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It’s been about a month since Apple released the iPhone 16 lineup. As an iPhone 15 Pro Max user, I was initially disappointed as it seemed like Apple offered nothing new, primarily just larger displays.
However, there was one significant upgrade with the iPhone 16 lineup that didn’t surface in prior rumors and motivated me to make the switch.
This isn’t the first time I’ve experienced such a shift in perspective. During the iPhone 14 Pro reveal, I thought the upgrade was lackluster, with only a dual punch-hole cutout replacing the notch. Yet, Apple introduced the exciting Dynamic Island feature that enhanced the user experience beyond mere hardware changes.
Why Upgrade?
The iPhone 16 Pro presented a unique opportunity for me to downsize. The new lineup features larger 6.3″ and 6.9″ displays compared to the 6.1″ and 6.7″ displays of the iPhone 15 Pro. Since I didn’t want a phone larger than my iPhone 15 Pro Max, I knew my next purchase would be a smaller model. However, I was initially apprehensive about the potential battery life trade-off.
Historically, smaller iPhones have struggled with battery life, but the iPhone 16 Pro changed that narrative.
According to a Tom’s Guide battery test, the iPhone 16 Pro delivered battery life comparable to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, averaging just over 14 hours in testing.
While the 16 Pro Max lasts even longer, around 18 hours in similar tests, the appeal of not downgrading in battery life from my 15 Pro Max made the smaller model enticing. Plus, I’ve always preferred a smaller phone but didn’t want to sacrifice battery performance.
Other Reasons
Another compelling reason for my upgrade is the improved thermal performance associated with Apple’s latest A18 Pro chipset. While both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro were running the iOS 18.1 beta during my testing, I noticed my iPhone 15 Pro Max ran considerably hotter than the 16 Pro. Initially, I attributed this to the beta software; however, side-by-side usage revealed the 16 Pro’s enhanced thermal management made a significant difference.
It’s possible that the thermal issues with the iPhone 15 Pro will be resolved once the final version of iOS 18.1 launches, but the variance was prominent during my testing and influenced my decision.
Final Thoughts
In summary, my desire for a smaller phone found its match in the iPhone 16 Pro. The 6.3″ form factor is comfortably manageable while retaining functionality, and for the first time in a compact pro model, battery life is commendable.
However, I have since stopped using the iOS 18.1 beta as it drained my battery excessively, requiring frequent recharges throughout the day. After downgrading following the release of iOS 18.0.1, my battery performance returned to levels similar to my 15 Pro Max.
I look forward to revisiting Apple Intelligence on my iPhone once the public release is available, expected around October 28th.
I appreciate the Camera Control feature too. Particularly on the smaller model, the button placement feels intuitive, allowing for quick adjustments without needing to tap the screen endlessly while capturing fast shots. However, I find myself alternating between using the button and display for capturing images, depending on the situation.
The Desert Titanium color is another highlight for me. Even if it’s not labeled “Gold,” it stands as my favorite gold-tone for an iPhone in recent years.
While the iPhone 16 Pro may not captivate everyone, the chance to finally downsize was a strong enough incentive for me to make the change.
What are your thoughts on the iPhone 16 Pro? We’d love to hear your insights in the comments below.
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