iPhone 16 Pro Review: Major Upgrades and Essential Accessories for 2024

BigGo Editorial Team
iPhone 16 Pro Review: Major Upgrades and Essential Accessories for 2024

As Apple's latest flagship device makes its mark in the smartphone market, users upgrading from older models are discovering significant improvements alongside some persistent challenges. The iPhone 16 Pro represents a substantial leap forward in technology, particularly for those transitioning from older models like the iPhone 12 Pro.

Display and Interface Enhancements

The iPhone 16 Pro showcases remarkable improvements in display technology, featuring slimmer bezels that maximize screen real estate. The 120Hz ProMotion display delivers noticeably smoother animations and scrolling compared to older 60Hz models, creating a more refined user experience. The Dynamic Island, while still evolving, has proven to be a practical upgrade from the traditional notch, offering interactive functionality for various system notifications and activities.

The iPhone 16 Pro (blue) alongside the iPhone 16 in a comparison to illustrate display and interface enhancements
The iPhone 16 Pro (blue) alongside the iPhone 16 in a comparison to illustrate display and interface enhancements

Camera System Evolution

Photography capabilities have seen substantial advancement, with the iPhone 16 Pro particularly excelling in macro photography. The enhanced camera system, including a 5x optical zoom, provides versatility that rivals traditional DSLR cameras for everyday photography needs. The prominent camera bump, however, remains a design consideration that affects the phone's stability when placed on flat surfaces.

Apple Intelligence Integration

The device introduces advanced AI features, including Genmoji, which allows users to create custom emoji based on text descriptions or photos. While this feature adds a creative dimension to messaging, some users note that response times could be improved. The always-on display, while innovative, has received mixed reactions, with some users disabling it due to battery life concerns.

Essential Accessories for 2024

Several accessories have emerged as standout companions for the iPhone 16 Pro. The Clicks Keyboard Case (USD 139) offers enhanced typing capabilities with its second-generation improvements. The Nomad Slim 65W Charger (USD 50) provides efficient dual-port charging in a travel-friendly form factor. For content creators, the ShiftCam SnapStand Max (USD 79) offers versatile mounting solutions with its extensible design and Bluetooth remote functionality.

A clear phone case designed for the iPhone 16 Pro, reflecting essential accessories for enhancing user experience
A clear phone case designed for the iPhone 16 Pro, reflecting essential accessories for enhancing user experience

Design Considerations

The iPhone 16 Pro's build quality, while premium, presents some practical challenges. The device's slippery surface without a case has raised concerns about handling, making protective cases almost essential for many users. This aspect, combined with the substantial camera bump, suggests that accessory selection plays a crucial role in the overall user experience.

Review
…Total 45 reviews
👍 Strengths(57.1% of other opinions)
15.4%
Camera function and pixels
9.5%
Appearance and Design
6.7%
Battery Life
6.6%
Processor performance
4.7%
Additional features
👎 Weaknesses(66% of other opinions)
9.7%
Camera function and pixels
8.6%
Appearance and Design
6.8%
Price
4.8%
Battery Life
4.2%
Software support and updates
Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16
The Apple iPhone 16 boasts a 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED display with HDR10 support and 2000 nits peak brightness. Powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm) chipset and 8GB RAM, it offers storage options up to 512GB. The device features a dual-camera setup with a 48MP main and 12MP ultrawide lens, capable of 4K60fps HDR video. It runs on iOS 18, supports 5G, and includes Face ID, IP68 water resistance, and MagSafe charging up to 25W wireless.
$799up
Apple
Best Buy
Aliexpress
...3 stores
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits peak brightness. Powered by the A18 Pro chip, it features 8GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. The device sports a triple camera setup with a 48MP main, 12MP periscope telephoto, and 48MP ultrawide lens. It supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and runs on iOS 18. Built with a titanium frame, it offers IP68 water resistance and Face ID security.
$1,189.99up
Apple
Best Buy
Newegg
...3 stores
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus boasts a 6.7" Super Retina XDR OLED display with HDR10 support and 2000 nits peak brightness. Powered by the A18 chip and 8GB RAM, it offers storage options up to 512GB. The device features a dual-camera system with a 48MP main and 12MP ultrawide lens, capable of 4K60 HDR video. It supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and MagSafe charging. The iPhone 16 Plus runs on iOS 18 and includes Face ID, IP68 water resistance, and stereo speakers.
$899up
Apple
Best Buy
...2 stores
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro boasts a 6.1" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits peak brightness. Powered by the A17 Pro chip, it features 8GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. The device sports a triple rear camera setup (48MP wide, 12MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide) and a 12MP selfie camera. It supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6e, and offers IP68 water resistance. Built with a titanium frame, it runs on iOS 17 and includes Face ID for security.
$709.99up
Best Buy
Newegg
Aliexpress
...3 stores
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a 6.7" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 2000 nits peak brightness. Powered by the A17 Pro chip and 8GB RAM, it offers up to 1TB storage. The device features a triple rear camera setup (48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP periscope telephoto) and a 12MP selfie camera. It supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6e, and runs on iOS 17. Built with a titanium frame, it's IP68 rated and supports MagSafe charging.
$849.99up
Best Buy
Newegg
Aliexpress
...3 stores