Is iPhone 16 really a useless series with just some cosmetic changes?

Hamza Asif
4 min readSep 12, 2024

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The iPhone 16 series has arrived, but is it truly a groundbreaking update? Critics argue that the changes are primarily cosmetic, with little substantive improvement over its predecessor. So let’s find out

Camera Enhancements

iPhone 16 Pro: Features a 48MP main camera with a quad-pixel sensor, which improves light sensitivity, offers zero-shutter lag, and supports 4K@120fps video recording. The ultra-wide camera also has a 48MP sensor, further enhancing macro shots in low light.

iPhone 15 Pro: Introduced a 48MP camera, but without the improvements in light sensitivity, zero-shutter lag, or the same video capabilities. While the iPhone 15 Pro also had good macro capabilities, it lacked the enhanced quad-pixel sensor found in the iPhone 16.

Spatial Video

iPhone 16: Introduces spatial video capture, which allows users to take 3D-like videos compatible with the Apple Vision Pro headset, delivering an immersive visual experience. This is a unique feature for the iPhone 16 series.

iPhone 15: Lacked any spatial video capability, making the iPhone 16’s feature an exclusive, particularly for those looking to use Apple’s Vision Pro headset for immersive content.

Frame and Durability

iPhone 16 Pro: Now uses a titanium frame, which is lighter and more durable than the previous stainless steel frame. This helps with better heat dissipation and contributes to a larger display and overall slimmer bezels.

iPhone 15 Pro: Used a stainless steel frame, which is heavier and slightly less durable compared to the titanium build of the iPhone 16 Pro. This made the iPhone 15 Pro slightly bulkier in comparison.

New Feature for materialistic update:

The Quick Access Camera feature introduced in the iPhone 16 allows users to quickly launch the camera app by using a new Camera Control button on the side of the device. This button is pressure-sensitive and enables users to access the camera without unlocking the phone or navigating through menus. In addition to quick access, this feature also lets users control key camera settings such as exposure, focus, and zoom directly from the button, making it highly convenient for capturing moments on the go.

This enhancement is part of Apple’s effort to streamline the user experience, especially for photography enthusiasts who need fast and easy access to camera functions.

Summary:

● The camera has received significant upgrades, with the quad-pixel sensor and video capabilities in the iPhone 16 Pro being a standout improvement.

● The spatial video is an entirely new feature, exclusive to the iPhone 16, aimed at users interested in immersive media experiences.

● The titanium frame adds both durability and reduced weight, making the iPhone 16 Pro a bit more portable and robust than its predecessors.

Conclusion:

Though these changes aren’t groundbreaking for some users, they cater to performance, design, and user experience improvements, not just cosmetic changes.

So, while it’s not a revolutionary update, it brings solid enhancements, particularly for photography and immersive content creation. The perception of these features depends on what a user values in a smartphone.

The update, likely for a product or software, may not offer significant physical or materialistic changes. Instead, it may focus on functional improvements, performance, or user experience enhancements, which may not be as immediately tangible or exciting for users who prioritize outward or aesthetic changes.

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Hamza Asif
Hamza Asif

Written by Hamza Asif

Udemy Instructor, Flutter Dev helping people Integrate ML & AI in Mobile Apps . Visit my courses https://www.udemy.com/user/e1c14fb5-1c9b-45ef-a479-bbc543e33254

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