titanium construction complicates end-of-life recycling compared with separable-material eco-designs.

😕
Usability Friction Stress

Camera Control button placement and autofocus issues cause frustration and interrupted workflows for creators.

⚠️
Upgrade Churn Pressure

Incremental hardware changes can promote frequent device turnover, raising material waste compared to longer-lived designs.

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Alternatives

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro delivers on-device AI and pro camera performance, but its titanium-heavy construction and high-performance internals increase environmental and recyclability burdens. Preserve creative power and sustained performance; trade material intensity and repairability. Consider ceramic-bodied flagship phones for different durability chemistry, or modular aluminum-frame smartphones emphasizing repairability and lower material extraction.
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Publications

7 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS


87
Logo of cnet

Patrick Holland from CNET praises the Apple iPhone 16 Pro as a refined and impressive upgrade, especially highlighting its superior battery life, which stands out as a luxury in daily use. He appreciates the larger 6.3-inch display within the same compact frame, the inclusion of a 5x telephoto zoom lens across Pro models, and the blazing-fast A18 Pro chip. Holland also notes subtle but meaningful improvements like dimmer screen brightness for low-light comfort and richer, bassier speakers. While enthusiastic about iOS 18’s new features and the promising Apple Intelligence tools arriving soon, he expresses some reservations about the incomplete Apple Intelligence launch and the awkwardly placed Camera Control button, which feels underdeveloped. Camera improvements are nuanced, with more natural image processing but not dramatically different from the 15 Pro. Overall, Holland recommends upgrading from older iPhones (12 Pro or earlier) but suggests current 13 or 14 Pro users may wait. His review balances excitement with thoughtful critique, emphasizing real-world benefits and areas needing polish.

By Patrick Holland
February 1, 2026
85
Logo of Tomsguide.com

Dan Seifert from Tom’s Guide highlights the Apple iPhone 16 Pro as a compelling flagship phone that offers excellent value, especially compared to the Pro Max model. Praising its bigger 6.3-inch display, improved battery life, and the powerful A18 Pro chip, Seifert emphasizes the phone’s standout camera system, including the 5x tetraprism zoom and enhanced ultra-wide lens, which often outperforms competitors like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro in real-world tests. The review also applauds new features like the innovative Camera Control button and promising Apple Intelligence tools such as improved Siri and Writing Tools, though some AI capabilities are noted as still forthcoming. Criticisms include the unchanged slow 20W charging speed and the iPhone 16 Pro’s increased size and weight, which may affect one-handed use. Overall, Seifert regards the iPhone 16 Pro as arguably the best flagship under $1,000, recommending it especially for users upgrading from older models, while advising those with recent iPhones to wait for full Apple Intelligence rollout.

By Mark Spoonauer
87
Logo of cnet

Patrick Holland from CNET praises the Apple iPhone 16 Pro as a refined and impressive upgrade, especially highlighting its superior battery life, which stands out as a luxury in daily use. He appreciates the larger 6.3-inch display within the same compact frame, the inclusion of a 5x telephoto zoom lens across Pro models, and the blazing-fast A18 Pro chip. Holland also notes subtle but meaningful improvements like dimmer screen brightness for low-light comfort and richer, bassier speakers. While enthusiastic about iOS 18’s new features and the promising Apple Intelligence tools arriving soon, he expresses some reservations about the incomplete Apple Intelligence launch and the awkwardly placed Camera Control button, which feels underdeveloped. Camera improvements are nuanced, with more natural image processing but not dramatically different from the 15 Pro. Overall, Holland recommends upgrading from older iPhones (12 Pro or earlier) but suggests current 13 or 14 Pro users may wait. His review balances excitement with thoughtful critique, emphasizing real-world benefits and areas needing polish.

By Patrick Holland
February 1, 2026
85
Logo of Tomsguide.com

Dan Seifert from Tom’s Guide highlights the Apple iPhone 16 Pro as a compelling flagship phone that offers excellent value, especially compared to the Pro Max model. Praising its bigger 6.3-inch display, improved battery life, and the powerful A18 Pro chip, Seifert emphasizes the phone’s standout camera system, including the 5x tetraprism zoom and enhanced ultra-wide lens, which often outperforms competitors like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro in real-world tests. The review also applauds new features like the innovative Camera Control button and promising Apple Intelligence tools such as improved Siri and Writing Tools, though some AI capabilities are noted as still forthcoming. Criticisms include the unchanged slow 20W charging speed and the iPhone 16 Pro’s increased size and weight, which may affect one-handed use. Overall, Seifert regards the iPhone 16 Pro as arguably the best flagship under $1,000, recommending it especially for users upgrading from older models, while advising those with recent iPhones to wait for full Apple Intelligence rollout.

