On the threat of sounding like somebody who’s previous earlier than his time, I’ve a reasonably substantial record of tech pet peeves.
On the decrease finish of the dimensions, I don’t perceive of us who maintain their telephone at a distance when having a dialog, nor am I a fan of utilizing a telephone with no case. But when there’s one factor that I simply can’t get my head round, it’s the enduring reputation of Apple‘s pro-level iPhones.
Don’t get me incorrect, I’ve nothing in opposition to the likes of the iPhone 16 Professional. Actually, as a long-time iPhone consumer, I respect the system for being not simply one of many greatest iPhones but, but in addition one of many greatest telephones, interval. Nonetheless, there appears to be a misunderstanding about who these top-tier iPhones are for.
It’s a conundrum that feels far much less pronounced within the Android world, notably as, from my expertise, I are inclined to see tons of individuals rocking well-priced mid-range telephones just like the Samsung Galaxy A56. With that in thoughts, I feel it’s time to set the file straight amongst Apple’s closest devotees.
I’m speaking particularly to those that have but to select up one of many newest iPhone Execs within the hopes that I can persuade you of why you don’t want one, and the way yow will discover a greater deal general by choosing a special Apple system.
The clue is within the title
I’ll admit that there are some features of the iPhone 16 Professional that make it an alluring purchase to an unsuspecting upgrader. As has already been mentioned intimately on TechRadar, Apple’s 120Hz ProMotion show is beautiful, and it is a disgrace that Apple hasn’t but seen match to carry the refresh price on the iPhone 16 past 60Hz.
The titanium construct of the newest pro-level iPhones additionally appears like a tempting idea, notably when you fall into the class of those that desire not having a case on their telephone, or are liable to drop their handset on a considerably common foundation.
These are nice options to have, however you’ll be able to’t inform me that they’re well worth the $200 / $200 / AU$250 upsell in opposition to the worth of the usual iPhone 16. So, the query stays – what are you actually paying for in a telephone that prices $999 / £999 / AU$1,849? It’s the cameras.
I’ve been utilizing the iPhone 16 Plus for a while now, and its twin digital camera setup hasn’t let me down but.
The triple-sensor array on each the 16 Professional and the iPhone 16 Professional Max is nothing in need of distinctive, and whereas the triangular design they carry has turn out to be one thing of a standing image in itself, I’ve to be trustworthy – by going for a Professional, you’re solely shopping for additional options that you just don’t want, as a result of the cameras on the iPhone 16 are already nice.
I’ve been utilizing the iPhone 16 Plus for a while now, and its twin digital camera setup hasn’t let me down but. It’s held up by the fixed refinement of Apple’s behind-the-scenes computational processing that makes it practically unattainable to take a foul image.
The one factor lacking on the usual 16/16 Plus telephones is the flexibility to shoot in Apple ProRaw and the LOG video format, however each of those options can solely be put to make use of correctly by professionals. If you happen to’re a content material creator or an expert photographer, these options are effectively well worth the funding as you’ll get gorgeous high quality in return. However for the common shopper, they’re overkill.
Obsessing over cameras additionally overlooks probably the most essential function of all iPhones, the factor that retains of us returning to Apple repeatedly: the software program.
iOS is king for a purpose
Talking for myself, there’s a purpose why I’ve discovered it so onerous to return to Android, and it’s not simply the digital ‘walled backyard’ that Apple has created that makes such a feat trickier than it ought to be.
iOS is simply straightforward to make use of, very intuitive, and brilliantly designed.
Even small issues just like the exact alignment of widgets are comforting – a sense that’s exacerbated by Apple having a few of the greatest variations of key apps round. The Climate app, for instance, is clear and straightforward to know, and Apple Information is by far probably the most complete app on the market for staying on high of present occasions, notably if in case you have a subscription to Apple Information Plus.
Because of this I can confidently suggest the iPhone 15 to family and friends in 2025, understanding that, despite the telephone having a available successor, it could possibly nonetheless present an amazing general expertise because of the optimizations of iOS.
Plus, there’s a case to be made that the best way to take pleasure in Apple’s ecosystem of providers at their fullest is to put money into a number of merchandise. So, to that finish, I’d suggest selecting up the iPhone 16 and placing the cash you’ve saved in opposition to shopping for its Professional-level sibling in the direction of a pair of AirPods Professional 2 or the extremely underrated Apple Watch SE 2. You may thank me later.
