I take a hands-on look at Apple’s newest flagship with a photographer‑first mindset and a practical UK focus. My aim is to explain what matters in daily use, from the feel of the 6.3‑inch screen to how the camera fits into real workflows.

This device introduces a tougher front glass, slimmer bezels and a dedicated Camera Control button that changes the way I shoot. It also brings the 5× tetraprism telephoto from the larger model, upgraded Photographic Styles and iOS 18 refinements that affect editing and shortcuts.

I’ll cover the core specs that shape everyday life — the A18 Pro chip, 8GB RAM, Wi‑Fi 7, USB‑C and storage tiers — and explain why they matter when moving large files or capturing high‑bitrate clips.

Price and position are clear: it sits at £999 in the UK, between the base model and the Pro Max. Over the coming sections I’ll test thermals, sustained speed, battery on busy days and how the camera performs in real conditions.

Key Takeaways

• I approach this as a photographer‑first hands‑on test, while covering the whole phone experience.
• The 6.3‑inch screen, stronger glass and slimmer bezels improve daily handling and visibility.
• A dedicated Camera Control button and 5× telephoto bring Pro Max camera power to the smaller device.
• Core specs like the A18 Pro, 8GB RAM and USB‑C matter for file transfer and video work.
• At £999 the device sits between the base model and the Pro Max, offering a clear value position.

My quick verdict and who the iPhone 16 Pro is for

I used this handset across a week of shoots to see how well it balances camera power with pocketable size. In one sentence: the device is the best fit for most people who want top‑tier cameras and strong performance without stepping up to the larger model.

The shared 5× optical zoom gives me reach I used a lot. Photographic Styles now feel non‑destructive and the Lock Screen camera picker for third‑party apps speeds my workflow. Battery life sits around 38–40 hours per charge, with roughly five hours of active use on busy days.

The A18 Pro brings about 10–15% faster CPU speed and ~20% GPU gains, and it runs cooler under sustained loads. That sustained performance matters when I batch export images or edit 4K clips on the move.

Who should buy it? If you shoot a lot and want a compact, pro‑level camera phone that still fits a pocket, this is the way I’d recommend going. If you favour a lighter device or the lowest price, there are simpler choices — but you will trade away that extra reach and some pro features.

Design, build and display impressions

The changes here are understated: a warmer finish, a bigger screen and an extra side control that matter in use.

Desert Titanium finish and subtle size increase

The Desert Titanium look really won me over. It is more radiant and less brushed than last year, with a bronze tone that reads tasteful rather than loud.

It adds 12g compared with last year and the slight increase in size is most obvious when I pocket it. The camera bump stays familiar, which makes the device easy to steady on a desk.

6.3-inch Super Retina XDR at 120Hz: brightness and durability claims

The 6.3‑inch screen feels like a sensible size bump. Slimmer bezels keep overall size manageable while giving more room to frame shots and edit on the move.

Apple states the front glass is 50% tougher as a fact. I still pair mine with a slim case, but the extra confidence is welcome.

• The side rails now host both the Action button and the new camera control; placement is tidy and the extra button is satisfyingly clicky.
• The 120Hz Super Retina XDR keeps scrolling buttery and helps when I compose with the camera in hand.
• Compared with the Pro Max, this feels like the compact option that keeps the same camera toolkit in a smaller package.

Getting to grips with the new Camera Control button

The new Camera Control button rewrites how I grab quick shots on the go. A half‑press wakes the camera instantly, which saves time when a moment appears.

Half-press, swipe, click: how it changes the way I shoot

A double light‑press opens a compact menu. I swipe across the button to tweak exposure, depth, zoom and styles without hunting in the app.

The full click is satisfying and fast. After a few days my muscle memory made single‑handed snaps much more reliable.

Left-handed ergonomics and learning curve

On the side the placement favours right‑handers; left‑hand use felt awkward until I adjusted my hold. For deep edits I still dive into the app UI — the button is best for quick decisions.

