5 causes to choose the iPhone 16 Professional over the iPhone 16

This may shock some folks, even shut family and friends, however I’ve by no means been the type to snap up a smartphone on day one, a lot much less a top-of-the-line mannequin just like the iPhone 16 Pro. I purchase telephones alone dime, and sometimes do not want that many options. I additionally detest to take care of the early wake-up name for on-line pre-orders or getting in line at an Apple Retailer. For sanity’s sake, it is typically simpler to attend just a few weeks for shops to restock.

This 12 months, although, I occurred to have each the revenue to afford an iPhone 16 Professional and the explanations to justify getting one as quickly as doable. Most individuals should not purchase a Professional — it is overkill in the event you’re largely answering messages and posting on Instagram — however in my case, circumstances have aligned.

1 A 5x telephoto lens

Doing pictures and movies justice

Apple

My outgoing cellphone is an iPhone 13, and the absence of a telephoto lens on it has been irritating. I come from a professional images background, so I am used to with the ability to fill the body with a topic — even when it is on the opposite facet of a room. Even when I weren’t frightened about good composition, I am unable to rely the variety of instances I have been touring, at an occasion, or taking product pictures and wished my cellphone may carry issues a bit of nearer.

I’ve a six-year-old son as effectively, and I do know I would remorse cheaping out if it meant not with the ability to seize an necessary reminiscence of him. It is really maddening to me that the secondary cameras on most finances and mid-range telephones are ultra-wide — I feel most individuals would select a telephoto any day.

2 Battery life

A busy life calls for an enormous battery

The ability capability on my iPhone 13 is all the way down to 86%, and to be clear, that is a lot usable for the typical individual. I am not common, nevertheless — on prime of being a tech journalist testing iPhone-connected apps and equipment, I am an avid weightlifter and make cross-continental flights to see family and friends at the very least as soon as per 12 months. After I’m racing throughout an airport terminal to make a connection, I could not have time to plug in, and my MagSafe battery is not at all times sufficient.

As a body of reference, my outdated iPhone is rated for 15 to 19 hours of video at greatest, whereas the 16 Professional can theoretically deal with 27. That is a significant distinction. The 16 Professional’s show additional helps dynamic refresh charges, so it isn’t caught operating apps at 60Hz when it is pointless.

3 StandBy

A wise show wherever you go

I’ve wished to make use of StandBy day by day because it was first introduced — I’ve just a few devoted smart displays round my residence, and I like the concept of creating that ambient information transportable, particularly for resort stays. It ought to flip my iPhone right into a Nest Hub I can slot in my pocket.

Technically, my iPhone 13 already has entry to StandBy, however not in any sensible kind. The cellphone predates Apple’s always-on show tech, which might solely be on Professional fashions anyway, so its display screen goes black just a few seconds after StandBy begins.

4 Focus and publicity lock

One step nearer to a professional digital camera substitute

Apple

The saying goes that it’s best to solely purchase a product for the options it has at launch, however one thing I am wanting ahead to is a Digicam Management replace that can add a two-stage shutter for computerized focus and publicity lock. Thus far, it is solely been confirmed for the iPhone 16 Professional and Professional Max.

Why is it an enormous deal? Professional and hobbyist shooters know that once you’re monitoring a transferring topic, it is cumbersome to manually alter focus, by no means thoughts tweak publicity to maintain it constant. It may be outright not possible to do these issues when coping with sports activities or transferring autos, so for a few of us, enhanced shutter controls will open up new photograph and video prospects.

5 At all times-on notifications and wallpaper

No extra clean bricks on my desk

iPhone 15 Professional residence display screen

I need my iPhone to point out some sense of character, and transferring to a Professional will enable me to show wallpaper 24/7. Sure, it is finally trivial — I may slap some stickers on the again of a case — however it’s inherently pleasing to stare at handpicked photos I can change out on the fly.

Extra virtually, as somebody who’s perpetually on-line and receiving every day package deal and grocery deliveries, I would like a relentless view of my notifications. It is easy to overlook a short tone or display screen flash once you’re neck-deep in writing an article or making an attempt to get your child prepared for mattress.