By Mark Spoonauer
87
Logo of cnet

Patrick Holland from CNET praises the Apple iPhone 16 Pro as a refined and impressive upgrade, especially highlighting its superior battery life, which stands out as a luxury in daily use. He appreciates the larger 6.3-inch display within the same compact frame, the inclusion of a 5x telephoto zoom lens across Pro models, and the blazing-fast A18 Pro chip. Holland also notes subtle but meaningful improvements like dimmer screen brightness for low-light comfort and richer, bassier speakers. While enthusiastic about iOS 18’s new features and the promising Apple Intelligence tools arriving soon, he expresses some reservations about the incomplete Apple Intelligence launch and the awkwardly placed Camera Control button, which feels underdeveloped. Camera improvements are nuanced, with more natural image processing but not dramatically different from the 15 Pro. Overall, Holland recommends upgrading from older iPhones (12 Pro or earlier) but suggests current 13 or 14 Pro users may wait. His review balances excitement with thoughtful critique, emphasizing real-world benefits and areas needing polish.

By Patrick Holland
February 1, 2026
85
Logo of Tomsguide.com

Dan Seifert from Tom’s Guide highlights the Apple iPhone 16 Pro as a compelling flagship phone that offers excellent value, especially compared to the Pro Max model. Praising its bigger 6.3-inch display, improved battery life, and the powerful A18 Pro chip, Seifert emphasizes the phone’s standout camera system, including the 5x tetraprism zoom and enhanced ultra-wide lens, which often outperforms competitors like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro in real-world tests. The review also applauds new features like the innovative Camera Control button and promising Apple Intelligence tools such as improved Siri and Writing Tools, though some AI capabilities are noted as still forthcoming. Criticisms include the unchanged slow 20W charging speed and the iPhone 16 Pro’s increased size and weight, which may affect one-handed use. Overall, Seifert regards the iPhone 16 Pro as arguably the best flagship under $1,000, recommending it especially for users upgrading from older models, while advising those with recent iPhones to wait for full Apple Intelligence rollout.

By Mark Spoonauer
87
Logo of cnet

Patrick Holland from CNET praises the Apple iPhone 16 Pro as a refined and impressive upgrade, especially highlighting its superior battery life, which stands out as a luxury in daily use. He appreciates the larger 6.3-inch display within the same compact frame, the inclusion of a 5x telephoto zoom lens across Pro models, and the blazing-fast A18 Pro chip. Holland also notes subtle but meaningful improvements like dimmer screen brightness for low-light comfort and richer, bassier speakers. While enthusiastic about iOS 18’s new features and the promising Apple Intelligence tools arriving soon, he expresses some reservations about the incomplete Apple Intelligence launch and the awkwardly placed Camera Control button, which feels underdeveloped. Camera improvements are nuanced, with more natural image processing but not dramatically different from the 15 Pro. Overall, Holland recommends upgrading from older iPhones (12 Pro or earlier) but suggests current 13 or 14 Pro users may wait. His review balances excitement with thoughtful critique, emphasizing real-world benefits and areas needing polish.

By Patrick Holland
February 1, 2026
85
Logo of Tomsguide.com

Dan Seifert from Tom’s Guide highlights the Apple iPhone 16 Pro as a compelling flagship phone that offers excellent value, especially compared to the Pro Max model. Praising its bigger 6.3-inch display, improved battery life, and the powerful A18 Pro chip, Seifert emphasizes the phone’s standout camera system, including the 5x tetraprism zoom and enhanced ultra-wide lens, which often outperforms competitors like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro in real-world tests. The review also applauds new features like the innovative Camera Control button and promising Apple Intelligence tools such as improved Siri and Writing Tools, though some AI capabilities are noted as still forthcoming. Criticisms include the unchanged slow 20W charging speed and the iPhone 16 Pro’s increased size and weight, which may affect one-handed use. Overall, Seifert regards the iPhone 16 Pro as arguably the best flagship under $1,000, recommending it especially for users upgrading from older models, while advising those with recent iPhones to wait for full Apple Intelligence rollout.

