It is that time of the year again, and as a reviewer and technological photographer, I generally get a new iPhone to have a better technology, obtain improvements from the camera, to be able to ask recommendations and answer your questions. This year was no different. I have the new iPhone 16 Pro.
Let me answer the first question I get when I say what I just said: “Why didn’t you go with the iPhone 16 Pro Max?” People are usually surprised when I say: “I don’t like the biggest phone!” After all, what do you not like? It is a larger screen, usually the longest battery duration, and one characteristic or two that the “smaller” professional model does not have. So why wouldn’t I get the 16 pro max? Here is why: I had a 13 pro max, and everything I remember saying for a whole year was: “I can’t wait until the iPhone 14 pro comes out to be able to go down again.”
I didn’t like the biggest iPhone. I wasn’t friendly to use with one hand, and I always felt that I was going to leave it. It was too bulky for my pocket. I just didn’t like it, and I don’t miss it.
At this point, iPhones do not obtain great revolutionary characteristics. They obtain incremental characteristics, which generally leads people to omit a version or two or three. Honestly, I could probably have omitted the iPhone 16 Pro, since my iPhone 15 Pro was fine, especially now that it has USB-C. However, I appreciate the 5x zoom in the camera, the WiFi 7 support, the 48MP great angle camera and the new dedicated camera hardware button (why did this take so long?). Since the iPhone is the camera that I always have with me, it is always good to get a better camera with each update.
Design and visualization
Apple has refined the appearance of the iPhone 16 Pro, which makes it thinner with softer edges for a more comfortable grip. The new titanium frame adds durability without adding volume, a clear improvement on the previous models. The Pro version now comes in a new range of matt finishes that resist digital footprints, keeping the phone with a pristine appearance.
The screen has been updated to a 6.3 -inch OLED XDR screen, which offers an impressive brightness and a higher update speed that dynamically adapts to the content. Whether you are playing, seeing HDR content or simply sailing, the colors are more vivid and the detail is extraordinary.
Performance
Driven by the new A18 Bionic chip, the iPhone 16 Pro offers rapid performance. The 6 -core updated CPU and the 5 -core GPU, combined with a 16 -core neuronal engine, make this the most powerful iPhone so far. Multitasa is fluid, games are easy and even demanding applications such as video edition that run without problems.
The battery life has also seen an improvement, thanks to the most efficient energy chip. Users can expect a battery of the whole day even with heavy use, which is excellent for those who are constantly moving.
Cameras system
The camera system is one of the largest points of sale of the iPhone 16 Pro. The main 48mp sensor offers clear and detailed photos, even in low light conditions, thanks to its largest opening. The telephoto lens now has 5X optical zoom, which allows lighter -up shots. Apple has also improved the wide lens for better landscape and macro shots.
The Poraw format remains one of the favorites for professional photographers, but even casual users will notice the difference in photo quality. The new “intelligent capture” mode with AI automatically adjusts the configuration based on lighting and the subject, which makes it easier to take professional appearance photos without any effort. Not to mention the ability to capture 4K video to 120 fps, wow!
Software and characteristics
IOS 18 is perfectly optimized for the iPhone 16 PRO, which offers more soft transitions, improved privacy characteristics and better multitasking options. An outstanding feature is the expanded widgets system, which allows greater customization and interactivity directly from the lock screen.
Apple has also introduced improved satellite communication capabilities, based on its SOS emergency function, which is now available in more regions. For travelers or adventurers, this additional security layer is a welcome addition.
Connectivity and load
The iPhone 16 PRO has a USB-C load (which was one of my main reasons to go with the iPhone 15 Pro), offering faster data transfers and more compatibility with other devices. This change will attract users with multiple devices that need a universal load solution.
The phone admits 5G, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring the fastest possible connections in all areas. Whether you are transmitting high quality videos or participating in an online meeting, connectivity is perfect and reliable.
My configuration
I updated my 512GB storage to 1 TB this time, since I wanted the space to grow, taking more 48mp photos and capturing more 4K video. I opted for the desert titanium and put it in my favorite case of all time, the new Pitaka box for the iPhone 16 Pro.
My favorite iPhone box
Every year, I get a new iPhone and, therefore, every year, I get a new iPhone box. During the last 4-5 years, I have been using the same case supplier, Pitaka. Pitaka makes a really thin, strong and light case for iPhones, and since I got the first, I loved and bought a new one for each new phone. This is the one I went with this year.
iOS 18/18.1
Most of the really great features are in the update of the operating system, and that means that older iPhones users also obtain really great features. I like the new customization capabilities of the home screen. My favorite is to customize the control panel you get when you slide down from the right side. I am looking forward to Apple Intellegance in the next iOS 18.1 and all this also works very well on iPhone 15.
