The Basic Version of the iPhone 16 Seems More Attractive Than the Pro
Initial impressions from tech insiders suggest that the iPhone 16 is making a good first impression, perhaps even a too good one.
Early reviews of the new iPhone are in, and it appears that the cheaper models are receiving more praise than the high-end Pro and Pro Max models. Unlike previous years, when the Pro models received more updates than the simpler models, this time the basic model of the iPhone has more noticeable improvements.
This could be detrimental to Apple's top segment, as buyers might opt for the cheaper models in large numbers.
Tech editor Cherlynn Low from Engadget notes fewer differences between the Pro models and the basic models for this 16th generation. Nilay Patel, the head editor of The Verge, goes a step further and calls the iPhone 16 Pro "one of the most unfinished products Apple has ever released."
The iPhone 16 has received an adjustable Action button, which was previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models. This model also has a new Camera Control button that allows for a mirror-like operation.
"A Good Year for the Basic iPhone"
The iPhone 16 is available starting at 969 euros, and the iPhone 16 Plus costs around 1,119 euros. Despite much hype about Apple Intelligence on the iPhones, the artificial intelligence software will only be rolled out in October for all new models.
The iPhone 16 models were pre-ordered over the weekend. Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known Apple analyst from Taiwan, estimates that pre-orders were nearly 13% lower than during the release weekend of the iPhone 15.
"The main factor is the lower-than-expected demand for the iPhone 16 Pro series," writes Kuo. This is because "the main selling point, Apple Intelligence, was not available at the launch of the iPhone 16," as Kuo puts it.
Notable AI features (such as a more personal Siri assistant) are only expected to be available next year. It is understandable, therefore, that reviewers are currently being cautious about recommending the 1,229 euro iPhone 16 Pro Max.
What does make the Pro more premium than the regular iPhone 16 models? Higher screen resolution, the quality of the ProMotion camera, and better microphones.
"It's a good year for the basic iPhone, and it's a good year to upgrade," writes reviewer Allison Johnson from The Verge.
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are available in five colors: ultramarine, teal, pink, white, and black. The Pro models are available in four titanium finishes: desert, natural, white, and black. So, if you want a colorful iPhone, you're only getting a bit of camera quality in.
With Apple Intelligence on the horizon, it makes sense to want a phone that can run it. That will only be the iPhone 15 and 16 models. But for now, it seems that reviewers prefer the basic iPhone 16 over the Pro model.