By Mark Spoonauer
Play TV Icon

YouTube

9 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS


77
Youtube IconMarques Brownlee

Marques Brownlee finds the iPhone 16 Pro a solid but incremental upgrade, praising its improved cameras—especially the new Fusion main sensor, 5x telephoto, and 4K120fps video—and the innovative Camera Control button that offers nuanced photo adjustments. However, he criticizes the absence of promised Apple Intelligence AI features at launch, calling the phone “unfinished” and urging buyers to judge it on current merits, not future updates. Battery life and design changes are modest, with faster charging a welcome but understated improvement. Overall, he recommends the Pro mainly for photography and display enhancements over the base model.

September 23, 2024
77
Youtube IconGSMArena Official

Will from GSM Arena praises the iPhone 16 Pro for its larger 6.3-inch ProMotion OLED display, powerful A18 Pro chip, and upgraded 5x telephoto camera matching the Pro Max. He highlights improved battery life, excellent video quality, and the innovative Camera Control button, while noting minor quirks like the button’s precision and some low-light ultrawide softness.

October 9, 2024
77
Youtube IconMarques Brownlee

Marques Brownlee finds the iPhone 16 Pro a solid but incremental upgrade, praising its improved cameras—especially the new Fusion main sensor, 5x telephoto, and 4K120fps video—and the innovative Camera Control button that offers nuanced photo adjustments. However, he criticizes the absence of promised Apple Intelligence AI features at launch, calling the phone “unfinished” and urging buyers to judge it on current merits, not future updates. Battery life and design changes are modest, with faster charging a welcome but understated improvement. Overall, he recommends the Pro mainly for photography and display enhancements over the base model.

September 23, 2024
77
Youtube IconGSMArena Official

Will from GSM Arena praises the iPhone 16 Pro for its larger 6.3-inch ProMotion OLED display, powerful A18 Pro chip, and upgraded 5x telephoto camera matching the Pro Max. He highlights improved battery life, excellent video quality, and the innovative Camera Control button, while noting minor quirks like the button’s precision and some low-light ultrawide softness.

October 9, 2024
77
Youtube IconMarques Brownlee

Marques Brownlee finds the iPhone 16 Pro a solid but incremental upgrade, praising its improved cameras—especially the new Fusion main sensor, 5x telephoto, and 4K120fps video—and the innovative Camera Control button that offers nuanced photo adjustments. However, he criticizes the absence of promised Apple Intelligence AI features at launch, calling the phone “unfinished” and urging buyers to judge it on current merits, not future updates. Battery life and design changes are modest, with faster charging a welcome but understated improvement. Overall, he recommends the Pro mainly for photography and display enhancements over the base model.

September 23, 2024
77
Youtube IconGSMArena Official

Will from GSM Arena praises the iPhone 16 Pro for its larger 6.3-inch ProMotion OLED display, powerful A18 Pro chip, and upgraded 5x telephoto camera matching the Pro Max. He highlights improved battery life, excellent video quality, and the innovative Camera Control button, while noting minor quirks like the button’s precision and some low-light ultrawide softness.

October 9, 2024
77
Youtube IconMarques Brownlee

Marques Brownlee finds the iPhone 16 Pro a solid but incremental upgrade, praising its improved cameras—especially the new Fusion main sensor, 5x telephoto, and 4K120fps video—and the innovative Camera Control button that offers nuanced photo adjustments. However, he criticizes the absence of promised Apple Intelligence AI features at launch, calling the phone “unfinished” and urging buyers to judge it on current merits, not future updates. Battery life and design changes are modest, with faster charging a welcome but understated improvement. Overall, he recommends the Pro mainly for photography and display enhancements over the base model.

September 23, 2024
77
Youtube IconGSMArena Official

Will from GSM Arena praises the iPhone 16 Pro for its larger 6.3-inch ProMotion OLED display, powerful A18 Pro chip, and upgraded 5x telephoto camera matching the Pro Max. He highlights improved battery life, excellent video quality, and the innovative Camera Control button, while noting minor quirks like the button’s precision and some low-light ultrawide softness.