It complements the Action button rather than replacing it. It also works with third‑party apps from the Lock Screen, which made my pro shooting workflow much smoother.

Camera upgrades that matter day to day

The camera upgrades here change everyday shooting more than you might expect.

48MP ultra‑wide: sharper frames and far better macro

The ultra‑wide jumps to 48MP while keeping the same sensor size. In good light I get cleaner wide shots and much better macro results.

True 12MP centre crops mean close‑ups no longer feel like emergency saves — they are intentional images I’m happy to keep.

Fusion 24mm main camera

The main lens combines 48MP data into a smart 24MP output. That fusion keeps fine detail while controlling file size and noise.

The processing feels familiar from last year and still delivers dependable colours and tone mapping.

5× tetraprism telephoto on the smaller model

The 5× telephoto brings real reach to a compact body. I now frame distant subjects, portraits and architectural shots that I couldn’t before.

There is a trade‑off in low light: the smaller tele sensor collects less light, so I often fall back to the main sensor and a 2× crop for cleaner results.

Night mode and manual control wishes

Night mode is clever but sometimes pushes exposure brighter than I want. I’d like more manual overrides to shape the mood.

“Macro is on another level; the extra resolution makes close‑ups feel deliberate rather than cropped.”

• Portrait compression at 5× looks excellent.
• Video at 1× and 2× benefits from the same sensor tech and steady stabilisation.

Video chops and the new audio mix tools

When I press record now, the footage often matches my dedicated cameras in tone and flexibility. The upgraded capture pipeline makes a real difference to how I plan shoots and hand files to editors.

4K at 120fps, ProRes Log and external SSD workflows

Recording 4K at 120fps lets me slow clips for smooth b-roll without losing colour or sharpness. ProRes Log to an external SSD via USB‑C turns the phone into a viable b‑cam.

I plug in, shoot, and pass the drive to an editor. That workflow saves time on set and keeps grading flexible.

Spatial capture and improved processing

Spatial video and Spatial Audio feel surprisingly immersive. The engine on the device handles the extra data well, so memories and short projects sound and look richer.

Audio Mix: noise reduction and voice isolation in practice

The new Audio Mix in Photos/Video editor can reduce background noise and mimic a close mic. It often rescues clips shot in busy locations and is straightforward to use in the app.

• QuickTake now produces full 4K Dolby Vision on the fly.
• Stabilisation stays steady for handheld work; the screen helps for focus checks in daylight.
• For casual creators the native features are enough; for pros, ProRes Log and SSD support are the fact that tips the scale.

Performance, connectivity and thermals in the real world

What stood out most was how the chip and radios quietly remove friction from my workflow. Small gains in silicon and radios add up to a far smoother day on set.

A18 Pro speed that sustains

The A18 Pro brings about 10–15% faster CPU work and roughly 20% quicker graphics. In practice the device stays fast for longer when I export images or render clips back‑to‑back.

That extra efficiency also means cooler running in graphically heavy apps and games. After a few hours of mixed shooting and editing the chassis felt warm, not hot.

Faster transfers, Wi‑Fi 7 and a stronger modem

USB‑C moves big folders much quicker than the previous model. Add Wi‑Fi 7 and the theoretical headroom (up to 46Gbps) and local syncs happen in seconds rather than minutes.

The upgraded modem was a real, practical boost in my tests. Downloads of maps and cloud libraries finished faster where my older devices used to lag.

Recording 4K/120 without the heat drama

Shooting extended 4K at 120fps did not trigger throttling in the same scenes that warmed the older unit. That fact gives me confidence to record longer takes on location.

• Day-to-day the phone feels instant: app launches, batch exports and switches between edits are seamless.
• High refresh on the screen makes scrubbing timelines feel responsive.
• For me the invisible gains—consistent speed and faster I/O—are the most valuable features.

Battery life and charging experience

Battery performance is one of those practical things that shapes how I plan a shoot or a day out.

