While many of the features in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro series build on what we've seen in previous iPhone models, Apple has packed in a number of new upgrades that are worth noting. The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have a number of revolutionary features that we don't consider revolutionary enough, while the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus still offer barely noticeable improvements over last year's models. The exclusive features of the Pro versions are highlighted here LinkAnd it's not just the iPhone 16 Pro, there are also exciting additions available across the entire iPhone 16 lineup. So in this article, we'll list 22 features that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models have that aren't available in other iPhones.
Advanced A18 processors
The A18 Bionic processors in iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are faster, smarter, and two generations ahead of the A16 Bionic in iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, with improvements to graphics and power efficiency.
One of the standout benefits of the A18 Bionic is how it supports new Apple Intelligence features, like a revamped Siri, more advanced photography tools, and visual intelligence. Compared to the A16 Bionic:
◉ 16-core Neural Engine powers machine learning XNUMXx faster.
◉ There is a 17% increase in system memory bandwidth, which means that the memory can transfer data 17% faster than before. This improvement helps speed up the overall performance of the device, making it more efficient in handling applications and multitasking, especially in various AI tasks.
◉ 6-core CPU is 30% faster and uses 30% less power.
◉ 5-core GPU is up to 40% faster and uses 35% less power.
◉ It features hardware-accelerated ray tracing.
Unlike previous iPhone lineups, where only the Pro versions had the latest processors, that's not the case for all iPhone 16 models. Even the base models can handle demanding tasks like real-time AI processing and high-performance gaming while maintaining excellent battery life.
The A18 Pro processor in the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max takes things even further, perfect for photography, heavy gaming, or advanced AI tasks. Compared to the A17 Pro:
◉ Faster 16-core Neural Engine.
◉ There is a 17% increase in system memory bandwidth.
◉ 6-core CPU is 15% faster and uses 20% less power.
◉ The 5-core GPU is up to 20% faster and can perform ray tracing XNUMXx faster.
◉ The video encoder processes data 2x faster.
◉ It features hardware-accelerated ray tracing.
Camera control
Makes New camera control On the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models, capturing the way you want is easier. With one tap, the camera app opens instantly, and with another tap, it can take a photo. To record a quick video, use the tap and hold gesture. The button contains all the gestures that facilitate the entire shooting process, which we talked about in more than one article. When an element is visible due to a certain gesture, other user interface elements on the screen are hidden to help you focus. Pressing the button again will open the last setting you used.
Whether you're using the built-in camera app or a third-party camera app like Snapchat, this feature provides direct access to key camera functions, even from the lock screen or while using other apps.
visual intelligence
Another built-in feature of the camera control is visual intelligence, which gives you information about anything you capture. Just point the camera at a restaurant to see hours and reviews. Take a photo of an event ad to add it to your calendar. You can learn about the captured animal, plant, and more. You can also take photos to learn information from Google search and ChatGPT.
To use visual intelligence, tap and hold the camera control button, tap to capture what you want to learn more about, and get the results.
Hardware Accelerated Ray Tracing
One of the standout features powered by the A18 Bionic and A18 Pro processors, it delivers improved gaming graphics and more realistic lighting effects, with frame rates 5x higher than software-based ray tracing, and by simulating how light interacts with objects in a scene, creating realistic shadows, reflections, and texture.
While the iPhone 15 Pro series with the A17 Pro chip was the first iPhone to feature hardware-accelerated ray tracing, the A18 Pro delivers up to twice the performance, delivering smoother, more immersive images.
The iPhone 15 series only has software-based ray tracing, so this is the first time the base models will gain hardware-accelerated support. As such, the iPhone 16 series will be able to run all the high-budget AAA games that were introduced last year with the iPhone 15 Pro series.
New colors
The iPhone 16 lineup comes in new color options. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come in teal, ultramarine, and pink, which have never been seen on any other iPhone before. While similar blue, green, and pink colors have existed, the new colors are exclusive to the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. The standard white and black colors are also available.
Apple also introduced a new Desert Titanium finish, exclusive to iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to the device. Returning colors include Black Titanium, White Titanium, and Natural Titanium. These elegant metallic tones elevate the Pro lineup, giving it a premium, sophisticated aesthetic while maintaining the durability and sophistication Apple is known for.
Improve battery life
Apple has made significant improvements to battery life in the iPhone 16 lineup, offering a significant increase over previous models.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max leads the pack with up to 33 hours of video playback and 105 hours of audio playback, beating the previous record of 29 and 95 on the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have slight battery improvements that give them slightly longer video playback hours than their predecessors, while audio playback hours remain the same.
Faster MagSafe charging
If you're always on the go and need fast charging, this is the upgrade for you.
When charging the iPhone 16 with a 30W adapter ($39), a standard 35W adapter ($59), or a 35W compact adapter ($39), the updated MagSafe charger (both sold separately) can deliver 25W fast charging, letting you charge your iPhone 16 or 16 Pro model to 50% in just 30 minutes. That’s a big jump from the previous limit of 15W, making it ideal for when you’re short on time and your phone’s battery is low.
While this faster charging is exclusive to the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models, the improved MagSafe charger, available in 1-meter ($39) and 2-meter ($49) options, still works with older iPhones but at a slower 15W charging rate.
Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7 comes to all iPhone 16 models. It delivers significantly faster data transfer speeds, lower latency, and wider bandwidth, making it ideal for activities that require high connectivity, like 8K video streaming and online gaming.
Whether you're using augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR), Wi-Fi 7 ensures a smoother connection by delivering up to 46Gbps, five times faster than Wi-Fi 6E.
