Apple’s new iPhone 16 series is now on sale, and as one would have expected, they bring new features on board – Apple Intelligence is a big one of them. You might be wondering if you should upgrade or which new iPhone to buy. Well, worry not; this guide will help you navigate the options and decide which new iPhone is right for you in 2024.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or curious about what’s new, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the iPhone 16 lineup.
What’s new with the iPhone 16 series
The iPhone 16 lineup introduces several key upgrades:
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- Apple Intelligence: All iPhone 16 models support Apple’s new AI features, including an improved Siri, real-time audio transcription, and writing assistance tools. These features will be available through an iOS 18.1 update in October.
- Larger displays: The Pro models now feature 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens, up from 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch in previous generations.
- New colours: The regular iPhone 16 models now come in a more vibrant hues, namely Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White and Black. Meanwhile, joining the Natural Titanium, Black Titanium, and White Titanium colours of the Pro models is a new Dessert Titanium colour.
- Action Button on regular iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus: Replacing the mute switch, this customizable button can be set to perform various quick actions.
- Camera Control on all new iPhone 16 models: A new dedicated button for camera functions, including mode switching and zooming.
- Better Cameras: Improved sensors and processing across the lineup. The regular iPhone 16 models now comes with 48MP Deep Fusion camera having better 2x zoom capabilities paired with a 12MP ultrawide that’s capable of macro shots. The Pro models also have the 48MP Deep Fusion camera along with a new 48MP ultrawide and a 5x telephoto zoom lens.
- A18 and A18 Pro chips: Offering improved performance and efficiency, with the Pro models getting an extra graphics core.
- Photographic Styles: Redesigned to offer more control over image aesthetics while maintaining natural skin tones.
- Audio Mix: A new video feature allowing users to adjust audio focus in post-production.
iPhone 16: Starts at Rs 79,900
Who should upgrade:
- iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14 users will see the most dramatic improvements in design, performance, camera quality, and features across the board.
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen) users looking for a major upgrade in all aspects.
- iPhone 15 users seeking access to Apple Intelligence features and improved camera capabilities.
- The iPhone 16 brings significant upgrades across the board. Users coming from the iPhone 12 or 13 will experience a substantial leap in performance with the A18 chip, offering up to 60% faster than the iPhone 12. The camera system sees a major overhaul with a 48MP main sensor and an improved 12MP ultrawide that now supports macro photography, enabling much higher quality photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
- For iPhone 14 users, while the performance bump is less dramatic, the access to Apple Intelligence features is a game-changer. These AI-powered tools, including an enhanced Siri that better understands context and intent, real-time audio transcription, and advanced writing assistance, provide a new level of functionality that wasn’t previously available.
- The addition of the Action button and Camera Control button offers new ways to interact with the device, providing quick access to customizable functions and enhanced camera controls. The switch to USB-C also future-proofs the device.
- As for the iPhone 15 owners, the upgrade might not feel a big one. Until, you don’t want to use the Apple Intelligence features and a 30% faster chip. Aside from that, the iPhone 16 also has new colours, a new camera island that has an updated 12MP ultrawide camera with macro ability. And to control the cameras, the iPhone 16 has the Camera Control.
- The iPhone 16 comes at the same price as the last year’s iPhone 15, starting at Rs 79,900.
iPhone 16 Plus: Starts Rs 89,900
Who should upgrade:
- iPhone 12 and 13 users will see substantial improvements in all areas.
- iPhone 14 Plus users looking for Apple Intelligence features and improved performance.
- Any standard-sized iPhone user (12, 13, 14, 15) who wants a larger screen and better battery life.
- The iPhone 16 Plus offers all the benefits of the standard 16 but in a larger 6.7-inch form factor. For users coming from iPhone 12 or 13 (including Plus models), this represents a significant step up in terms of performance, camera capabilities, and potentially screen size. The battery life is particularly impressive, often extending well into a second day of use even for heavy users.
- iPhone 14 Plus users will appreciate the performance boost from the A18 chip, the enhanced camera system, and most importantly, access to Apple Intelligence features.
- These AI capabilities transform how you interact with your device, from more natural conversations with Siri to intelligent suggestions in various apps.
