The iPhone 16 series has already been officially launched in Malaysia today. All those who ordered can now pick it up and continue to buy at other official stores. This device has arrived since yesterday and in this article I will share the experience of using it after one day to let you know if it is worth buying iPhone 16 or should I choose iPhone 16 Pro?
SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN
6.1″ OLED screen, 2556 x 1179 (460 PPI)
60Hz, 2000 nits, Dolby Vision, Dynamic Island
CPU/GPU A18 (3nm)
CPU
6‑Core, 2+4
GPU
5‑Core
Neural Engines
16-Core
Memory/Storage 8GB RAM
128/256/512 GB
48MP Fusion Rear Camera, ƒ/1.6, sensor‑shift, 2x Telephoto
12MP Ultra Wide Angle, ƒ/2.2, 4x Optical Zoom
Camera Control
Spatial Audio
Audio Mix
Front Camera 12MP ƒ/1.9
TrueDepth
Audio Stereo speakers
Face ID biometrics
IP68 protection
Battery ~3,561mAh
Wired up to 45W
MagSafe 25W
Qi2 15W
Qi 7.5W
Price Ultramarine/Teal/Pink/White/Black
128GB – RM3999
256GB – RM4499
512GB – RM5499
First of all is the design, where after six years Apple returns to use a vertically arranged dual-camera design. This time combines the design elements of iPhone XS, iPhone 11 and iPhone 15 into bumps and lenses that look more beautiful and neat. It's just that it's not balanced on a flat surface even though it's wearing the official protective frame.
Next up on the design is an interesting new color option. We tested Ultramarine blue which looks bright and beautiful. It is suitable for both masculine and feminine users. iPhone 16 is also the first affordable new generation iPhone that no longer has a drop-down notification switch because it has been replaced with an Action Button. This button can be customized with various actions. The second button is Camera Control which Apple doesn't admit is a button. This is because it is dedicated to controlling camera-related features and functions with haptic effects and touchpads.
USAGE EXPERIENCE
As soon as I transferred my old iPhone data to the iPhone 16, I realized that the device's 6.1-inch screen is small and compact. It's very bright, beautiful and feels fast. At the beginning of use I couldn't feel the slow 60Hz screen movement, until my friend pointed me out – I no longer feel the fast touch screen and now have the illusion that it has a time delay.
The A18 chip is also interesting because after many years the non-Pro model recycles the old generation Pro model chip. For example, the iPhone 15 uses the iPhone 14 Pro chip. This indirectly gives Apple Intelligence access to the iPhone 16. What is sad is that, since this chip is not a Pro and is designed for an “affordable” iPhone – it does not support high graphics games like Resident Evil 4 or Stray.
Because I've been using iOS 18 since the developer testing phase, I can't see a noticeable difference on the iPhone 16 other than it feels a little more stable. Then the battery also feels more durable compared to the iPhone 15 Plus because the use from 2 am yesterday to 3.45 pm today, my use was recorded for almost 9 hours. With fast charging reaching 45W, I was able to charge this iPhone 16 from 0% to 100% in less than an hour.
iOS 18's customization features also feel strange, such as resizable widgets or app icons that can turn into widgets have inconsistent indications. Fast depending on the menu and fast to the customization room with special indications. What I praise is, iOS 18 system settings are now more organized like stock Android. I also like the new Control Center, but I think it would be more fun if the device had a bigger screen size.
When I was writing this article, I didn't have enough time to test the game with high graphics or do benchmark tests. What I can confirm is, the memory usage of this device is clearly more efficient and the device feels fast. I am sure that the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max models are more satisfactory.
CAMERA + CAMERA CONTROL
The iPhone 16 still uses a dual-camera configuration. It's hard for me to forgive even though Apple managed to load optical telephoto capability on an ultra-wide angle sensor but Apple's attempt this time is quite interesting. The main 48MP Fusion sensor has a Sensor-Shift stabilization system with Pixel-Binning of images to 12MP/24MP. Telephoto support is 2x optical and the ultra wide angle 12MP sensor also has 4x optical zoom capability.
The iPhone 16 camera is also designed to support Audio Mix and Spatial video recording. At the same time, Camera Control is an interesting camera control method. This non-button shutter button supports single-press, double-press, double-soft-press controls and more. The haptic effect gives an interesting usage experience where in around one to two days I'm sure everyone will be able to get used to it.
APPLE INTELLIGENCE
Starting today, Apple has given access to try the first iOS 18.1 Public Beta with early features of Apple Intelligence. Even that is limited to generating text and a few other small smart features. Others are still in the beta phase of development. It is quite disappointing that the two giant tech companies Apple and Google both cannot offer new features or functions after their expensive devices are purchased. Pixel 9 without Android 15 and iPhone 16 without Apple Intelligence.
SHOULD I BUY IT OR NOT?
I was an iPhone 15 Plus user before using the iPhone 16. What I'm experiencing now I feel is not worth it anymore for the 512GB unit that costs RM5,499. I would not recommend iPhone 14 users to buy iPhone 16. Why? First because the screen is still 60Hz, second is that modern iPhones have update support for at least 5 years and many hyped AI features are still unusable.
If you just want to buy an iPhone 16 because of two new buttons, one of which Apple doesn't want to admit is a button and a new camera arrangement design, don't buy it until you're in debt. Buy it if you don't know what to do with the extra money you have or if you really want to use Apple Intelligence when it's ready later.
ADVANTAGES
An increasingly beautiful camera.
Camera Control and Action Button which are quite interesting.
A screen that looks clearer and pleasing to the eye.
Daily performance that feels fast.
Finally the design looks a little more modern than before.
SHORTAGES
The screen is still limited to 60Hz.
The camera is still limited to two sensors.
Many new features are only promises in future updates.
New chip, but doesn't support new generation games.
iOS 18's customization features seem strange.