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Apple is new iPhone 16 series is on sale now, and as you’d expect, they’re bringing new features on board – Apple Intelligence being a big one. You may be wondering if you should upgrade or which new iPhone to buy. Don’t worry; This guide will help you navigate the options and decide which new iPhone is right for you in 2024.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or curious about what’s new, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about the iPhone 16 range.
What’s new in the iPhone 16 series
The iPhone 16 series introduces several major upgrades:
Apple Intelligence: All iPhone 16 models support Apple’s new AI features, including an improved Siri, real-time audio transcription, and writing assistance tools. These features will be available through aiOS 18.1 update in October.- Larger displays: Pro models now feature 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens, compared to 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screens in previous generations.
- New Colors: The regular iPhone 16 models now come in more vibrant shades of ultramarine, teal, pink, white and black. Meanwhile, in addition to the Natural Titanium, Black Titanium and White Titanium colors of the Pro models, a new Dessert Titanium color is added.
- Action button on regular iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus: This customizable button replaces the mute switch and can be set to perform various quick actions.
- Camera controls on all new iPhone 16 models: A new dedicated button for camera functions, including mode switching and zooming.
- Better cameras: Improved sensors and processing across the range. The regular iPhone 16 models now come with a 48MP Deep Fusion camera with better 2x zoom capabilities, paired with a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera that can take macro shots. The Pro models also have the 48MP Deep Fusion camera along with a new 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 5x telephoto zoom lens.
- A18 and A18 Pro chips: Offer improved performance and efficiency, with the Pro models getting an additional graphics core.
- Photographic Styles: Redesigned to provide greater control over image aesthetics while preserving natural skin tones.
- Audio Mix: A new video feature that allows users to adjust the audio focus during post-production.
iPhone 16: Starts at Rs 79,900
Who should upgrade:
- iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 users will see the most dramatic improvements across the board in design, performance, camera quality and features.
- iPhone SE users (2nd and 3rd generation) who are looking for a major upgrade in all aspects.
- iPhone 15 users looking for access to Apple Intelligence features and improved camera capabilities.
The iPhone 16 brings significant upgrades across the board. iPhone 12 or 13 users will experience a significant performance boost with the A18 chipwhich is up to 60% faster than the iPhone 12. The camera system undergoes a major overhaul with a 48 MP main sensor and an improved 12 MP ultrawide that now supports macro photography, allowing much higher quality photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
For iPhone 14 users, the performance boost is less dramatic, but access to Apple Intelligence features is a game changer. These AI-powered tools, including an enhanced Siri that better understands context and intent, real-time audio transcription, and advanced writing assistance, provide a new level of functionality not previously available.
The addition of the action button and camera control button offers new ways to interact with the device, providing quick access to customizable features and improved camera controls. The switch to USB-C also makes the device future-proof.
As for iPhone 15 owners, the upgrade may not feel that big. Until you don’t want to use the Apple Intelligence features and a 30% faster chip. In addition, the iPhone 16 also has new colors, a new camera island with an updated 12 MP ultra-wide camera with macro capabilities. And to operate the cameras, the iPhone 16 has Camera Control.
The iPhone 16 is priced the same as last year’s iPhone 15, starting at Rs 79,900.
iPhone 16 Plus: Starting at Rs 89,900
Who should upgrade:
- iPhone 12 and 13 users will see substantial improvements in all areas.
- iPhone 14 Plus users looking for Apple Intelligence features and improved performance.
- Any standard size iPhone user (12, 13, 14, 15) who wants a bigger screen and better battery life.
The iPhone 16 Plus offers all the benefits of the standard 16, but in a larger 6.7-inch form factor. For iPhone 12 or 13 users (including Plus models), this represents a significant step forward in terms of performance, camera capabilities and possible screen size. Battery life is particularly impressive, often lasting well into the second day, even for heavy users.
iPhone 14 Plus users will appreciate the performance boost from the A18 chip, the improved camera system, and especially the access to Apple Intelligence features. These AI capabilities transform the way you interact with your device, from more natural conversations with Siri to intelligent suggestions across apps.