- For those using standard-sized models of older iPhones, the Plus offers a chance to experience the benefits of a larger display, making it ideal for content consumption and productivity tasks.
- As for the iPhone 15 Plus owners, they’ll get the same display, the same macro camera, but the new ultrawide that doubles up as a macro lens. Other differences are the A18 chip that’s 30% faster and Apple Intelligence features. There are new colours as well.
- The pricing for the iPhone 16 Plus remains the same as last year’s iPhone 15 Plus, Rs 89,900.
iPhone 16 Pro: Starts at Rs 1,19,900
Who should upgrade:
- iPhone 12 Pro, 13 Pro, and 14 Pro users will see substantial improvements across all features.
- Any non-Pro iPhone user (12, 13, 14, 15) looking for a significant upgrade in performance and camera capabilities.
- iPhone 15 Pro owners who want larger screen and more battery life. 48MP ultrawide and 5x telephoto camera also makes a compelling case for upgrade.
- The iPhone 16 Pro represents a major leap forward, especially for users of the iPhone 12 Pro, 13 Pro, and 14 Pro. The 6.3-inch ProMotion display offers a larger, smoother viewing experience. The A18 Pro chip is the latest iPhone chip and handles demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
- The design has also been refreshed; the sides are now slightly curved, the new iPhones are slim as well, and have titanium built. Then, the new Action and Camera Control buttons also add versatility to how you interact with your device.
- The camera system sees significant improvements, with a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP telephoto offering 5x optical zoom, enabling DSLR-like photo and video capabilities.
- The ability to run Apple Intelligence features on the new iPhone 16 Pro models also makes the new models a worthwhile upgrade for those still using an iPhone 14 Pro or older.
- As for the iPhone 15 Pro owners, there are only subtle upgrades in the iPhone 16 Pro.
- The iPhone 16 Pro has a slightly bigger screen, Camera Control, and a new Dessert Titanium colour. Then, there’s a new 48MP ultra wide camera and the 3x telephoto has been upgraded to a 5x lens. The new A18 Pro promises performance upgrades over last year’s A17 Pro and the new chip improves upon the battery life as well. So, if this is something you were looking forward to, then you can upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro.
- While you could buy the iPhone 15 Pro at a discount through third-party sellers, it is important to know that Apple has officially discontinued last year’s model. Also, the new iPhone 16 Pro costs less than the iPhone 15 Pro did at the launch, priced at Rs 1,19,900 onwards (vs Rs 1,34,909).
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Starts at Rs 1,34,900
Who should upgrade:
- iPhone 12 Pro Max, 13 Pro Max, and 14 Pro Max users will experience significant improvements in all areas.
- Power users, content creators, and mobile photography enthusiasts using any older iPhone model.
- For users of the iPhone 12 Pro Max or 13 Pro Max, the upgrade is substantial. The expansive 6.9-inch display offers more real estate for productivity and content consumption. The A18 Pro chip pushes the boundaries of mobile computing power, handling complex tasks with ease.
- The camera system is where the Pro Max truly shines. With its 48MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide, and 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, it rivals professional cameras in capability. The new model also has improved low-light performance and the ability to shoot 4K video at 120fps.
- For iPhone 14 Pro Max users, while the core experience might feel familiar, the addition of Apple Intelligence features, improved camera capabilities, and the new design with interactive buttons provide meaningful enhancements to daily use.
- One more thing to note for those upgrading iPhone 14 Pro Max and older, the iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at 256GB storage.
- As for iPhone 15 Pro Max owners who want an even bigger screen, a faster processor, a new button, “a huge leap in battery life,” and especially bored of the colour they have, they can consider a switch to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- Similar to the iPhone 15 Pro, the bigger Pro Max model of last year has also been discontinued by Apple. And the price of the Pro Max model was also cut this year, which now starts at Rs 1,34,900 (vs Rs 1,59,900).
iPhone 16 buying guide: Which new iPhone model is best for you in 2024
In conclusion, while users of older models (iPhone 12-14) will see the most dramatic improvements, even iPhone 15 users can benefit from the new AI capabilities and incremental hardware upgrades. As always, the decision to upgrade should be based on your specific needs, budget, and how the new features align with your usage patterns.
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