Apple Home users will appreciate the ability to establish their preferred starting center (we have been asking for this for years!)
The Apple Watch Ultra 2
I also generally get a new Apple Watch every year, and this year, I decided to go with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 instead of the new series 10. The only thing that changed in Ultra 2 of last year’s model was a new black color. So technically, since I went with the titanium color, I am basically using last year’s model, and that’s fine. It was really a launch for me to choose between the new series 10 and Ultra 2 (the screen sizes are almost identical). I am not an extreme sports person, so I never went with the Ultra models when they were introduced. However, the Ultra 2 offers a thing about the 10 series that really attracts me and is the main reason why I was ultra 2 instead of the series 10. Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a nominal battery life of 36 hours, while the 10 series is only 18 hours.
My days can be quite long, especially when I travel through several time areas. My 9 series clock often died and needed to recharge before finishing the day. I never sleep on my watch, so I don’t care that I last all night. However, I need it to last all day. One would think that 18 hours would be long enough, but I only got 18 hours in a very good day. I never get the performance of the nominal battery. Even at Ultra 2, I don’t get 36 hours, but I am receiving battery life throughout the day, I needed/wanted. Now, when I go to bed after a very long day, I have at least 20-30% of battery in Ultra 2. I also like the additional customizable action button and the new titanium band. He hated all the other Ultra 2 band options and would probably have gone with a band of third parties if Apple did not go out with the new Titanium.
Airpods Max
This is going to sound strange. I hate the headphones on the ear! “Then Terry, why would you buy Airpods Max?” I obtained a couple of original Airpods Max of work. They sound very good and offer perfect connectivity to all my Apple devices. Active noise cancellation and battery life is impressive! I fly a lot these days, and my Goto Airpods Pro 2 headphones are excellent, but the problem is the battery life. I barely get four hours of use before putting them in the case for fast charge. This means that on a flight through the country, I will not be able to use them for part of the flight once the battery dies. This happens to me on each long flight.
Why do I hate headphones on the ear? Usually, they give me a headache after one or two hours. As an glance user, they press against my lenses, making them uncomfortable to use for long periods.
Being frustrated by the battery life of the Airpods Pro 2 and like the two new color options and the USB-C port of the new Max Airpods, I decided to make another attempt and do something I never did with the original torque, and that is flying with them. I travel every week until mid -October, so I decided to give the new ones in the environment where I needed them most: in flight! While I could have used the oldest, I have also made the transition from all my mobile devices to USB-C. I don’t want to use more devices with a ray port to load.
4.5 hours later, I didn’t want to tear them out of my head!
My first flight with them was a success. I have what I wanted. I could use them without having a headache, I had a great active noise cancellation, and when I wasted, I still had 79% battery. While I had no headache, I didn’t want to use them any more time than necessary. Their pressure after 4.5 hours was remarkable. This is not specific to Airpods Max, since I have had this problem with Bose, Sony, Beats, etc.
My only disappointment is that, for the initial price ($ 549), the “case” is weak! It is not really a case. It is more a roof. I would also want them to be folded in half to occupy less space. Bose and Sony headphones cost less and have a real case.
My friends quickly recommend alternatives, and I’m sure they are great. We could discuss the sound quality and cancellation of active noise, etc. However, the only thing that others do not have is the H1/H2 chip that is in Apple’s headphones. This chip provides perfect connectivity between Apple devices. I put them, and a couple of seconds later, I listen to a tone that indicates that they have connected to my iPhone. If I open my macbook pro and start working, they change automatically. If I’m watching something on Apple TV, Tvos offers to connect to them. This is the functionality that I am not willing to give up when I go with a different brand, even if they are cheaper or have a better sound performance.
I was thinking that I was going to return them after that first flight, but now I have made three flights through the country with them all the time, and I can live with the pressure of the other benefits.
Yes, they also work with Airfly
One of the things that I also love to use my Airfly duo on the plane to use Bluetooth headphones and connect to the flight entertainment system. These Max Airpods were perfectly connected to my plane duo. Get the Airfly Duo here.
The final result
None of these updates is essential for most of my readers. In the case of Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Airpods Max, there are very few reasons to update if you already have a clock and headphones with which you are happy. If your iPhone has not updated for a while, I would say that 15 PRO is a solid update. If you have not received a new watch or you are looking for headphones on your ear and wants to stay in the Apple ecosystem, then you must take a look. The Max Airpods are too expensive, in my opinion, but they function as it is announced.
#iPhone #headphones