October 9, 2024
77
Youtube IconMarques Brownlee

Marques Brownlee finds the iPhone 16 Pro a solid but incremental upgrade, praising its improved cameras—especially the new Fusion main sensor, 5x telephoto, and 4K120fps video—and the innovative Camera Control button that offers nuanced photo adjustments. However, he criticizes the absence of promised Apple Intelligence AI features at launch, calling the phone “unfinished” and urging buyers to judge it on current merits, not future updates. Battery life and design changes are modest, with faster charging a welcome but understated improvement. Overall, he recommends the Pro mainly for photography and display enhancements over the base model.

September 23, 2024
77
Youtube IconGSMArena Official

Will from GSM Arena praises the iPhone 16 Pro for its larger 6.3-inch ProMotion OLED display, powerful A18 Pro chip, and upgraded 5x telephoto camera matching the Pro Max. He highlights improved battery life, excellent video quality, and the innovative Camera Control button, while noting minor quirks like the button’s precision and some low-light ultrawide softness.

October 9, 2024

Social

13 INFLUENCER REVIEWS


78
Instagram IconRajiv Makhni | Gadget Guru

Rajiv Makhni highlights the nuanced choice between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17, emphasizing key differences like the A18 Pro vs. A19 chip, display brightness, battery life, and camera features. He notes the 16 Pro’s extra telephoto lens and the 17’s superior selfie camera and storage, providing clear pricing context during festive sales. Overall, Rajiv finds the decision depends on priorities: the 16 Pro offers great value at a discount with solid features, while the iPhone 17 delivers newer specs and better battery life. He encourages viewers to weigh these trade-offs carefully rather than rushing, offering a balanced, thoughtful recommendation.

September 23, 2025
77
Instagram IconJon Rettinger

Jon Rettinger highlights the Apple iPhone 16 Pro’s subtle design updates and praises the slightly larger 6.3-inch screen as an ideal size, noting it’s his preferred choice over the Max. He appreciates the camera improvements, especially the unified Pro/Max setup and five-time zoom, but finds the new camera control button largely unnecessary. Battery life remains about the same as the previous model, which he wishes were better. Overall, Jon finds the iPhone 16 Pro offers minimal changes from last year’s 15 Pro Max, making it a modest upgrade. However, for users coming from much older iPhones, the enhanced camera and performance deliver a significant boost. He presents a balanced view, recommending the 16 Pro mainly to those upgrading from older devices rather than recent models.

October 30, 2024
78
Instagram IconRajiv Makhni | Gadget Guru

Rajiv Makhni highlights the nuanced choice between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17, emphasizing key differences like the A18 Pro vs. A19 chip, display brightness, battery life, and camera features. He notes the 16 Pro’s extra telephoto lens and the 17’s superior selfie camera and storage, providing clear pricing context during festive sales. Overall, Rajiv finds the decision depends on priorities: the 16 Pro offers great value at a discount with solid features, while the iPhone 17 delivers newer specs and better battery life. He encourages viewers to weigh these trade-offs carefully rather than rushing, offering a balanced, thoughtful recommendation.

September 23, 2025
77
Instagram IconJon Rettinger

Jon Rettinger highlights the Apple iPhone 16 Pro’s subtle design updates and praises the slightly larger 6.3-inch screen as an ideal size, noting it’s his preferred choice over the Max. He appreciates the camera improvements, especially the unified Pro/Max setup and five-time zoom, but finds the new camera control button largely unnecessary. Battery life remains about the same as the previous model, which he wishes were better. Overall, Jon finds the iPhone 16 Pro offers minimal changes from last year’s 15 Pro Max, making it a modest upgrade. However, for users coming from much older iPhones, the enhanced camera and performance deliver a significant boost. He presents a balanced view, recommending the 16 Pro mainly to those upgrading from older devices rather than recent models.

October 30, 2024
78
Instagram IconRajiv Makhni | Gadget Guru

Rajiv Makhni highlights the nuanced choice between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17, emphasizing key differences like the A18 Pro vs. A19 chip, display brightness, battery life, and camera features. He notes the 16 Pro’s extra telephoto lens and the 17’s superior selfie camera and storage, providing clear pricing context during festive sales. Overall, Rajiv finds the decision depends on priorities: the 16 Pro offers great value at a discount with solid features, while the iPhone 17 delivers newer specs and better battery life. He encourages viewers to weigh these trade-offs carefully rather than rushing, offering a balanced, thoughtful recommendation.