Typical screen-on time and every-other-day charging

In my mixed 5G and Wi‑Fi tests the handset runs about 38–40 hours between charges. That translates to just over five hours of active screen-on time on heavy camera days.

I comfortably get through two days with normal use and often end the second evening with enough left to wait until morning to top up.

MagSafe and wired charging observations

Wired USB‑C charging felt brisk in side‑by‑side checks, and MagSafe wireless charging also seemed quicker than last year. Apple quotes the battery to retain at least 80% capacity after 1,000 full cycles, which gives me confidence over the year.

• I don’t worry about a mid‑day dash to a socket when I’m out shooting.
• MagSafe accessories remain handy—dock at the desk, cable in the bag for faster top‑ups.
• For people juggling travel, shoots and calls, it offers a lot of freedom.

Overall, the battery behaviour is reliably predictable and lets me focus on shooting rather than charging the device between takes.

iOS 18 today and Apple Intelligence tomorrow

The software changes this year feel as important as the camera tweaks for my day-to-day workflow. iOS 18 adds practical access and deeper photo control that cut friction when I’m shooting or editing on the move.

Lock Screen camera access and revamped Photos

I can now tap straight into my chosen camera app from the Lock Screen. That streamlines capture when a moment appears and saves precious seconds.

Photos has the biggest overhaul since launch. Custom views and HDR controls take a few days to learn, but they help me surface shoots and edits the way I want.

Photographic Styles 2.0: undertones, non-destructive edits

Photographic Styles now target undertones, so skin stays natural while skies can be pushed. A D‑pad plus an intensity slider gives precise control once you get used to it.

Edits are perceptually non-destructive, which means changes persist but can be reversed—even after AirDrop. That feels safer when handing files to clients or collaborators.

Apple Intelligence UK rollout timing and what to expect

Apple Intelligence starts in beta with iOS 18.1 in October in the US and lands in the UK in December. I expect smarter writing help, visual insights and context-aware shortcuts across supported devices.

• It layers into tools rather than forcing AI on every photo.
• When active, it should speed captions, selections and routine edits on shoots.

iphone 16 pro review: how it stacks up against Pro Max and rivals

The core change this year is simple: both sizes share the same camera kit, so the buying decision narrows to size, stamina and price.

Pro vs Pro Max: same cameras, different size and stamina

Both models now include the 5× optical lens, so image quality and zoom reach match across the range. That used to be a Pro Max-only advantage last year, and it makes a big difference for pocket shooters like me.

If you want the longest run time and the largest canvas, the pro max wins. If you prefer something lighter that still captures the same frames, the iphone pro is the smarter pick for day-to-day carry.

Pixel 9 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra: where Apple leads and lags

Against the Pixel 9 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra, Apple keeps an edge in colour, stabilisation and its 4K/120 plus ProRes Log workflow. That matters when I hand files to editors or shoot lengthy clips to SSD.

Google currently leads on AI editing tricks, while UK users are still waiting for Apple Intelligence. Outdoors, rivals can hit slightly higher peak brightness, though Apple’s indoor display remains excellent.

“The gap to the Pro Max is now about screen and stamina, not image quality.”

• Choose pro max for battery life and a bigger screen.
• Choose the smaller iphone pro for pocketable weight with identical camera power.
• If you cross-shop, weigh Apple’s proven capture tools against Google’s AI and Samsung’s zoom marketing — they solve different problems.

Price, configurations and value in the UK

Value for creators means balancing camera reach, storage and how long the device lasts on a busy day.

In the UK the 16 Pro starts at £999 for 128GB and rises through 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. The base model sits at £799, while the 16 Pro Max starts at £1,199. Given the 16 Pro matches the Pro Max on cameras and the A18 Pro chip, its price feels fair for what it offers.

I recommend 256GB if you shoot lots of Pro footage or RAW files. Choose 1TB only if you’re the heaviest creator moving many large clips between projects.