For those using standard models of older iPhones, the Plus offers the chance to experience the benefits of a larger screen, making it ideal for content consumption and productivity tasks.
As for iPhone 15 Plus owners, they’ll get the same screen, same macro camera, but the new ultra-wide angle that doubles as a macro lens. Other differences are the A18 chip that is 30% faster and Apple Intelligence functions. There are also new colors.
The price for the iPhone 16 Plus remains the same as last year’s iPhone 15 Plus at Rs 89,900.
iPhone 16 Pro: Starts at Rs 1,19,900
Who should upgrade:
- iPhone 12 Pro, 13 Pro, and 14 Pro users will see significant improvements across all features.
- Any non-Pro iPhone user (12, 13, 14, 15) looking for a significant upgrade in performance and camera capabilities.
- iPhone 15 Pro owners who want a larger screen and longer battery life. The 48MP ultra-wide-angle and 5x telephoto camera also make a compelling case for an upgrade.
The iPhone 16 Pro represents a big leap forward, especially for users of the iPhone 12 Pro, 13 Pro and 14 Pro. The 6.3-inch ProMotion display offers a larger, smoother viewing experience. The A18 Pro chip is the latest iPhone chip and can handle demanding tasks such as video editing or gaming.
The design has also been updated; the sides are now slightly curved, the new iPhones are also slim and have a titanium construction. Next, the new action and camera control buttons also add versatility to the way you interact with your device.
The camera system sees significant improvements, with a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, allowing for DSLR-like photo and video capabilities.
The ability to run Apple Intelligence features on the new iPhone 16 Pro models also makes the new models a worthwhile upgrade for those still using an iPhone 14 Pro or older.
As for iPhone 15 Pro owners, there are only subtle upgrades in the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro has a slightly larger screen, Camera Control and a new Dessert Titanium color. Then there’s a new 48 MP ultra-wide-angle camera and the 3x telephoto has been upgraded to a 5x lens. The new A18 Pro promises performance upgrades over last year’s A17 Pro and the new chip also improves battery life. So if this is something you’ve been looking forward to, you can upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro.
While you could buy the iPhone 15 Pro at a discount through third-party sellers, it’s important to note that Apple has officially discontinued last year’s model. Moreover, the new iPhone 16 Pro will cost less than the iPhone 15 Pro at launch, starting at Rs 1,19,900 (vs. Rs 1,34,909).
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Starts at Rs 1,34,900
Who should upgrade:
- iPhone 12 Pro Max, 13 Pro Max and 14 Pro Max users will experience significant improvements in all areas.
- Power users, content creators, and mobile photography enthusiasts using any older iPhone model.
For users of the iPhone 12 Pro Max or 13 Pro Max, the upgrade is significant. The large 6.9-inch screen offers more space for productivity and content consumption. The A18 Pro chip pushes the boundaries of mobile computing power and can perform complex tasks with ease.
The camera system is where the Pro Max really shines. With its 48 MP main sensor, 48 MP ultra-wide angle and 12 MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, it can rival professional cameras in terms of capabilities. The new model also has improved low-light performance and the ability to record 4K video at 120 fps.
While the core experience may feel familiar to iPhone 14 Pro Max users, the addition of Apple Intelligence features, improved camera capabilities, and the new interactive button design provide meaningful improvements for everyday use.
Another thing to note for those upgrading from an iPhone 14 Pro Max and older: the iPhone 15 Pro Max starts with 256GB of storage.
As for iPhone 15 Pro Max owners who want an even bigger screen, a faster processor, a new button, “a huge jump in battery life” and are especially bored with the color they have, they can make a switch to consider the iPhone 16 Pro. Max.
Like the iPhone 15 Pro, last year’s larger Pro Max model has also been discontinued by Apple. And the price of the Pro Max model has also been reduced this year, which now starts at Rs 1,34,900 (vs. Rs 1,59,900).
iPhone 16 buying guide: which new iPhone model suits you best in 2024
In conclusion, while users of older models (iPhone 12-14) will see the most dramatic improvements, even iPhone 15 users can benefit from the new AI capabilities and incremental hardware upgrades. As always, the decision to upgrade should be based on your specific needs, budget, and how the new features fit your usage patterns.