September 23, 2025
77
Instagram IconJon Rettinger

Jon Rettinger highlights the Apple iPhone 16 Pro’s subtle design updates and praises the slightly larger 6.3-inch screen as an ideal size, noting it’s his preferred choice over the Max. He appreciates the camera improvements, especially the unified Pro/Max setup and five-time zoom, but finds the new camera control button largely unnecessary. Battery life remains about the same as the previous model, which he wishes were better. Overall, Jon finds the iPhone 16 Pro offers minimal changes from last year’s 15 Pro Max, making it a modest upgrade. However, for users coming from much older iPhones, the enhanced camera and performance deliver a significant boost. He presents a balanced view, recommending the 16 Pro mainly to those upgrading from older devices rather than recent models.

October 30, 2024
78
Instagram IconRajiv Makhni | Gadget Guru

Rajiv Makhni highlights the nuanced choice between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17, emphasizing key differences like the A18 Pro vs. A19 chip, display brightness, battery life, and camera features. He notes the 16 Pro’s extra telephoto lens and the 17’s superior selfie camera and storage, providing clear pricing context during festive sales. Overall, Rajiv finds the decision depends on priorities: the 16 Pro offers great value at a discount with solid features, while the iPhone 17 delivers newer specs and better battery life. He encourages viewers to weigh these trade-offs carefully rather than rushing, offering a balanced, thoughtful recommendation.

September 23, 2025
77
Instagram IconJon Rettinger

Jon Rettinger highlights the Apple iPhone 16 Pro’s subtle design updates and praises the slightly larger 6.3-inch screen as an ideal size, noting it’s his preferred choice over the Max. He appreciates the camera improvements, especially the unified Pro/Max setup and five-time zoom, but finds the new camera control button largely unnecessary. Battery life remains about the same as the previous model, which he wishes were better. Overall, Jon finds the iPhone 16 Pro offers minimal changes from last year’s 15 Pro Max, making it a modest upgrade. However, for users coming from much older iPhones, the enhanced camera and performance deliver a significant boost. He presents a balanced view, recommending the 16 Pro mainly to those upgrading from older devices rather than recent models.

October 30, 2024
78
Instagram IconRajiv Makhni | Gadget Guru

Rajiv Makhni highlights the nuanced choice between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17, emphasizing key differences like the A18 Pro vs. A19 chip, display brightness, battery life, and camera features. He notes the 16 Pro’s extra telephoto lens and the 17’s superior selfie camera and storage, providing clear pricing context during festive sales. Overall, Rajiv finds the decision depends on priorities: the 16 Pro offers great value at a discount with solid features, while the iPhone 17 delivers newer specs and better battery life. He encourages viewers to weigh these trade-offs carefully rather than rushing, offering a balanced, thoughtful recommendation.

September 23, 2025
77
Instagram IconJon Rettinger

Jon Rettinger highlights the Apple iPhone 16 Pro’s subtle design updates and praises the slightly larger 6.3-inch screen as an ideal size, noting it’s his preferred choice over the Max. He appreciates the camera improvements, especially the unified Pro/Max setup and five-time zoom, but finds the new camera control button largely unnecessary. Battery life remains about the same as the previous model, which he wishes were better. Overall, Jon finds the iPhone 16 Pro offers minimal changes from last year’s 15 Pro Max, making it a modest upgrade. However, for users coming from much older iPhones, the enhanced camera and performance deliver a significant boost. He presents a balanced view, recommending the 16 Pro mainly to those upgrading from older devices rather than recent models.

October 30, 2024
78
Instagram IconRajiv Makhni | Gadget Guru

Rajiv Makhni highlights the nuanced choice between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17, emphasizing key differences like the A18 Pro vs. A19 chip, display brightness, battery life, and camera features. He notes the 16 Pro’s extra telephoto lens and the 17’s superior selfie camera and storage, providing clear pricing context during festive sales. Overall, Rajiv finds the decision depends on priorities: the 16 Pro offers great value at a discount with solid features, while the iPhone 17 delivers newer specs and better battery life. He encourages viewers to weigh these trade-offs carefully rather than rushing, offering a balanced, thoughtful recommendation.

