The iPhone 16 is getting a new processor and more RAM, which means it will support Apple Intelligence. It also offers a more capable main camera and a USB-C port.
Intro
What are the expected changes in the iPhone 16 compared to the iPhone 14, released two years prior? And will the new features justify an upgrade for iPhone 14 owners?
The iPhone 16 family will make its official debut on Monday, September 9th, but even now we already know from leaks and rumors most of the expected new features.
The iPhone 16 will keep the overall design and 6.1-inch size of the iPhone 14, but it will add two new physical buttons, the Action button and the Capture button, and it will benefit from a higher resolution 48MP main camera, as well as a new and faster processor.
However, the iPhone 16 will NOT have the anticipated 120Hz ProMotion display, which remains exclusive to the more expensive Pro models.
Read more: iPhone 16: what pre-order deals to anticipate
Let’s explore all of the changes in more detail below.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 14 expected differences:
iPhone 16iPhone 14
Same 6.1-inch form factor 6.1-inch size
New Action Button in place of Mute Switch
New Capture Button for camera Older Mute Switch only
Newer and faster chipset, either Apple A18 or A18 Pro Apple A15 Bionic chipset
More memory, 8GB RAM 6GB RAM
Support for AI Does not support AI
Same storage options 128 / 256 / 512GB storage models
New vertical camera with support for Spatial Video Diagonal camera layout
Same-ish 48MP main camera 48MP main camera
12MP ultra-wide camera with macro support 12MP ultra-wide camera
Rumored 6% battery size increase 3,279 mAh battery
USB-C port Lightning port
20W charging, or faster (uncertain) 20W wired charging speed
15W MagSafe, or faster (uncertain) 15W MagSafe wireless charge
Table of Contents:
Design and Display
Performance and Software
Camera
Battery and Charging
Specs
Should you upgrade?
Also read:Design and Display QualitySame size, but new physical buttons and a horizontal camera
The shape and size of the iPhone 16 is very similar to the iPhone 14. Both are 6.1-inch phones with flat sides, an aluminum frame and a glass front and back.
There are some tweaks and changes, though. You get two new physical buttons on the iPhone 16. The Mute switch from the iPhone 14 gets replaced by a programmable Action button, and both are located on the top left above the volume keys.
You also get a new Capture button on the right side, below the power key. This Capture button is expected to work with camera apps only, both Apple’s native one and third-party apps. It will be a two-way key, where a half-press would allow you to lock focus and a full press will capture a photo or record video, much like a regular camera shutter button. Since it is expected to be a capacitve button, you will be also able to do things like swipe on it to zoom in and out.
On the back, you still have a dual camera system, but it’s a vertical one instead of a diagonal one.
The rest is pretty much the same, including the size and weight, and if there are any changes, they will be barely noticeable.
We should also mention the USB-C port on the iPhone 16, a welcome change from the Lightning port on the iPhone 14.
Both models also have IP68 water and dust protection.
Also read: iPhone 16 colors: all the rumored shades
As for screen quality, you have the same 6.