One of the standout features of Wi-Fi 7 is its ability to operate over 320MHz channels, which reduces interference and network congestion. This wider frequency range, combined with the 6GHz band, allows for faster and more stable connections, even in crowded network environments.
Largest iPhone screen (Pro Max only)
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display with thinner bezels, making the screen appear more expansive without adding much bulk. With a resolution of 2868 x 1220 pixels, ProMotion technology, and a peak outdoor brightness of 2000 nits, the display remains sharp and clear even in direct sunlight, making the iPhone 16 Pro Max an ideal choice for users who crave a more immersive visual experience.
Low brightness down to 1 lumens
One subtle but significant upgrade to the iPhone 16 lineup is the introduction of a lower brightness level of 1 nit, similar to the Apple Watch, compared to 2 nits on the iPhone 15. That may not sound like a huge difference, but it’s impressive. It makes the screen very dim, making it ideal for low-light environments.
This extremely low brightness also contributes to the always-on display feature with minimal battery drain.
The most powerful screen
The iPhone 16 display is enhanced with a new version of Ceramic Shield that’s 50 percent stronger than the first generation. This improved hybrid glass-ceramic material, first introduced with iPhone 12, is designed to provide even better drop protection.
According to Apple, the Ceramic Shield is now twice as strong as the glass in any other smartphone, providing unparalleled durability.
48MP Ultra Wide Camera (Pro only)
The iPhone 16 takes photography to new levels with the introduction of a 48MP Ultra Wide camera. Building on the success of the 48MP main camera found in every iPhone since the iPhone 14 Pro, this new Ultra Wide lens allows for more detailed and expansive shots, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or tight spaces without sacrificing image quality. Previous models only supported 12MP with the Ultra Wide camera.
48MP Macro Photography (Pro only)
The new 48MP Ultra Wide camera on iPhone 16 also supports stunning high-resolution macro photography, allowing you to get incredibly close to your subjects and capture fine details with unparalleled precision. By comparison, the Ultra Wide camera on iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max supports 12MP macro photos.
Next Generation Photo Styles
The iPhone 16 series introduces new photo enhancement features that let you edit your photos more easily. These features include:
Improved shooting modes let you adjust skin tones and experiment with different color effects.
Also a new control panel to adjust color tones and image tints.
It provides an instant preview of changes thanks to the A18 processor, allowing you to see the final result before taking the photo.
You can also have precise control over colors and color tones, going beyond simple filters.
Ability to adjust the intensity of the effects as you wish.
Flexibility to change or remove patterns later.
These features give you more control over the look of your images, with the added bonus of being able to make adjustments right while shooting.
Photos, videos and spatial audio
With the iPhone 16 series, Apple is making spatial video a standard feature across all models. Spatial video captures scenes in stereoscopic 15D, providing an immersive experience that you can watch on Apple Vision Pro or other compatible virtual or augmented reality headsets. Previously, only the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone XNUMX Pro Max, and Apple Glasses could capture spatial video.
You can also capture spatial audio with the iPhone 16 lineup, which works with voice and video calls and when recording video. Spatial audio is available on the entire iPhone 16 lineup, as well as iPhone XR and later (excluding SE models), and Apple Watch.
Dolby Vision videos up to 120 fps (Pro only)
This delivers smoother, more cinematic footage on both the rear and front cameras. While all iPhone 16 models support Dolby Vision recording in 4K at standard frame rates like 24, 30, and 60 fps, the Pro models feature 100 and 120 fps using the new Fusion camera system, a first for smartphones according to Apple.
This higher frame rate is also available for 1080p recordings, giving you greater flexibility to capture high-quality, professional video, even at lower resolution.
4K Dolby Vision slow motion video up to 120 fps (Pro only)
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max take slow-motion video to the next level with the ability to shoot in 4K Dolby Vision at up to 120 frames per second using the new Fusion camera, instead of 1080p in iPhone models since the iPhone X and later.
After shooting, you can easily adjust the playback speed with new options, including full speed, quarter speed, half speed, and fifth speed, giving you greater control over how your slow motion footage plays back.
QuickTakes up to 4K 60fps with Dolby Vision
The iPhone 16 lineup enhances QuickTake video by letting you record up to 4K video at 60 fps in Dolby Vision with the rear camera. The front TrueDepth camera can record up to 4K at 60 fps in Dolby Vision HDR.
QuickTake videos on older iPhone models are limited to 1080p at 30 fps.
Reduce wind noise
iPhone 16 improves the sound quality of videos, audio recordings, voice and video calls using advanced machine learning algorithms to effectively reduce wind noise. This ensures clearer, more focused sound.
ProRes video up to 4K at 120 fps (Pro only)
This is double the previous frame rate. This format gives photographers more flexibility with Log video recording, recording a wider range of light and color tones than regular recording. It retains more detail in very bright and very dark areas of the image. It gives editors more flexibility in adjusting color and lighting after shooting. In addition to supporting the Academy Color Encoding System (ACES).
Like last year's Pro models, the front TrueDepth camera supports Log and ACES format and captures footage in up to 4K resolution at 60 fps.
Four studio-quality microphones (Pro only)
iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max come equipped with a studio-quality quad-microphone array, delivering clear, more realistic audio. Everything you record will be captured in rich, detailed sound, making your audio recordings sound more professional.
audio mixing
The iPhone 16 lineup introduces Audio Mix, a powerful feature that brings studio-quality sound to your videos. Instead of the standard mode, In-Frame Mix, Studio Mix, and Cinematic Mix options can isolate voices and background elements, giving your recordings a professional audio experience right from your phone. You can even adjust levels while recording.
With the help of machine learning, audio mixing also reduces unwanted noise, like wind, to deliver clear, crisp audio. And you’ll get even better results on the Pro models with their four studio-quality microphones.
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