# Apple iPhone 16: Preliminary Reviews and Essential Features to Consider
The eagerly awaited **iPhone 16** models from Apple are set to launch this Friday, and ahead of the release, various media outlets and technology critics have had the chance to review the new devices. The overall opinion? Apple has impressively introduced another series of smartphones, showcasing significant enhancements in battery performance, camera capabilities, and the rollout of new AI-enabled features. Let’s explore the main highlights from early reviews to assist you in determining which model may suit you best.
## 1. **Camera Control: A Mixed Experience**
A hot topic within the iPhone 16 range is the revamped **Camera Control** feature, which is included in all four models. **The Washington Post** describes this feature as both creative and somewhat cumbersome. While it enables users to adjust zoom levels and various camera settings through gestures, the review points out that it often seems more intricate than simply utilizing the touchscreen.
> *“While it’s certainly beneficial for tasks like achieving the perfect zoom, even after mastering its gestures, navigating options with this new button never felt swifter or simpler than just tapping the touch screen.”* — The Washington Post
For those who are passionate about photography, this feature could transform their experience, but it may appear excessive or even annoying for casual users.
## 2. **iPhone 16: More “Pro” Than Ever**
**GQ Magazine** commends the standard iPhone 16 models, asserting that they exhibit a more “Pro” feel than ever. Enhancements in battery life, processing capability, and camera operation render the base models attractive for individuals who don’t necessarily wish to invest in the Pro versions.
> *“With its exciting new colour choices and a host of finely-tuned internals that provide notable enhancements in battery, performance, and camera functionality, this iPhone offers much more than it seems at first glance. It’s the closest the entry-level iPhone has come to resembling Pro in quite a while.”* — GQ Magazine
Equipped with the **Apple A18 chip** and an upgraded camera system, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus present substantial upgrades from their predecessors, making them an excellent choice for most consumers.
## 3. **Apple Intelligence: A Glimpse into AI on iPhone**
Among the most thrilling new features is **Apple Intelligence**, a platform that integrates AI-driven functions into the iPhone experience. Although this feature will only be available in beta next month, **TechCrunch** has already examined some of its functions in the developers’ beta. The platform includes tools like **Clean Up**, Apple’s alternative to Google’s Magic Eraser, enabling users to eliminate unwanted objects from photos.
> *“It’s worth mentioning that Apple Intelligence is opt-in. This is a positive aspect; there are numerous reasons to be cautious about generative AI at the moment, and making this an opt-in feature rather than opt-out is generally a wise choice.”* — TechCrunch
The opt-in nature of Apple Intelligence is reassuring for those who are wary of AI incorporation. Users can manually activate the feature in settings, and certain functionalities, such as Clean Up, can be utilized without enabling the complete Apple Intelligence platform.
## 4. **Why Choose Pro?**
For those contemplating the **iPhone 16 Pro** or **iPhone 16 Pro Max**, **The Wall Street Journal’s** Joanna Stern outlines three compelling reasons to go for the Pro models:
– **The additional camera**: The Pro models are equipped with a 5x telephoto lens, ideal for capturing distant subjects with precision.
– **Enhanced battery longevity**: The Pro models provide superior battery life compared to the standard iPhone 16 models.
– **Always-on ProMotion displays**: The Pro variants come with 120Hz ProMotion displays, offering smoother scrolling and improved responsiveness.
> *“The extra camera, featuring a 5X telephoto lens, which I adore for getting close-ups of my kids on stage or in sports. The extended battery life. The always-on ProMotion displays.”* — The Wall Street Journal
If these aspects are valuable to you, the Pro models merit the additional investment.
## 5. **Battery Performance: A Major Advantage**
Battery life is a significant selling point for the iPhone 16 lineup. **The Verge** points out that even the smaller iPhone 16 model can last an entire day of extensive use, while the iPhone 16 Plus can extend into a second day on a single charge.
> *“Even with the smaller model, the battery endures all day. After a day of intensive use, including streaming KEXP with GPS functionality from Strava in the background, I still had about 30 percent left by bedtime. If you choose the