September 23, 2025
77
Instagram IconJon Rettinger

Jon Rettinger highlights the Apple iPhone 16 Pro’s subtle design updates and praises the slightly larger 6.3-inch screen as an ideal size, noting it’s his preferred choice over the Max. He appreciates the camera improvements, especially the unified Pro/Max setup and five-time zoom, but finds the new camera control button largely unnecessary. Battery life remains about the same as the previous model, which he wishes were better. Overall, Jon finds the iPhone 16 Pro offers minimal changes from last year’s 15 Pro Max, making it a modest upgrade. However, for users coming from much older iPhones, the enhanced camera and performance deliver a significant boost. He presents a balanced view, recommending the 16 Pro mainly to those upgrading from older devices rather than recent models.

October 30, 2024
78
Instagram IconRajiv Makhni | Gadget Guru

Rajiv Makhni highlights the nuanced choice between the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 17, emphasizing key differences like the A18 Pro vs. A19 chip, display brightness, battery life, and camera features. He notes the 16 Pro’s extra telephoto lens and the 17’s superior selfie camera and storage, providing clear pricing context during festive sales. Overall, Rajiv finds the decision depends on priorities: the 16 Pro offers great value at a discount with solid features, while the iPhone 17 delivers newer specs and better battery life. He encourages viewers to weigh these trade-offs carefully rather than rushing, offering a balanced, thoughtful recommendation.

September 23, 2025
77
Instagram IconJon Rettinger

Jon Rettinger highlights the Apple iPhone 16 Pro’s subtle design updates and praises the slightly larger 6.3-inch screen as an ideal size, noting it’s his preferred choice over the Max. He appreciates the camera improvements, especially the unified Pro/Max setup and five-time zoom, but finds the new camera control button largely unnecessary. Battery life remains about the same as the previous model, which he wishes were better. Overall, Jon finds the iPhone 16 Pro offers minimal changes from last year’s 15 Pro Max, making it a modest upgrade. However, for users coming from much older iPhones, the enhanced camera and performance deliver a significant boost. He presents a balanced view, recommending the 16 Pro mainly to those upgrading from older devices rather than recent models.

October 30, 2024
Store Bag Icon

Store Reviews

CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 STORE


94
Logo of Best Buy

Customers on Best Buy generally express positive feedback and satisfaction with the Apple iPhone 16 Pro in their ratings.

4.7 Stars / Few reviews

Forum Icon

Forum Reviews

CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM


72
Logo of Reddit

Reddit users express mixed sentiments about the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, praising its camera system, display quality, and performance enhancements like the A19 chip and 120Hz refresh rate. However, many upgrading from recent models, especially the 14 Pro, feel the value is lacking due to minor improvements and issues such as battery life inconsistencies, autofocus problems, and connectivity bugs. While some appreciate the design and build quality, others find the weight and battery performance disappointing. New shoppers often weigh storage and battery life options, with some favoring the 16 Plus for better battery over the 16 Pro. Overall, the consensus highlights solid features tempered by concerns over usability and upgrade justification.

Many comments

Scales Icon

In-Depth Review

Highlights Icon

Highlights

  • ProMotion OLED display
    Large 6.3‑inch 120Hz panel
  • A18 Pro performance
    Fast CPU/GPU with 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Advanced camera system
    48MP Fusion, 5x telephoto, 4K120fps
  • Improved battery and thermals
    Longer endurance; better sustained gaming
  • Titanium build and protection
    Lightweight titanium frame and Ceramic Shield
  • Camera Control hardware shortcut
    Company highlights its dedicated camera button
Considerations Icon

Considerations

  • Apple Intelligence rollout incomplete
    Key AI features delayed or partial
  • Autofocus inconsistency
    Occasional focus failures and slow tracking
  • Camera Control usability issues
    Awkward placement; accidental presses
  • Base storage feels limited
    128GB base tier criticized as low
  • Software bugs and iOS 18 issues
    Noted instability and annoying glitches
  • Variable battery/thermal reports
    Some users report overheating or inconsistency

While comprehensive user feedback on this flagship is still emerging, early impressions highlight a sleek blend of power and polish that Apple fans expect. Crafted with a lightweight titanium frame and boasting a stunning 6.3-inch ProMotion OLED display, it’s designed to wow creators, gamers, and pros who crave both style and substance. Under the hood, the powerhouse A18 Pro chip flexes with improved speed and an impressive 16-core Neural Engine pumping 35 TOPS, promising smarter on-device AI without leaning on the cloud. Photographers will appreciate the versatile camera setup featuring a sharp 48MP Fusion sensor paired with an industry-first uniform 5x telephoto zoom—plus that quirky new Camera Control button stirring opinions. Battery life gets a solid boost thanks to clever thermal engineering delivering up to 20% better sustained gaming performance. Whether you’re eyeing durability or debating storage tiers starting at 128GB, these features set high expectations—but as always, your priorities will dictate which shine brightest in this premium package. Let’s unpack what makes this model tick—and where it might trip up—before you decide if it’s your next pocket companion.

