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Short Summary
Main recommendation: The video is an unboxing and first-impressions look at the iPhone 16 lineup, with the reviewer noting the base models are the same size as last year while the Pro models are larger, and highlighting the new Camera Control button. The reviewer frames the new hardware as a modest year-over-year update, with the main standout being the physical Camera Control button and the restored color options. A full review is promised later.
Key Points
- Color options return to the lineup, including Ultra Marine and pink on the base models, and Natural Titanium and Desert Titanium on the Pro models.
- The base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus keep the same 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes, while the iPhone 16 Pro grows to 6.3 inches and the 16 Pro Max grows to 6.9 inches.
- Geekbench data revealed all models now ship with 8 GB of RAM, removing the previous difference between base and Pro models.
- The new Camera Control button is a real physical, clicking button that also has a capacitive touch surface and vibration motor to mimic a half-press.
- Performance gains over last year appear small in early Geekbench testing, with larger differences expected at the high end and over the long term.
Details Worth Noting
- Camera Control usage: a single press opens the camera, a second press takes a photo, and holding it records a quick video. Double-tapping cycles through camera controls such as zoom, photographic styles, and tone.
- The box no longer includes stickers or a SIM card tool, though a braided USB-C cable is still included.
- Apple's first-party cases use an insert with glass that transfers capacitance from the outside button to the phone's Camera Control, keeping a flush feel, while cheaper cases may simply cut out a hole in the side.
- The new rear camera layout makes the phones rock noticeably on tables, which the reviewer finds annoying for typing.
- The reviewer noted that all phones launch with iOS 18.0, which had no Apple Intelligence features at launch.
Bottom Line
The iPhone 16 lineup feels like an evolutionary update in size and performance, with its clearest new feature being the Camera Control button, while the broader value will be judged in the full review.