Dedicated Camera Button
A notable aspect of the iPhone 16 series is the introduction of the Camera Control button. This capacitive touch button is positioned just beneath the power button, enabling users to swiftly access the Camera app and capture images. It also accommodates a range of gestures: a gentle press modifies the zoom, while a double tap allows for adjustments to the aperture, white balance, shutter speed, and additional settings.
It is worth mentioning that this feature is not entirely unprecedented. Sony's Xperia 1 and Xperia 5 series have included a dedicated camera shutter button on the side for several years. However, while Sony's shutter button has limited capabilities—primarily launching the Camera app, taking photos, and recording videos—Apple's version provides enhanced functionalities, including zoom, advanced controls, and compatibility with third-party applications.
48MP Ultra-Wide Camera
To remedy this concern, Apple has incorporated a new 48MP ultra-wide sensor in the iPhone 16 Pro models, replacing the previous 12MP sensor. This enhancement is expected to yield sharper and more defined images.
Nevertheless, high-megapixel ultra-wide cameras are not a novel concept within the Android smartphone market. For instance, flagship devices such as the OnePlus 10 Pro, released in 2022, already boasted a 50MP ultra-wide lens. Currently, similar sensors can also be found in mid-range models, such as the Vivo V40 Pro .
4K/120FPS Video Recording
In discussing cameras, a prominent feature of the iPhone 16 Pro is its innovative 48MP main "Fusion" camera. This, in conjunction with the rapid image signal processor (ISP) of the A18 Pro chip, facilitates 4K video recording at 120 frames per second (FPS). Apple asserts that users can now capture 4K slow-motion videos at 120FPS, even in Dolby Vision, with the option to select the frame rate post-recording.
Nevertheless, this capability seems to draw inspiration from Android devices. Although the new Google Pixel 9 Pro does not offer this feature, several other flagship Android smartphones launched in 2024—such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which we have reviewed, and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra—already provide support for 4K recording at 120FPS
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Wi-Fi 7 Connectivity
While Apple did not highlight this feature during the keynote presentation, it is noteworthy that all iPhone 16 models are equipped with support for the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard. This advancement allows for simultaneous data transmission and reception across the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequency bands. Although we have yet to conduct tests, this enhancement is expected to yield faster Wi-Fi speeds, reduced latency, and improved connectivity.
Furthermore, several flagship Android smartphones released in 2023, including the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Google Pixel 8, which we have reviewed, have already incorporated Wi-Fi 7 support. Thus, Apple is now aligning itself with features that have been available on certain premium Android devices for almost a year
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Faster USB-C Charging
1. Although Apple has replaced the Lightning connector with a USB-C port in the iPhone 15 models, the charging speeds have remained consistent at 20-27W. However, a certification from the China Quality Certification Center, as reported by Ice Universe on X, suggests that the iPhone 16 models may support charging speeds of up to 39W, representing a significant enhancement compared to the previous generation.
Even if this information is accurate, the charging speed of the iPhone 16 still falls short when compared to many premium Android smartphones. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers charging speeds of 45W, while the OnePlus 12 can achieve up to 80W with wired charging. Additionally, mid-range models like the OnePlus 12R and Honor 200 Pro provide charging capabilities of up to 100W and 66W, respectively.
This indicates that while the increased charging speed of the iPhone 16 is a positive development, Apple continues to lag behind its Android counterparts .
