iPhone 16 Review

A18 silicon and real-world benchmarks show substantial CPU/GPU gains

Geekbench Browser entries for the iPhone 16 report a single-core score of 3319, a multi-core score of 8283 and a Metal GPU score of 27673; device telemetry shows a 6-core A18 running at up to 4040 MHz. PhoneArena cites Apple’s claim that the new chipset is roughly 30% faster on CPU and 40% faster on GPU compared with the A16 in the iPhone 15, and those gains are visible in the Geekbench jumps versus prior base iPhones.

UL’s 3DMark Solar Bay results are more mixed under extreme GPU loads: the Solar Bay Extreme score is 1137 with Graphics test 1 at 8 FPS (Extreme Unlimited 1031 with 7 FPS), while the standard Solar Bay score is 6781. Those 3DMark numbers indicate the A18 is strong for typical apps and games but can be limited in sustained, extreme synthetic GPU tests.

Compact 6.1" panel and lighter dimensions make it the most pocketable current iPhone

The iPhone 16 uses a 6.1-inch display with a 2556 × 1179 pixel resolution. PCMag notes the model is Apple’s smallest and lightest in the 2024 lineup with published dimensions of 5.81 × 2.82 × 0.31 inches and a weight of 6.0 ounces, which helps explain its appeal for buyers prioritizing a compact device.

Design carry-overs from previous generations are supplemented by feature parity gains: the Action Button and Camera Control found on higher-tier phones are present here, narrowing functional differences with Pro models even though some Pro-only hardware and video tools remain exclusive to the higher-end SKUs.

48MP main camera, modern controls, but Pro video features are limited

Hardware-wise the iPhone 16 uses a 48MP main sensor and brings Camera Control to the standard model, which improves on-device capture workflows that used to be Pro-only. PCMag highlights Camera Control as one of the notable cross‑line features this year.

Despite the capable sensor and controls, community reporting and editorial discussion flag clear limitations: the device cannot record 4K video at 240 fps, and PCMag suggests content creators who need advanced pro video tools will prefer the iPhone 16 Pro Max for those features and additional processing headroom.

Good battery life in mixed public tests, but results vary with test conditions

PCMag reports 'good battery life' for the iPhone 16 and notes the phone supports fast charging and modern radios. The UL benchmarks page emphasizes that reported battery life is a median of public submissions and is highly sensitive to screen brightness, which results in a wide range of user-submitted battery scores.

UL recommends calibrating test brightness to 200 cd/m² (nits) for repeatable results but notes that public submissions vary and will lower or widen medians. In short: battery performance looks solid in editorial testing and user submissions, but expect real-world variability depending on settings and workloads.

iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence support enhance everyday use

The iPhone 16 ships with iOS 18 and benefits from increased memory and processing power intended to support Apple Intelligence features; PCMag specifically links the generational jump in processor and memory to those software capabilities.

Other modern conveniences—Action Button, Camera Control, and contemporary radios—are included on the base model, reducing functional differences between the standard and Pro lines for day-to-day tasks while leaving some pro-grade video and hardware features to the Pro models.

Pros & Cons

• ✅ A18 chipset with Geekbench single-core 3319 and multi-core 8283 performance for a non‑Pro model
• ✅ 8 GB RAM and storage options of 128/256/512 GB for heavier multitasking and media
• ✅ 6.1" 2556 × 1179 display in the smallest, lightest 2024 iPhone body (5.81 × 2.82 × 0.31 in; 6.0 oz)
• ✅ 48 MP main camera with Camera Control interface brought down from Pro models
• ✅ Includes Action Button and modern radios; PCMag reports good battery life and fast charging

• ❌ Cannot record 4K video at 240 fps (community reporting — AppleInsider forum), limiting pro slow-motion workflows
• ❌ UL 3DMark Solar Bay Extreme shows low frame rates in extreme GPU tests (Graphics test 1 at 8 FPS / 7 FPS in some modes)
• ❌ Some pro video tools and higher-tier processing remain exclusive to iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max (PCMag’s recommendation for content creators)
• ❌ UL benchmark popularity is listed at 0.0%, meaning limited recent public submission volume for some comparison metrics

How It Compares to the Competition

• iPhone 16 Pro — Higher-tier A18 Pro silicon and additional pro features produce stronger single-core Geekbench scores (~3445) and Pro-only video tools.
• iPhone 16 Pro Max — Larger-screen Pro Max option adds the same A18 Pro advantages and the extra pro video tools that content creators may prefer.
• iPhone 16 Plus — Shares the same core feature set and processor but offers a larger display and different ergonomics for users who prefer size over pocketability.
• iPhone 16e — LaptopMag reports the 16e rivals the base iPhone 16 in many benchmarks and battery tests but falls short in at least one key category, making it a close alternative depending on priorities.

Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It

Buy it if: Buy the iPhone 16 if you want a pocketable 6.1" iPhone with markedly improved CPU/GPU performance (Geekbench 3319/8283), 8GB RAM, and modern features like the Action Button and Camera Control without moving up to the Pro line. It’s a sensible choice for most everyday users, mobile gamers on typical loads, and people who want Pro-like features without the larger size of Pro models.

Skip it if: Skip the iPhone 16 if you are a video-centric content creator who requires 4K at 240 fps or the full suite of Pro video tools; PCMag and community reporting point to the 16 Pro/Pro Max as better fits for advanced capture. Also consider a Pro model if you need the highest sustained GPU performance in extreme workloads.