iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus hands-on: camera control, action button and new colors

Apple’s latest phones are official, and CNET got to try them out. At its “Glowtime” event on Monday, the company unveiled its latest iPhones, with the base models expected to be called the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.

The biggest differences between the iPhone 16 and last year’s iPhone 15 are the introduction of a new dedicated camera button, the addition of the action button (previously exclusive to the Pro), a new A18 processor, and improvements to zoom camera quality. Apple is also touting its new iPhone lineup as the first phones built for Apple Intelligence, at a time when tech giants are competing to pack more AI into their flagship products.

Prices remain the same as last year’s phones: the 128GB iPhone 16 starts at $799 (£799, AU$1,399) and the 128GB iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899 (£899, AU$1,599). The phones are available to pre-order from Friday and will hit stores on September 20.

Want to pre-order the latest Apple devices? We summarize the best launch deals for the iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4.

iPhone 16 cameras

The new iPhones will have a redesigned rear camera bump that aligns the sensors vertically, similar to what was seen on the back of the iPhone X, XS, XR, 11, and 12 (the iPhone 13, 14, and 15 had rear cameras that were aligned diagonally). By aligning the cameras vertically, they can capture spatial photos and videos for display on Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

Especially for those who want to improve their photo and video recordings, there is now a special Camera control “button” on the side of the device. Apple has long claimed that the iPhone is comparable to DSLRs, and this special button could make it even easier to capture moments and memories.

Clicking the button takes a photo, while swiping can adjust the zoom. Double-pressing can change modes or settings. Apple says the “camera controls” can be used in third-party apps.

Based on the time CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco spent trying out the Phone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the camera controls seem like a lot of fun to play around with. You can access various settings and controls by sliding your finger across the sensor, like a touchpad. It feels like a button and touchpad in one, and builds on the idea Apple introduced with its QuickTake feature on the iPhone 11, which lets you record a video by holding down the shutter button.

CNET still needs to spend more time with the iPhone 16 before it can decide how useful the camera controls are and how well they work. But so far, it seems like a useful way to manage camera settings and shooting modes without covering the screen with your finger.

The more interesting application for camera control, however, is a new tool Apple calls “visual intelligence.” You can hold down the camera control button to quickly point the iPhone’s camera at a location or object and learn more about it, almost like Google Lens. It’s another sign that tech companies are positioning the camera as a tool not just for taking photos, but also for learning more about the world around you.

Google and OpenAI, for example, have both touted the ability of their mobile virtual assistants to answer questions and process requests based on images and text. But that feature won’t be available at launch; Apple says it’s coming later this year.

As for camera specs, the main camera is still a 48-megapixel camera (capable of taking 2x telephoto shots at 12 megapixels), while there’s a new ultra-wide-angle sensor that Apple says can “capture up to 2.6x more light.”

iPhone 16 gets the action button, screen sizes remain the same

The camera button isn’t the only new addition to the iPhone 16 lineup. Both models get an “Action Button” similar to the one on last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This button lets you set shortcuts to open specific apps or tasks (like putting the phone on Do Not Disturb, turning on the flashlight, or placing a direct coffee order at Dunkin’). It’s a small but handy change that should make the base iPhone more personal and customizable.

The displays on the new phones will be similar to those on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus in 2024: 6.1 inches on the smaller model and 6.7 inches on the larger Plus. Those looking for larger displays will have to look at the new iPhone 16 Pro (now 6.3 inches) and 16 Pro Max (now 6.9 inches). The Pro models will also have improved cameras and even faster processors.

Check this out: Apple’s iPhone 16 gets a camera control button

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Processor and battery life of the iPhone 16

All iPhone 16 models run iOS 18 on the new A18 processor, which can take advantage of the company’s new features Apple Intelligence AI features. Apple says the iPhone 16 will have a “bigger battery,” but did not reveal how much longer the battery will last during the presentation.

With regard to the Technical dataApple now says that the iPhone 16 will offer two hours more video playback (both for watching locally stored videos and streaming videos) compared to the iPhone 15. The iPhone 16 Plus will offer one hour more local video playback and four hours more streaming video playback.

Like the iPhone 15 line, the phones can be charged physically via USB-C or wirelessly via MagSafe or Qi2. MagSafe charging can now take advantage of faster 25-watt speeds, an increase from the iPhone 15’s maximum 15 watts. (Qi-based wireless charging remains at 15 watts for Qi2 chargers and 7.5 watts for older Qi chargers.)

The new base The colors of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are White, black, ultramarine (blue), teal (green) and pink, and they look bright and colorful in real life.

With new camera controls and action button, as well as a new processor and camera improvements, the iPhone 16 looks to be a notable improvement over the iPhone 15. But the big question on everyone’s mind will likely be whether Apple Intelligence is worth the upgrade, as these new phones are among the only models running Apple’s new AI features. We’ll know more when we’ve had a chance to spend more time with it and when Apple Intelligence rolls out.

Check this out: Check out everything announced at Apple’s iPhone 16 event

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