Apple has unveiled its iPhone 16 lineup, showcasing a host of new features and hardware upgrades that could appeal to users considering an upgrade from the iPhone 13 or earlier models. Revealed at the company’s Glowtime event, the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max introduce significant design changes, even in the base models.
Among the standout enhancements in the $799 iPhone 16 are a dedicated Camera Control button, the Action button (previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro), and the integration of the Apple Intelligence platform, which harnesses generative AI for tasks like summarizing text and creating emojis.
For those still using the 2021 iPhone 13, several key advancements in the iPhone 16 are noteworthy:
- Camera: The iPhone 16 is equipped with a 48-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, offering a significant improvement over the dual 12-megapixel cameras of the iPhone 13, enhancing image quality and photography features.
- Processor: Powered by the A18 chip, the iPhone 16 is expected to outperform the iPhone 13’s A15 Bionic chip, unlocking new AI capabilities.
- Apple Intelligence: The iPhone 16 introduces Apple Intelligence, featuring a more context-aware Siri, built-in writing support, and audio summaries. However, these AI features may not be fully available on the iPhone 13 due to hardware limitations.
Read More: Here’s why Apple is discontinuing iPhone 15 pro and iPhone 13 models
The iPhone 16 also transitions to a USB-C connector, aligning with European Union regulations. The iPhone 13, which uses Apple’s Lightning port, will require new charging accessories. Additionally, the iPhone 16 boasts the Dynamic Island, an interactive display feature introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro, which is absent in the iPhone 13.
For iPhone 13 users, iOS 18 will bring several new features, including RCS texting and enhanced homescreen customisation, but the hardware upgrades and advanced AI features in the iPhone 16 present a compelling case for upgrading.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 13
Here’s a table comparing the iPhone 16 and iPhone 13:
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR; 2,556 x 1,179 pixel resolution | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,532 x 1,170 pixels |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi | 460 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 inches |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 147 x 72 x 7.65 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 170 g, 6 oz | 174 g, 6.14 oz |
| Mobile software | iOS 18 | iOS 15 (upgradable) |
| Camera | 48-megapixel (main), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) |
| Front-facing camera | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K at 60fps; spatial video at 1080p at 30fps | HDR video with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60fps |
| Processor | A18 | A15 Bionic |
| RAM/storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Expandable storage | None | None |
| Battery | Up to 22 hours video playback, 18 hours streamed; MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W | Up to 19 hours of video playback |
| Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) |
| Connector | USB-C | Lightning |
| Headphone jack | No | No |
| Special features | Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits brightness, IP68 resistance. Colors: black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine. | 5G, MagSafe, water resistance (IP68), wireless charging, dual SIM (nano-SIM, e-SIM) |
| US price (at launch) | $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB) | $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB) |
