The Best 7 iPhone 16 Reviews For 2025: Tips and Tricks

Is the iPhone 16 worth the upgrade? With so many features and improvements on the horizon, it's a question that's on the minds of many tech enthusiasts and iPhone users alike.

In this post, we dive into seven top YouTube reviews that offer unique insights into the iPhone 16, helping you decide if it's the right choice for you.

Whether you're a camera enthusiast, a design aficionado, or someone who values battery life, these reviews cover a wide range of perspectives to ensure you make an informed decision.

Let's explore what the experts are saying about the new iPhone 16 and see if it's worth the investment.

1. iPhone 16 Pro | Pro Max - Tips, Tricks & Hidden Features!! by Hayls World

Summary:
This video dives into the coolest tips, tricks, and hidden features of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. It covers new customization options, like hiding distracting ads in Safari, mirroring your iPhone on a Mac, and controlling the torch’s brightness and beam.

It also explores advanced camera features, such as Styles for editing photos and videos, 4K 120fps slow-motion video, and 48-megapixel photos. Other highlights include customizing the control panel, using the new camera control button, and creating custom routes in Maps.

The video ends with a look at spatial photos and videos for 3D memories and setting up shortcuts with the action button.

Pros:

1. Comprehensive Coverage: The video covers a wide range of features, from basic to advanced, making it useful for all users.
2. Clear Demonstrations: Each trick is shown step-by-step, making it easy to follow and understand.
3. Engaging Presentation: The host keeps the video fun and exciting, especially with phrases like “this will blow your mind.”
4. Practical Tips: Many features, like hiding ads and customizing the control panel, are super handy for everyday use.

Cons:

1. Too Fast-Paced: Some explanations might be too quick for beginners to catch everything.
2. Overwhelming Amount of Info: With so many features packed into one video, it might feel like information overload.
3. Lacks Depth: Some features, like spatial photos, are mentioned briefly without much detail.

My Take:
I think this video is awesome for anyone who just got an iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max and wants to unlock its full potential. The tips are super cool, especially the camera tricks and customization options.

However, it might be better if the video was split into shorter clips focusing on specific features, so it’s easier to digest.

Overall, it’s a great guide for getting the most out of your new iPhone!

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2. iPhone 16 Pro Max - 3 Months Later - 10 Things I Noticed by zollotech

Summary:
In this review, Aaron shares his experience using the iPhone 16 Pro Max for three months. He covers 10 key observations, including the design, durability, camera performance, display, connectivity, and battery life.

He praises the phone’s speed, camera quality, and improved 5G/Wi-Fi connectivity but critiques the dated design, limited color options, and minor durability issues like scratches.

He also mentions the phone’s AI features, like image cleanup, and suggests waiting for the iPhone 17 if you already own a recent model.

Pros:

1. Great Camera: Excellent video quality with 4K 120fps and no overheating issues.
2. Improved Connectivity: Better 5G and Wi-Fi performance compared to previous models.
3. Fast Performance: The A18 Pro chip makes the phone super fast for tasks like gaming and video editing.
4. Durable Glass: The screen is scratch-resistant and holds up well over time.
5. Good Battery Life: Battery health remains strong, with improvements in later software updates.

Cons:

1. Dated Design: The overall design feels familiar but outdated, needing a refresh.
2. Limited Color Options: Fewer color choices compared to older models.
3. Minor Durability Issues: Scratches on the finish and camera coating from everyday use.
4. Unnecessary Camera Button: The new camera control button is rarely used and not very practical.
5. Software Bugs: iOS updates have improved but still have some bugs.

My Take:
I think the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a solid phone with great features like an amazing camera and fast performance. However, it doesn’t feel like a huge upgrade from the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The design is getting old, and the minor durability issues are a bit disappointing. If you have an older iPhone, it’s worth considering, but if you already have a recent model, it might be better to wait for the iPhone 17, which could bring more exciting changes.

Overall, it’s a reliable phone but not a must-have upgrade.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3. I'm Sorry, Apple - iPhone 30-Day Challenge by Linus Tech Tips

Summary:
The reviewer shares their experience using an iPhone for 30 days after being away from iOS for a while. They highlight both the positives and negatives of the iPhone 16 Plus and iOS 18.

