So, you’re looking at the new lineup and wondering if it’s actually worth the swap. Honestly, the iPhone 16 all model range is probably the most confusing "simple" update Apple has done in years. On the surface, they all look like, well, iPhones. But the gap between the base model and the Pro Max has shifted in ways that aren't immediately obvious if you're just glancing at a spec sheet.
We've got four main players this time: the standard iPhone 16, the bigger 16 Plus, the high-end 16 Pro, and the massive 16 Pro Max. Plus, there's that budget-friendly 16e lurking in the shadows for those who don't need the bells and whistles.
The Big Chip Equalizer
For years, Apple followed a predictable, slightly annoying pattern. The "cheap" iPhones got last year’s leftovers, and only the Pros got the shiny new silicon. That's dead. Mostly.
With the iPhone 16 all model family, everyone gets a version of the A18 chip. Why? Because of Apple Intelligence. You can't run heavy generative AI on old guts, so Apple had to give the base 16 and 16 Plus a massive jump—a 30% boost in CPU performance compared to the 15. The Pro models still edge them out with the A18 Pro, which has an extra GPU core and better media engines, but for the first time in a long time, the "regular" phone doesn't feel like a second-class citizen.
It's fast. Like, "why did I spend $1,000 on a Pro" fast.
Buttons, Buttons Everywhere
If you haven't held one yet, the side of the phone is getting crowded. The Action button—that customizable clicker that replaced the mute switch—is now standard across every single model. But the real talk of the town is the Camera Control.
It isn’t really a button. Not in the traditional sense. It’s a sapphire crystal-covered indentation that uses a force sensor and a Taptic Engine. Basically, it mimics the click of a DSLR shutter. You can slide your finger across it to zoom, double-tap to swap lenses, or hard-press to snap a photo.
Some people hate it. They say it's too sensitive or positioned weirdly for vertical shots. Others think it's the best thing since the home button. It takes a solid three days to train your muscle memory, but once you do, digging through the screen menus for "Exposure" feels ancient.
Size Matters (And It Changed)
If you're a fan of the Pro models, prepare for your pockets to feel a bit more crowded. Apple bumped the sizes up this year.
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The 16 Pro moved from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches.
The 16 Pro Max jumped from 6.7 inches to a whopping 6.9 inches.
They did this by shrinking the bezels to almost nothing. Honestly, the borders are so thin it looks like the screen is just floating on the frame. If you have smaller hands, the standard 16 (still 6.1 inches) or even the 16 Plus (6.7 inches) might actually be more comfortable. The 16 Plus is a weirdly great value right now because it gives you that massive screen without the Pro Max’s heavy titanium-and-glass weight. It’s actually 30 grams lighter than the Pro Max, which your pinky finger will definitely thank you for.
The Camera Gap is Closing
Let’s talk glass. The base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus finally got a layout change—the lenses are vertical now. It looks a bit like the old iPhone 12, but there's a technical reason: they can now record Spatial Video for the Vision Pro.
Here is the quick breakdown of what you actually get:
- iPhone 16 / 16 Plus: A 48MP "Fusion" main camera and a new 12MP Ultra Wide that finally supports Macro photography. You can take close-ups of flowers and bugs now without needing the Pro.
- iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max: Both models now have the 5x Telephoto lens. Last year, you had to buy the Max to get the big zoom; now the smaller Pro has it too. Also, the Ultra Wide is now a 48MP beast, meaning your wide-angle shots aren't grainy messes anymore.
The Pro models can also shoot 4K video at 120 fps. Unless you're a professional creator or someone who likes filming their dog in hyper-smooth slow motion, you probably won't use that. But it's there.
Battery Life: The Real Winner
Apple made a huge deal about the "re-engineered" internals. Basically, they moved things around to fit bigger batteries and dissipate heat better.
The numbers are kind of wild. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is rated for 33 hours of video playback. In the real world, that’s a two-day phone for most people. Even the base iPhone 16 is getting 22 hours, which is a significant jump from the iPhone 15. If you're tired of carrying a power bank, the 16 Plus and Pro Max are the clear winners here.
Also, MagSafe is faster now. If you have a 30W adapter, you can get 25W wireless charging. That's a big deal because wireless charging used to be painfully slow. Now, it's actually a viable way to top up quickly.
What's the Catch?
The "Apple Intelligence" everyone is talking about? It didn't all ship on day one. Depending on when you're reading this, features like Genmoji (custom emojis) or the smarter Siri might still be rolling out in updates.
Also, the base models still have a 60Hz refresh rate. In 2026, that feels... stingy. If you’ve used a Pro model or even a mid-range Android phone with a 120Hz "ProMotion" screen, the base iPhone 16 will look a little "jittery" when you scroll. It’s one of those things you don’t notice until you see the better version, and then you can’t un-see it.
Actionable Next Steps
Picking the right model comes down to two questions: Do you care about 120Hz scrolling, and how much do you zoom?
- Check your current zoom usage: Go to your Photos app. If most of your shots are at 1x or 2x, the iPhone 16 is more than enough. If you’re constantly pinching to see things far away, you need the 16 Pro.
- Hold them in a store: The 6.9-inch Pro Max is a beast. Don't buy it online assuming it’ll fit your hand. It’s noticeably bigger than the 15 Pro Max.
- Don't overpay for storage: With iCloud and the new high-efficiency image formats, 128GB is actually usable for many, but if you plan on shooting 4K/120fps video, you absolutely must start at 256GB or higher.
- Look for the 16e: If you just want a phone that works, supports the new AI features, and doesn't cost a grand, the 16e is the sleeper hit of the lineup.
Ultimately, the iPhone 16 all model range isn't a "must-buy" if you have a 15 Pro, but for anyone on an iPhone 13 or older, the combination of the Action button, Camera Control, and the battery gains makes it a massive leap forward.