Other Is the iPhone 16 series a bad purchase?

[Sensamic]

So, 6 months after its release, and with the iPhone 17 series promising to bring some serious upgrades (if rumors prove to be true), has the 16 series turned out to be a forgettable series?

The regular iPhone 17 could get 120Hz ProMotion finally, which to me is a huge upgrade, bigger screen at 6.3, newest chip that could support even more AI features in the future, 24mpx selfie camera, probably 4K 120fps recording, etc.

The Air is also much more interesting than the Plus models, being lighter, 120Hz screen, 24mpx selfie camera, probably 4K 120fps recording, etc.

The Pros are getting more RAM for better support of future AI features, better cameras, etc.

Seems like the 16 series wont be remembered as much as other series. And since some AI features, like better Siri, wont arrive until next year, seems like waiting for the 17 series is a better decision, considering all the upgrades.

 

[maerz001]

I wouldnt hold my breath for AI.

120Hz after a few weeks in my 15 pro i turned it off to prolong battery life. Its one of the smallest upgrades for me

 

[Paddle1]

The nice thing about the 16 is it doesn't have the design oversights the 14 or 15 Pro did. The 14 had very fast battery degradation and the 15 Pro had an overheating issue under load and had to be throttled via software. 16 is just better battery wise. Additionally the lack of RAM also locks out everything other than the 15 Pro from future AI functionality.

Overall I'd say the 16 is a solid but boring series. It'll be hard to recommend after the 17s release (as long as there's no big issue). The 16 might even end up being infamous because of AI.

 

[Adelphos33]

Historically, the iPhones released before any kind of design change are the most reliable, best operating phones over a long period of time.

I know the iPhone 17 is supposed to have always on display and everything else - I am very intrigued to see if the phone is limited in some other way. I don’t understand an iPhone 17 priced $100 lower than the iPhone 17 Air, but with a better camera system.

 

[Jackbequickly]

Can we really trust Apple to give us something in the future anymore?

 

[Reverend Benny]

So, 6 months after its release, and with the iPhone 17 series promising to bring some serious upgrades (if rumors prove to be true), has the 16 series turned out to be a forgettable series?

The regular iPhone 17 could get 120Hz ProMotion finally, which to me is a huge upgrade, bigger screen at 6.3, newest chip that could support even more AI features in the future, 24mpx selfie camera, probably 4K 120fps recording, etc.

The Air is also much more interesting than the Plus models, being lighter, 120Hz screen, 24mpx selfie camera, probably 4K 120fps recording, etc.

The Pros are getting more RAM for better support of future AI features, better cameras, etc.

Seems like the 16 series wont be remembered as much as other series. And since some AI features, like better Siri, wont arrive until next year, seems like waiting for the 17 series is a better decision, considering all the upgrades.

I'm in the same boat as you. Have a 13 pro that still does the job very well and thinking I might hold out for the regular 17 as it might have the 120 hz screen.

I use a 14 for work and while its not a bad screen, I do enjoy the 120hz screen more. It doesn't make you more productive and it isn't a game changer, its just a pleasant feeling using it.
When it comes to battery the 13 pro and 14 has been amazing, 3 years down the road the 13 pro has 85% and the 14 are still on 100% after 2 years of usage (I don't use it that much).

Personally I do like things that are tried and tested. I know the 16e has got brilliant reviews but Qualcomm does do great stuff and the kit in the 16 and 16pro has been around and perform well.
But the C1 does deliver well too and are Apple's own stuff. Having Apples own kit makes them less dependent on waiting for security updates and bugfixes from Qualcomm whenever they are released (and there has been a few).

Haven't made up my mind on what to do yet. If i find a good deal on the 16 pro I might just get it.

 

[osta.doc]

A redesign, in and of itself, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s an upgrade, IMO.

 

[TgeekB]

Wait, wait, wait. The next one will be better. = Never enjoying the experience.
The 16 is solid and performs well. Nothing wrong with it.

 

[naturalguy]

The 16 is great, the real disappointment is AI - the next gen always gets a lot of hype but usually only means marginally improvements

 

[arc of the universe]

the 16 series (including the 16e even) will prove to be the most reliable and lower priced series, when compared with the 17 series. expect huge price increases across the board for the 17 series. the 16 series represents good value for a stable product that is future proofed for eventual AI.

the only caveat is if the 17 Air is something you feel you have to have (like I do).
it will cost an arm and a leg, but i want light(er) and big.

but, any model in the 16 series will prove to have been a good buy. i dont even think apple will discount it, when the 17 comes out. apple will continue to sell the 16 series at the same price it does now.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

Depends where you're coming from. Coming from a 15 Pro? Yeah, super bad buy. A 12/P or 13/P? Pretty good buy.

 

[jntdroid]

Smartphones are like cars now - commoditized, a requirement for life for most people, and modest upgrades each year. Is it possible we’re all wow’d again at some point the future, sure. But at this point Apple, Samsung, Google, etc. just need to put out good reliable products each year for the average user that are modest upgrades attached to a good marketing plan. The days of the yearly upgrade user are lessening and probably exclusive only to the most enthusiastic tech people now.

So yeah, there will always be next year’s model, and a redesign is something to consider for sure (similar to cars). But as with cars, there will always be years where the model might be perfectly fine and reliable, and also forgettable. The 16 might fall into that category if the 17 is that big of a deal. But the 15 might as well… no wait, the 14s were forgettable.. wait… 😉