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The iPhone 16 Pro closely resembles its predecessor while introducing a slightly larger display and a new Camera Control feature. For iOS users, this means another solid smartphone option in 2024. However, since one of the main highlights of the new series—Apple Intelligence—will not be available until months post-launch, there may be little incentive for those who don’t plan to utilize the new features to opt for this model over the previous iPhone 15 Pro or even consider switching to Android.
As an Android user amidst friends who predominantly use iOS, I often feel a sense of exclusion as a “green bubble” in an iMessage group. While there are a couple of other Android users among my friends, the perceived isolation can be compelling enough to consider a move to iOS. Yet, I quickly remember the unique advantages that come with Android, such as customizable themes, flexible app placements, and features like an always-on display and a smoother refresh rate associated with high-end devices.
Nevertheless, the differentiation between iOS and Android has lessened over time, sparking a renewed curiosity about iOS. With iOS 18 offering increased customization options, the introduction of RCS improving messaging, and the prospect of Apple Intelligence, I decided to switch things up. After removing my SIM from the Pixel 9 Pro, I activated an eSIM on a fresh iPhone 16 Pro alongside a basic iPhone 16 for comparative purposes, embarking on an exploration of the 2024 technology landscape to see if my Android loyalties would waver.
Familiar Design, Minor Updates
Transitioning from a Pixel 9 Pro to an iPhone 16 Pro allowed me to appreciate notable hardware improvements. Previously, I had commended Google’s design choices in crafting a flagship worthy of its name. However, upon revisiting Apple’s flagship, I felt a sense of déjà vu; it felt too similar to the iPhone 15 series. While the build quality remains exemplary, with consistent button placements allowing for easy user navigation, this predictability can dull excitement. It’s akin to a successful football club regularly winning championships; while fans are thrilled, the consistent success can breed a sense of expectation.
While I found the iPhone 16 lineup commendably designed, the aesthetics felt too similar to the previous iteration. Apple has maintained its characteristic sharp edges, now slightly softened, delivering a lightweight feel with materials like Corning glass and aluminum. The introduction of a titanium frame on the iPhone 16 Pro suggests a balance between durability and sophistication. The Black Titanium finish appears notably refined this time around, resisting smudging better than previous models. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 sports bolder hues, moving away from pastel finishes to vibrant colors that are hard to resist showing off.
Additionally, modifications in camera positioning and the new Action Button, which replaces the traditional mute switch, signify incremental upgrades. The Action Button can serve various functions, but my use case remains largely as a mute switch. Furthermore, the new Camera Control button, which offers quick access to camera settings, has not integrated seamlessly into my workflow, as the tactile muscle memory for utilizing on-screen controls remains strong.
Despite some reservations about the new buttons, I appreciate the diversity of sizes across the iPhone 16 models. This means tighter-fitting cases and potentially better protection for the devices. The standard iPhone 16 retains a familiar 6.1-inch Super Retina OLED display, still lagging behind competitors with its 60Hz refresh rate, while the iPhone 16 Pro has grown slightly to a 6.3-inch display, offering a more expansive viewing area. Apple’s design choices regarding the bezels merit a mention too—the thinnest ever, though they may lead to accidental touches during use, indicating a growing concern for usability as device sizes increase.
iOS 18 and the Increasing Customization
A significant aspect of my transition into the Apple ecosystem revolved around iOS, traditionally perceived as dull and unvaried. Though familiar territory, iOS 18 has brought refreshing changes, notably in customization. Finally, users can arrange apps and folders flamboyantly across the home screen, breaking free from the grid-like constraints of previous versions. The adjustment allows for personal touches, creating a more visually appealing and user-organized environment. Additionally, new themes and icon customizations enhance the overall aesthetic experience, though better color choices are still needed, as darker colors are rendered nearly invisible.
However, the App Library still presents challenges when it comes to navigation compared to a typical Android app drawer. Sorted into categories, the App Library can feel cumbersome, as making sense of Apple’s sorting logic occasionally leaves users scratching their heads. Without the objective structure of an app drawer and limited visibility of apps per category, finding desired applications can become a tedious task.
A prominent feature in iOS 18 is RCS support. Though not groundbreaking, it marks a vital step towards improving cross-platform messaging. Users can now send high-resolution media between iOS and Android devices, a welcomed change for many.
The Anticipated Apple Intelligence
One significant shortcoming of the iPhone 16 series is the absence of Apple Intelligence, which has been heavily promoted but is yet to roll out. This lack complicates a comprehensive review of the iPhone’s latest features. Apple has teased enhancements to Siri, new writing tools, and a much-awaited Image Playground designed to compete with Google’s offerings. Unfortunately, without these advancements available for evaluation, there’s a sense of incompleteness surrounding the capabilities of the new models.
Camera Quality Relies on Consistency
Despite some dissatisfaction with the new button features, the iPhone 16 Pro excels in its camera capabilities. It offers a user-friendly experience, blending adept processing with reliable performance, even if it doesn’t match the advanced capabilities of competitors like the Pixel 9 series. The iPhone 16 provides a similar camera setup to its predecessor, while the Pro offers a notable upgrade, featuring three versatile lenses. Apple’s Photographic Styles, while not brand new, offer additional customization compared to traditional filters, allowing users to add their unique touch to photos.
Performance Consistency
Apple’s in-house chipsets have consistently placed the brand at the forefront of mobile performance. With the introduction of the A18 chip in the iPhone 16 and A18 Pro in the Pro model, users can expect robust processing power. Benchmarks show that while Apple remains competitive, its lead isn’t as significant as it once was against comparable Android devices. Nevertheless, in real-world usage, the performance of the iPhone 16 series remains smooth and efficient.
However, with the A18 Pro heating up during use, particularly evident during extended sessions with demanding applications, the iPhone 16 Pro’s battery life raises concerns. Users might find themselves charging the device daily, as real-life usage often results in diminished battery longevity compared to some competitors.
Adding to the frustration is Apple’s decision to stick with less aggressive charging speeds. While other smartphones can quickly rejuvenate their batteries, the iPhone’s slower charging times coupled with modest battery life may dissuade potential users.
Final Thoughts on the iPhone 16 Series
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro undoubtedly check many boxes in terms of features and design. They deliver quality build, reliable performance, and user-friendly experiences. Still, I find myself unconvinced to abandon my Android preferences. While Apple has made strides in terms of AI integration, customization, and messaging parity, those improvements don’t sway me enough to leap into its ecosystem. My experience with Android has equipped me with features and freedoms that I find challenging to give up.
In essence, the Pixel series remains my preferred choice over either iPhone model, as it champions aspects such as faster charging, more straightforward customization, and mature AI capabilities. And while it’s usual for iPhone users to remain loyal to Apple, the competition from Android is increasingly demanding attention. Apple’s walled garden boasts advantages, yet it could benefit from embracing innovation and exploring new territory if it hopes to capture a wider audience.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Excellent hardware
Flexible cameras
Solid software support
Apple iPhone 16
Great size
Excellent build quality
Long-term software support
Source
www.androidauthority.com