This is why you should upgrade now to the latest iPhone 16 Pro

Another year, another iPhone. The endless push to upgrade tech products is relentless, and many of us suffer from Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). However, if you’re serious about photography and video, there might be some valid reasons for upgrading to the new iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max model, particularly if you’re using something older than the iPhone 15.

In this video, David Zhou walks us through his verdict of whether he thinks the newest of Apple’s iPhones is worth the costly purchase. He brings up some interesting and valid points, and it’s worth noting that he previously used an iPhone 14 before upgrading.

Key photography features in the iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max

Enhanced camera control button
One of the most talked-about features of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max is the new camera control button. This button, despite being a bit clunky and unintuitive at first, aims to give photographers more control. Users can click to open the camera app, half-press to access camera settings, and swipe to navigate options. While the concept has potential, some users may find it confusing, as it’s not as seamless as typical Apple features. Despite the learning curve, Apple’s attempt to add tactile control to mobile photography could be appealing to some users, myself included.

New photographic styles
Photographic Styles have been upgraded, letting users customize tones, contrast, and saturation in a more detailed way. By adjusting colour and contrast on a sliding scale, photographers can achieve a pre-edited look straight out of the camera, perfect for those who want ready-to-share photos without post-processing. This tool can help casual users achieve aesthetically pleasing images quickly, though professional photographers may still prefer traditional editing on raw files.

48MP Ultra-wide camera and improved display
For wide-angle photography enthusiasts, the 16 Pro/Pro Max’s ultra-wide camera now boasts a 48MP sensor, up from 12MP in previous models. This enhancement offers more detail and clarity, making it especially useful for landscape shots or group photos. The new, larger 6.9-inch display also provides more screen real estate, which is excellent for editing and viewing media directly on the device.

Increased battery life and video features
With a 133% improvement in battery life over the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the 16 Pro Max supports longer photo shoots and video recording sessions on a single charge. Additionally, new video features like 4K at 120 frames per second and improved audio processing make the 16 Pro and Pro Max a stronger option for filmmakers and vloggers.

Who should upgrade?

The decision largely depends on which model you’re currently using:

• iPhone 14 Pro or Earlier: Users with an iPhone 14 Pro, 13 Pro, or older will likely see significant improvements, making the 16 Pro Max a worthy upgrade. The enhanced camera features, larger display, and longer battery life offer substantial benefits for those coming from older models.
• iPhone 15 Pro Users: If you already have the iPhone 15 Pro, the changes might not feel groundbreaking. Most upgrades are incremental, and while the new features add value, they may not justify the price for those satisfied with the iPhone 15 Pro’s current capabilities. Waiting for a more significant update with the iPhone 17 might be the better choice unless you’re particularly interested in the new camera button or ultra-wide capabilities.

Pro or Pro Max?

Honestly, there isn’t a significant difference between the Pro and Pro Max versions of the iPhone 16, unlike previously. The Pro still has plenty of the same features that the Pro Max has, at a slightly lower price point. The main difference is the battery life, with the Pro version maxing out at 22 hours of coverage versus 29 hours for the Pro Max. The Pro Max is slightly larger physically and comes with a larger storage of 250GB, which is standard, without having to upgrade. However, that option is available for the Pro version as well. Essentially, all the audio, camera and video specs are identical.

My take on the iPhone 16 Pro

I upgraded my 6+ year-old Android to the iPhone 16 Pro last month, and after a few teething problems related to switching from Android to Apple, I must say I am very happy. I made the leap primarily because of the iPhone’s camera and video capabilities, and after a trip to Iceland this month, I was not disappointed.

I really like the physical camera button on the side of the phone. It makes the phone feel much more like having a point-and-shoot camera, which I miss using. I find a point-and-shoot great for walking around with and trying out different hand-held compositions before setting up a tripod and DSLR. In Iceland, it was especially useful due to the particularly wet and cold weather. It meant I could try out different shots without worrying about my gear getting wet unnecessarily.

I must say that several of the photos I took from that trip on the iPhone are every bit as good as the ones taken on my Canon EOS R. The video options are phenomenal, and I have used the iPhone 16 Pro selectively on some paid shoots as a second video camera or for shooting reels for social media. It’s a brilliant tool, and while it won’t replace my mirrorless camera or the need for cine cameras in future, it is easy and fun to use, and for me, it has been worth the investment in upgrading.

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