5 causes to select the iPhone 16 Professional over the iPhone 16

This would possibly shock some individuals, even shut family and friends, however I’ve by no means been the type to snap up a smartphone on day one, a lot much less a top-of-the-line mannequin just like the iPhone 16 Pro. I purchase telephones by myself dime, and usually do not want that many options. I additionally detest to cope with the early wake-up name for on-line pre-orders or getting in line at an Apple Retailer. For sanity’s sake, it is typically simpler to attend just a few weeks for shops to restock.

This yr, although, I occurred to have each the earnings to afford an iPhone 16 Professional and the explanations to justify getting one as quickly as doable. Most individuals should not purchase a Professional — it is overkill for those who’re largely answering messages and posting on Instagram — however in my case, circumstances have aligned.

1 A 5x telephoto lens

Doing pictures and movies justice

Apple

My outgoing cellphone is an iPhone 13, and the absence of a telephoto lens on it has been irritating. I come from a professional images background, so I am used to having the ability to fill the body with a topic — even when it is on the opposite facet of a room. Even when I weren’t frightened about excellent composition, I am unable to depend the variety of occasions I have been touring, at an occasion, or taking product pictures and wished my cellphone may deliver issues a bit nearer.

I’ve a six-year-old son as properly, and I do know I might remorse cheaping out if it meant not having the ability to seize an vital reminiscence of him. It is really maddening to me that the secondary cameras on most finances and mid-range telephones are ultra-wide — I believe most individuals would select a telephoto any day.

2 Battery life

A busy life calls for an enormous battery

The ability capability on my iPhone 13 is right down to 86%, and to be clear, that is loads usable for the typical particular person. I am not common, nevertheless — on high of being a tech journalist testing iPhone-connected apps and equipment, I am an avid weightlifter and make cross-continental flights to see family and friends at the very least as soon as per yr. Once I’m racing throughout an airport terminal to make a connection, I’ll not have time to plug in, and my MagSafe battery is not at all times sufficient.

As a body of reference, my outdated iPhone is rated for 15 to 19 hours of video at finest, whereas the 16 Professional can theoretically deal with 27. That is a significant distinction. The 16 Professional’s show additional helps dynamic refresh charges, so it is not caught working apps at 60Hz when it is pointless.

3 StandBy

A sensible show wherever you go

I’ve needed to make use of StandBy on daily basis because it was first introduced — I’ve just a few devoted smart displays round my house, and I like the thought of constructing that ambient data moveable, particularly for resort stays. It ought to flip my iPhone right into a Nest Hub I can slot in my pocket.

Technically, my iPhone 13 already has entry to StandBy, however not in any sensible kind. The cellphone predates Apple’s always-on show tech, which might solely be on Professional fashions anyway, so its display screen goes black just a few seconds after StandBy begins.

4 Focus and publicity lock

One step nearer to a professional digicam substitute

Apple

The saying goes that it is best to solely purchase a product for the options it has at launch, however one thing I am trying ahead to is a Digital camera Management replace that may add a two-stage shutter for computerized focus and publicity lock. To date, it is solely been confirmed for the iPhone 16 Professional and Professional Max.

Why is it an enormous deal? Professional and hobbyist shooters know that if you’re monitoring a transferring topic, it is cumbersome to manually modify focus, by no means thoughts tweak publicity to maintain it constant. It may be outright not possible to do these issues when coping with sports activities or transferring autos, so for a few of us, enhanced shutter controls will open up new picture and video prospects.

5 At all times-on notifications and wallpaper

No extra clean bricks on my desk

iPhone 15 Professional house display screen

I would like my iPhone to point out some sense of persona, and transferring to a Professional will enable me to show wallpaper 24/7. Sure, it is finally trivial — I may slap some stickers on the again of a case — but it surely’s inherently pleasing to stare at handpicked photos I can swap out on the fly.

Extra virtually, as somebody who’s perpetually on-line and receiving each day bundle and grocery deliveries, I might like a relentless view of my notifications. It is easy to overlook a quick tone or display screen flash if you’re neck-deep in writing an article or attempting to get your child prepared for mattress.