Apple’s latest large-format smartphone, the iPhone 16 Pro, continues the brand’s tradition of delivering a bigger display and noticeably longer battery life — without straying too far from the familiar formula.
But is that enough in 2025’s fiercely competitive smartphone market? Here’s a full breakdown of what the 16 Pro gets right, what it misses, and whether it’s worth your money.
Design & Display: Huge and Beautiful — But Still 60Hz
The iPhone 16 Pro keeps Apple’s premium look, with a large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display that’s bright, sharp, and perfect for streaming or gaming.
However, there’s one frustrating omission:
Apple is still using a 60Hz refresh rate.
In a world where even mid-range Android phones boast 120Hz, the lack of a smoother, more responsive screen is noticeable.
Still, the display quality itself is excellent — colours are accurate, HDR content looks great, and the overall viewing experience is undeniably high-end.
Battery Life: The True Superstar
If there’s one reason to buy the iPhone 16 Pro, this is it.
Apple’s battery optimisation shines here, with reviewers regularly achieving two to three days of mixed usage. For travellers, busy professionals, or heavy content consumers, the battery life alone can be a game-changer.
In short: This is one of the best battery performers Apple has ever made.
Performance: A18 Power, Smooth and Reliable
Powered by the A18 chip, the iPhone 16 Pro handles multitasking, gaming, video editing, and everyday apps with ease. It’s not the “wow” jump some might expect each year, but it’s fast, efficient, and built to last for years of updates.
The new Camera Control button is a welcome hardware addition, giving quick access to camera functions, while the Action Button (carried over from the iPhone 15 Pro line) adds custom shortcuts for daily convenience.
Camera: Strong Quality, Missing Pro-Level Zoom
The 16 Pro comes with a 48MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide, delivering crisp, bright photos in most conditions. Video quality remains industry-leading.
What’s missing?
A telephoto zoom lens — something reserved for the Pro models.
If you’re big on zoom photography, you may feel the limitation. But for everyday photos, social media, and travel, this camera system performs extremely well.
The Downsides
No phone is perfect, and the iPhone 16 Pro has a few clear weaknesses:
- Still 60Hz — a premium phone deserves a premium refresh rate.
- No telephoto lens — zoom remains limited to digital.
- Large size — one-handed use will be tough for many.
- Incremental upgrade — if you own a recent iPhone (15 or even 14 Pro), the differences may feel subtle.
Who Should Buy It?
You should consider the iPhone 16 Pro if:
- You want excellent battery life — one of the best in any iPhone, ever.
- You love big screens for streaming, reading, or gaming.
- You’re upgrading from an older model (iPhone 13 or below).
- You want a reliable, long-lasting phone without needing all the “Pro” features.
You should skip or consider upgrading to a Pro model if:
- You want a 120Hz display.
- You take a lot of zoomed photos.
- You already own the iPhone 15/15 Pro and expected a major leap.
The iPhone 16 Pro is a dependable, powerful, long-lasting phone that excels in battery life and everyday performance. It doesn’t break new ground in design or features, but it offers a smooth, consistent, and premium experience — especially for users who value screen size and endurance.
If those are your priorities, the iPhone 16 Pro is one of the most practical and enjoyable phones Apple offers in 2025.
