The iPhone 16 He looks more like his older brothers than its predecessor. It debuts two additional physical buttons, a much more powerful processor and a very striking function that allows you to modify the audio of the videos. Unlike last year—when the iPhone 15 They had a processor that was a generation older than the iPhone 15 Pro—now Apple’s high-end entry-level model looks more like the Pro models than ever.

This terminal, whose price starts at 959 euros, however, has some limitations. A significant improvement is missing in its wide-angle camera and leaves users wanting to try Apple’s long-awaited generative artificial intelligence systemwhich will not arrive in the European Union at least until 2025. EL PAÍS has carried out an intensive test of the terminal, which aspires to become the best Apple mobile in relation to quality and price. These are its pros and cons.

The best

Long term power

The iPhone 16 contains a processor, the A18, that jumps two generations compared to the 2023 model. Any task on this device happens quickly, efficiently and fluidly: from browsing the Internet to answering emails, playing games, streaming or edit videos. Apple has prepared this powerful processor for future Apple Intelligence featuresApple’s artificial intelligence system that debuts this October in the US, but will not arrive in the European Union at least until 2025.

A customizable action button

In its external appearance, this mobile increasingly shares more features with the Pro models. In fact, it incorporates the action button that last year was exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and which replaces the mute lever. It is located above the volume buttons and can be used to silence the phone, activate the flashlight or open a specific application such as the camera, recorder or notes. It is an important advance that Apple has given versatility to this button. Although, for many users, it may not solve a specific problem and they will simply use it to activate silent mode, others will take advantage of the shortcuts to open their most used applications without having to search for them between screens.

A bolder color palette

The iPhone 16 has the same dimensions as the iPhone 15 and weighs 170 grams, compared to 171 for its predecessor. It is perfect for those who prefer to hold their phone with one hand. Although it maintains a continuous design, now the two cameras are placed vertically in the rear module to capture spatial video. But if there is something that at first glance catches your attention about these iPhones, it is that they debut more attractive colors. Compared to the more muted and elegant of the Pro models, and the light and pastel tones of the iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 is available in the most vibrant pink, teal and ultramarine blue, in addition to the classic black and white.

Goodbye to background noise in videos

One of the most impressive new features of the new iPhones is audio mixing. This function allows you to modify the audio of a video between three different modes: on screen, studio and cinema. The first mode focuses on what appears on the screen and turns down any other sounds; the second offers a studio touch, and the third tries to recreate a cinematic atmosphere. In the tests carried out by EL PAÍS, it has been possible to almost completely eliminate the noise of a vacuum cleaner or the wind in the background, in addition to giving prominence to a person’s voice. Although the results are spectacular, the voice can become distorted if a very pronounced effect is applied.

Worst

A camera control that does not convince

The terminal also debuts camera control. This button is located at the bottom of the right side. Allows you to take photos with one touch or record video by pressing and holding it. In addition, it has different functions depending on how hard you press it or if you drag your finger over it: to do zoom change photo styles or activate portrait mode. This camera control is very precise in recognizing the user’s gestures. But the same thing happens to it as the iPhone 16 Pro Max: it is not entirely comfortable, especially for taking photos vertically, and it does not seem to solve any big problem.

The wide angle falls short

The iPhone 16 has a 48-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera that can now take macro photos – previously this function was reserved only for the Pro models. Photos with the main sensor are realistic, sharp and with good dynamic range, both day and night. The same cannot be said for the wide angle. In general, it performs during the day and in conditions with good light. The results with the macro mode are also good. But this lens has a lot of room for improvement at night and in low light. In this case, a higher level of detail is missing, especially in the corners and shadows, which are very blurred.

A refresh rate that is difficult to justify

The OLED screen of the iPhone 16 remains 6.1 inches and can reach up to 2,000 nits of brightness. In everyday life, this translates into very intense colors and adequate contrast, both indoors and outdoors on sunny days. However, there is still room for improvement. The refresh rate remains at 60 hertz, instead of reaching 120 that other competing mobile phones have reached for years. The higher the refresh rate, the more fluid the movements and transitions between screens feel. This does not mean that the mobile slows down or the experience is negative. In fact, some users may not even notice the difference. Even so, it seems difficult to justify not bringing 120 hertz to a phone that costs more than 1,000 euros as soon as a storage capacity greater than the starting 128 gigabytes is chosen.

Where is generative AI?

Mobile phones like Google’s Pixel They attract attention year after year for their artificial intelligence innovations. Apple has had a hard time entering this area and still has a long way to go. Last June, the technology multinational announced that would bring generative AI to the most modern iPhone models with the aim of streamlining daily tasks. The announcement left a bittersweet feeling: The Apple Intelligence system would only be for the iPhone 15 Pro and higher; and, to begin with, it would only arrive in English. The news was even worse for residents of the European Union, who will have to wait until at least 2025. In that year it will be available in Spanish, but it is not clear if its arrival in Spain will be further delayed due to Apple’s need to adapt these developments to the European community regulations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA, for its acronym in English).