Apple iPhone 16 (128 GB) - Ultramarine

About this item

Apple has long been a trendsetter in the smartphone industry, and with the launch of the iPhone 16, the company once again pushes the envelope of what a smartphone can achieve. Building on the legacy of its predecessors, the iPhone 16 promises enhanced camera capabilities, a vibrant Super Retina XDR display, a powerful A17 Bionic chip, and the next-generation iOS 18, all wrapped in a design that is both sleek and durable.

In this review, we’ll explore the new iPhone 16 (128 GB) in great detail, touching on every aspect from display and camera to battery life and overall performance, while assessing how it stacks up against the competition.

Display: Super Retina XDR for Stunning Visuals

The iPhone 16 features a 15.54 cm (6.1″) Super Retina XDR OLED display that redefines smartphone viewing experiences. The 2556x1179-pixel resolution at 460 ppi ensures incredibly sharp and vivid visuals, perfect for watching high-definition videos, playing graphically intensive games, or simply scrolling through social media. The screen’s OLED technology provides deep blacks, striking contrast, and true-to-life colors, making every photo and video come to life.

Whether you are outside in bright sunlight or inside under dim lighting, the iPhone 16’s display adapts beautifully, thanks to True Tone and HDR support. Its all-screen design further enhances the immersive viewing experience, with minimal bezels allowing for more screen real estate without compromising on the phone’s comfortable size.

Capacity: Options to Fit Your Storage Needs

The iPhone 16 comes in three storage options: 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. The 128 GB version, which we are focusing on in this review, offers ample storage for most users who rely on cloud storage solutions or primarily use their phone for streaming. However, those who capture a lot of high-resolution photos and videos or download large apps may want to consider the higher storage variants.

Durability: Built to Withstand the Elements

Apple has made the iPhone 16 more durable than ever. With an IP68 rating under IEC standard 60529, the phone is water and dust-resistant. This means it can be submerged in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes without sustaining damage, making it ideal for poolside use, beach trips, or simply surviving accidental spills. The ceramic shield on the front and the sapphire crystal lens cover on the camera ensure that the iPhone 16 can handle the rigors of everyday life, offering additional protection against scratches and cracks.

Camera: A Photography Powerhouse

One of the standout features of the iPhone 16 is its advanced dual-camera system, which comprises:

1. 48MP Fusion Camera (26 mm): This main camera boasts an ƒ/1.6 aperture, providing excellent low-light performance, and sensor-shift optical image stabilization, ensuring steady shots even when your hand isn’t.

2. 12MP 2x Telephoto Camera (52 mm): With ƒ/1.6 aperture, this telephoto lens brings subjects closer without losing image clarity, providing crisp and detailed zoomed-in shots.

3. 12MP Ultra Wide Camera (13 mm): The ultra-wide lens has an ƒ/2.2 aperture and a 120° field of view, ideal for capturing expansive landscapes or tight indoor spaces with ease.

The iPhone 16's camera system supports up to 10x digital zoom and offers a 4x optical zoom range, allowing you to capture distant subjects without losing clarity. It also supports Photonic Engine and Deep Fusion, which uses machine learning to combine multiple exposures into one perfect image, resulting in better texture, detail, and color, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Other features include Night mode, which brightens low-light photos while maintaining natural colors, Smart HDR 5 for high dynamic range, and Portrait mode with Depth Control and multiple lighting effects. This ensures that every shot, whether it’s a group photo, a close-up, or a landscape, looks professional.

For video enthusiasts, the iPhone 16 allows 4K recording, enabling you to shoot cinema-quality videos. The 2x telephoto lens is especially useful for zooming in while maintaining resolution, while stabilization technology ensures smooth footage.

Front Camera: Elevate Your Selfies

The 12MP front camera with ƒ/1.9 aperture ensures stunning selfies, even in low light. With features like Autofocus with Focus Pixels, Retina Flash, and Smart HDR 5, your selfies will be sharp, bright, and full of detail. For those who love portrait selfies, the next-generation Portrait Lighting provides six effects to elevate your photography, while Depth Control lets you adjust the background blur for a professional look.

Battery and Charging: Power That Lasts

The iPhone 16 offers impressive battery life, with Apple’s claim of up to 22 hours of video playback and 80 hours of audio playback. Whether you’re streaming movies, making video calls, or scrolling through apps, the iPhone 16’s battery is more than capable of lasting through a full day of use.

Charging is also faster and more versatile than before. With MagSafe wireless charging, the iPhone 16 supports up to 25W charging when paired with the appropriate adapter, while Qi2 wireless charging provides up to 15W for convenience. Additionally, Apple’s fast-charge capability allows the iPhone 16 to charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes with a 20W adapter or higher, so you can get back to using your phone quickly.

iOS 18: A Smarter, Smoother Experience

The iPhone 16 runs on iOS 18, Apple’s latest and most advanced operating system. iOS 18 builds on the user-friendly design and powerful features of iOS 17, offering even more customization, enhanced privacy settings, and new features like Spatial Photos and improvements in Photographic Styles. The smooth integration of software and hardware ensures that every action feels snappy and fluid, whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or navigating the web.

Apple’s emphasis on privacy and security continues with iOS 18, with App Privacy Reports, Mail Privacy Protection, and advanced encryption features that keep your data safe.

In the Box

The iPhone 16 comes with iOS 18 pre-installed, a USB-C charge cable (1 m), and documentation. Notably, as part of Apple’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the box does not include a charger or EarPods. However, Apple does sell a wide range of accessories, including fast chargers and wireless MagSafe chargers, to complement the iPhone 16.

Build and Form Factor

With dimensions of 147.6 mm (height) x 71.7 mm (width) x 7.8 mm (depth) and weighing just 170 grams, the iPhone 16 feels perfectly balanced in the hand. Its slim profile and light weight make it comfortable to hold for extended periods. Despite its slender design, the phone feels robust, thanks to its durable glass front and back paired with an aluminum frame.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 16 Worth It?

The Apple iPhone 16 (128 GB) is an impressive blend of power, design, and functionality. With its stunning Super Retina XDR display, advanced dual-camera system, and long-lasting battery life, this iPhone is a powerhouse for both photography enthusiasts and everyday users.

Whether you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or switching from another brand, the iPhone 16 offers enough innovation to make it a worthy purchase. The device’s durability, IP68 water and dust resistance, fast charging options, and improved camera system are just a few of the reasons why this phone stands out in a crowded market.

While it may come at a premium price, the iPhone 16 more than justifies its cost with top-tier performance, sophisticated design, and the latest software enhancements. It is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a feature-packed smartphone that seamlessly integrates with Apple’s ecosystem, offering the best in mobile technology.