“For most people, the smaller device delivers the same camera power without the extra weight or battery bulk.”

• The 16 Pro at £999 gives the best balance of features, size and value.
• If battery life and a bigger screen matter more, the £1,199 Pro Max is the sensible step up.
• Pixel 9 Pro (£999) and Galaxy S24 Ultra (£1,249) sit nearby in price; your ecosystem and capture priorities should guide choice.

Accessories add cost—factor in a decent 30W USB‑C charger if you don’t already have one. Overall, for most people this device is the value sweet spot: the camera and performance feel like pro-grade tools without forcing you to carry a larger phone.

Sustainability, repairability and longevity

How a device is built and serviced matters almost as much as its camera for people keeping phones for years.

The 16 Pro now uses more than 25% recycled materials. That includes aluminium, cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, plastics, rare earths, steel, tin and tungsten. It is more than a token gesture and it changes the material story for iphones in a clear way.

Recycled materials and trade‑in policy

Apple publishes environmental reports and runs trade‑in plus free recycling for non‑Apple devices. That makes it easier to do the right thing with old kit.

Repair costs, iFixit and software horizon

Out‑of‑warranty screen repairs sit at £349 and a battery replacement is £109. The battery is rated to 1,000 cycles, so a single swap mid‑life is a cost‑effective way to extend life.

iFixit scores repairability at 7/10, which tells me serviceability is decent. My review lens sees this as one of the things I check when planning to keep devices for several years.

“If sustainability is a buying factor, the 16 Pro’s materials and repair stance put it ahead of many rivals.”

Apple Intelligence and future feature sets matter too. The action I recommend: use a robust case, plan for one battery swap, and hold the phone longer.

Pros and cons after days of real-world use

After several busy days shooting and editing, I can sum up the clear wins and the few annoyances that matter most in practice.

What delighted me

The camera consistency across lenses and the added 5× zoom changed the kinds of images I bring home. It makes framing distant subjects feel like a new thing rather than a compromise.

The screen smoothness and colour accuracy help when I judge focus and tone on the go. Scrolling, scrubbing and quick culls are a pleasure and speed my workflow.

The video toolset — 4K/120 and ProRes Log to SSD — turns the phone into a viable B‑cam for small productions. Photographic Styles 2.0 also lets me push looks without wrecking skin tones, and edits remain reversible.

Thermals stayed in check even after long sessions, so sustained performance didn’t derail a busy shoot. That practical reliability is one of the best things about this review period.

What frustrated me

The Camera Control is great for quick grabs, but fine adjustments often feel slower than tapping the UI. The control and button can be fussy for nuanced exposure or depth tweaks.

Left‑handed people will find the button awkward until they adapt; the travel can also nudge the phone and blur a critical shot if you’re not careful.

Night mode still sometimes lifts exposure more than I want, and the UK wait for Apple’s smarter tools leaves a gap while rival AI features are already live. Audio tweaks and some deeper controls feel like the next obvious thing to improve.

• Loved: consistent camera output, useful zoom and reliable thermals.
• Bugged: Camera Control precision, left‑hand ergonomics and a slight UK delay on AI features.

“Overall, the delights vastly outweigh the niggles; this is the first Pro in a while that fits my way of working.”

Conclusion

After weeks shooting with this handset I’m left with a clear sense of what it adds to my kit. The new camera control button genuinely speeds capture, while the 5× tele brings real reach to a compact body.

Image quality feels dependable across lenses and Photos’ non‑destructive styles make edits safer. Video now counts as proper pro work — 4K/120 and ProRes Log to SSD simplify my workflow on set.

Performance is faster and cooler, transfers are quicker with Wi‑Fi 7, and battery life holds through long days (≈38–40 hours). Apple Intelligence arriving in the UK will only improve selections and captions.

If you’re choosing between the smaller handset and the iphone pro max, pick for size, price and stamina — not capability. For me, this device earns its place in a photographer’s bag.