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Battery Life and Thermal Management

Apple promises—and mostly delivers—a game-changing leap in endurance: expect about 20% better sustained gaming performance thanks to reengineered aluminum substructure combined with graphite-clad chassis cooling tech that tames heat under pressure. Real-world tests affirm longer all-day stamina compared to predecessors though some report inconsistencies possibly tied to software bugs or usage patterns; so patience may be required before calling it bulletproof longevity—yet this iteration stands as one of Apple's finest balance acts between power-hungry features and lasting juice.

Product Image

Processing and AI Performance

Powered by the blazing-fast A18 Pro chip built on a cutting-edge 3nm process, this phone flexes with a 15% faster CPU, improved GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and an impressive 16-core Neural Engine pumping out 35 TOPS of local AI magic. While Apple's vision of seamless Apple Intelligence is tantalizingly close but not fully realized at launch—prompting cautious optimism—the device delivers smooth multitasking and gaming prowess that keeps enthusiasts smitten with its near-future-ready horsepower.

Display

The iPhone 16 Pro's 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display is a feast for the eyes, boasting a crisp 2622×1206 resolution and buttery-smooth ProMotion up to 120Hz that makes scrolling feel like silk. Experts and users alike applaud its bright peaks hitting 2000 nits, perfect for outdoor use, while the Always-On feature keeps essentials visible without battery drain. Though subtle tweaks impress, some wish for bolder leaps beyond last year's panel — still, it remains an industry-leading canvas that's hard to beat.

Product Image

Camera System and Controls

Photography buffs will drool over the upgraded quad-pixel Fusion sensor capturing stunning 48MP shots paired with versatile ultra-wide macro skills and an industry-first uniform 5x telephoto zoom across Pros. The new dedicated Camera Control button adds tactile nuance but divides opinion due to placement quirks; it's innovative yet imperfect. Users praise video quality including Dolby Vision HDR at 4K120fps, while autofocus hiccups dampen some enthusiasm—a reminder that even pros face growing pains in pursuit of perfection.

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Conclusion

Early impressions sketch a phone that dazzles with its 6.3-inch ProMotion OLED display, delivering buttery smooth visuals and bright outdoor legibility few rivals match. The A18 Pro chip’s blend of speed and efficiency powers through demanding tasks, while the 16-core Neural Engine hints at AI prowess still finding its footing. Photographers get serious tools in the form of a sharp 48MP Fusion sensor and an industry-first uniform 5x telephoto zoom—though the new Camera Control button courts mixed feelings on usability. Battery life impresses with clever thermal management yielding up to 20% better sustained gaming performance, yet some users report quirks under heavy load. Wrapped in a lightweight yet durable titanium frame, it strikes balance between toughness and elegance, but the base 128GB storage feels tight for power users craving space to roam. This is a premium pick designed for those who value refined hardware and future-ready smarts without chasing every headline feature just yet.

Feature Scores Icon

Feature Scores

This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.

Performance

Processor Performance

5/5

Battery Life

4/5

Software Stability & Updates

4/5

Camera System Performance

5/5

Network Connectivity

5/5

Value

Price-to-Performance Ratio

4/5

Resale Value

5/5

Design

Display Quality

5/5

Ergonomics & Comfort

4/5

Materials & Fit/Finish

5/5

Health

RF Emissions

TBD

Blue Light Management

4/5

Safety

Biometric Security

5/5

Data Privacy & Security

5/5

Physical Safety Features

4/5

Sustainability

Repairability & Modular Design

3/5

Energy Efficiency

4/5

Responsible Sourcing

4/5

Experience Style

Customizability

4/5

Ease of Use

4/5

Accessibility Features

5/5

Specifications Icon

Specifications

This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.

Performance

Value

Design

Safety

Sustainability

Experience Style

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Frequently Asked Questions


4 Questions


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Also Consider


1 Option