The new Apple iPhone 16 series is now on sale, and as one would have expected, they bring new features on board – Apple Intelligence is one of them. You may be wondering if you should upgrade or buy a new iPhone. Well, don’t worry; this guide will help you navigate your options and decide which new iPhone is right for you in 2024.
Whether you’re upgrading from an old 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 major upgrades:
Apple Intelligence: All iPhone 16 models support Apple’s new AI features, including improved Siri, real-time audio transcription, and writing assistance tools. These features will be available through aiOS 18.1 update in October.- Bigger displays: The Pro models now have 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens, up from 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches in the previous generation.
- New colors: The regular iPhone 16 model now comes in brighter colors, namely Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White and Black. Meanwhile, joining the Natural Titanium, Black Titanium, and White Titanium colors of the Pro model is the new Dessert Titanium color.
- 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 Controls on all new iPhone 16 models: New dedicated buttons for camera functions, including mode switching and zoom.
- Better cameras: Better sensors and processing in the lineup. The regular iPhone 16 model now comes with a 48MP Deep Fusion camera that has improved 2x zoom capabilities paired with a 12MP ultrawide that can take macro shots. The Pro model also has a 48MP Deep Fusion camera along with a new 48MP ultrawide and 5x telephoto zoom lens.
- A18 and A18 Pro chips: Offers better performance and efficiency, with the Pro model getting an extra graphics core.
- Photography Style: Redesigned to give you more control over image aesthetics while preserving natural skin tones.
- Audio Mixing: A new video feature that allows users to adjust audio focus in post-production.
iPhone 16: Starting 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 generation) users are looking for a major upgrade in all aspects.
- iPhone 15 users looking for access to Apple Intelligence features and enhanced camera capabilities.
The iPhone 16 brings significant upgrades across the board. Users coming from iPhone 12 or 13 will experience a significant jump in performance with Chip A18 Kaboffers up to 60% faster than the iPhone 12. The camera system sees a major overhaul with a better 48MP main sensor and an improved 12MP ultrawide that now supports macro photography, enabling higher quality photos and videos, especially in challenging light conditions.
For iPhone 14 users, while the performance bump is less dramatic, 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 new functionality not previously available.
The addition of Action buttons and Camera Control buttons offer new ways to interact with your device, providing quick access to customizable functions and enhanced camera controls. The switch to USB-C will also prove the device.
For iPhone 15 owners, the upgrade may not be a big deal. Until then, you don’t want to use the Apple Intelligence feature and the 30% faster chip. In addition, the iPhone 16 also has a new color, a new camera island that has an updated 12MP ultrawide camera with macro capabilities. And to control the camera, the iPhone 16 has Camera Control.
The iPhone 16 is priced the same as last year’s iPhone 15, starting at Rs 79,900.
iPhone 16 Plus: Starting at Rs 89,900
Who should upgrade:
- iPhone 12 and 13 users will see significant improvements in all areas.
- iPhone 14 Plus users are looking for Apple Intelligence features and better performance.
- Any standard size iPhone user (12, 13, 14, 15) who wants a bigger 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 the iPhone 12 or 13 (including the Plus model), this represents a significant step up in terms of performance, camera capabilities, and potential screen size. Battery life is particularly impressive, often extending well into the second day of use even for heavy users.
iPhone 14 Plus users will appreciate the performance boost from the A18 chip, an improved camera system, and most importantly, access to Apple Intelligence features. These AI capabilities are transforming the way you interact with your devices, from more natural conversations with Siri to intelligent suggestions across multiple apps.
For those who use standard size models from older iPhones, the Plus offers the opportunity to experience the benefits of a larger display, making it ideal for content consumption and productivity tasks.
For iPhone 15 Plus owners, they will get the same display, the same macro camera, but a new ultrawide that is a macro lens. Another difference is the A18 chip which is 30% faster and features Apple Intelligence. There are also new colors.
The price for the iPhone 16 Plus remains the same as last year’s iPhone 15 Plus, at 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 significant improvements in all features.
- Any non-Pro iPhone user (12, 13, 14, 15) looking for a significant upgrade in camera performance and capabilities.
- iPhone 15 Pro owners who want a bigger screen and more battery life. The 48MP ultrawide and 5x telephoto cameras also make a compelling case for an upgrade.
The iPhone 16 Pro represents a big leap forward, especially for iPhone 12 Pro, 13 Pro, and 14 Pro users. The 6.3-inch ProMotion display offers a larger and 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 updated; the sides are now slightly curved, the new iPhone is also slim, and has titanium built. Then, the new Action and Camera Control buttons also add more flexibility in 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 model also makes the new model a useful upgrade for those still using the iPhone 14 Pro or older.
For iPhone 15 Pro owners, there is only a subtle upgrade in the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro has a slightly larger screen, Camera Control, and a new Titanium Dessert color. 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 a performance upgrade over last year’s A17 Pro and the new chip also improves battery life. So, if this is what you want, you can upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro.
While you can buy the iPhone 15 Pro at a discount through third-party sellers, it’s important to know that Apple has officially discontinued last year’s model. Also, the new iPhone 16 Pro is cheaper than the iPhone 15 Pro at launch, priced at Rs 1,19,900 (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 use older iPhone models.
For iPhone 12 Pro Max or 13 Pro Max users, the upgrade is pretty big. 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 really shines. With a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, it rivals the capabilities of professional cameras. 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 may be familiar, the addition of Apple Intelligence features, improved camera capabilities, and a new design with interactive buttons provide useful enhancements for everyday use.
One more thing to note for those upgrading from the iPhone 14 Pro Max and older, the iPhone 15 Pro Max starts with 256GB of storage.
For iPhone 15 Pro Max owners who want a bigger screen, a faster processor, new buttons, “a big jump in battery life,” and are especially bored with the colors they have, they can consider switching to the iPhone 16 Pro. Max.
Like the iPhone 15 Pro, last year’s larger Pro Max model has also been discontinued by Apple. And the price of the Pro Max model has also been cut this year, which now starts at Rs 1,34,900 (vs Rs 1,59,900).
iPhone 16 buying guide: The best new iPhone models 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 new AI capabilities and additional hardware upgrades. As always, the decision to upgrade should be based on your needs, budget, and how the new features fit into your usage patterns.