They appreciate features like the App Library, smooth media playback, and improved call management but criticize the slow animations, inconsistent back navigation, and limited customization options.

They also mention frustrations with the keyboard, app grid size, and unintuitive settings. Overall, they acknowledge iOS has improved but feel it still lacks flexibility compared to Android.

Pros:

• App Library: Helps organize apps efficiently.
• Media Playback: Smooth switching between picture-in-picture and background media.
• Call Management: Unified interface for different calling apps.
• Battery Life: Impressive battery performance and proactive charging suggestions.
• Hardware: Bright and high-quality screen, improved call and data reception.

Cons:

• Slow Animations: Feels sluggish despite being a fast device.
• Inconsistent Back Navigation: No standard way to go back in apps.
• Limited Customization: Can’t change app grid size or move the Dynamic Island.
• Keyboard Issues: Missing features like long-press for numbers and punctuation.
• Unintuitive Settings: Some useful settings are buried in accessibility options.

My Take:
I think the review does a good job of balancing the pros and cons of the iPhone and iOS.

The reviewer is fair in acknowledging the strengths, like the hardware and some software features, but also points out real frustrations, like the slow animations and lack of customization.

I agree that iOS can feel restrictive compared to Android, especially for users who like to tweak their devices. However, for someone who values simplicity and a seamless ecosystem, the iPhone might still be a great choice.

The idea of a cultural exchange program between Android and iPhone users is interesting—it could help both sides understand each other’s preferences better!

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4. iPhone 16 Pro MAX Durability Test - Apple Tried Hard This Year... by JerryRigEverything

The review tests the durability of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, focusing on its titanium exoskeleton, sapphire-plated camera control button, and ceramic shield glass.

The reviewer points out some improvements, like the braided USB-C cable and slightly smaller screen borders, but also highlights downsides, such as the cable’s slow data transfer speed and the sapphire button’s lower quality.

The phone survives durability tests with minimal flex or damage, but the reviewer notes that titanium and glass are still prone to scratches.

Pros:

1. The titanium exoskeleton and ceramic shield glass make the phone tougher than previous models.
2. The sapphire-plated camera control button is a unique and functional addition.
3. The phone has minimal flex and survives durability tests well.
4. Smaller screen borders make the display look larger.

Cons:

1. The included USB-C cable only supports slow USB 2 speeds, not the faster USB 3 the phone is capable of.
2. The sapphire button is not as high quality as pure sapphire and shows scratches at lower levels.
3. Titanium and glass are still prone to scratches and damage.
4. The screen repair cost is very high ($379).

My Take:
I think the iPhone 16 Pro Max has some cool upgrades, like the titanium frame and the new camera button, but it still has some flaws.

The slow USB-C cable feels like a cheap move, and the sapphire button isn’t as tough as it should be. It’s a solid phone overall, but Apple could have done better, especially for the price.

If you’re careful with your phone and use a good case, it’ll probably last a long time.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5. iPhone 16/16 Pro Review: Times Have Changed! by Marques Brownlee

Summary:
The review discusses the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, highlighting their incremental hardware upgrades and the introduction of Apple Intelligence, which isn’t available yet.

The reviewer notes the new Camera Control button, improved cameras, faster charging, and larger batteries, but criticizes the lack of significant changes and the unfinished state of the AI features.

The review also mentions the launch of the reviewer’s new wallpaper app, Panels.

Pros:

1. Camera Improvements: The Pro models have significantly better cameras, with a larger main sensor and improved zoom capabilities.
2. Faster Charging: Supports up to 45-watt wired charging and 25-watt MagSafe wireless charging.
3. New Features: Introduction of the Camera Control button and more customization options in iOS 18.
4. Battery Life: Slightly larger batteries, though the improvement isn’t drastic.
5. Display: Thinner bezels and slightly larger screens on the Pro models.

Cons:

1. Incremental Upgrades: The iPhone 16 is a minor update over the iPhone 15, with few noticeable improvements.
2. Unfinished AI Features: Apple Intelligence, heavily marketed, is not yet available, making the phone feel incomplete.
3. Camera Button Issues: The new Camera Control button is finicky and not user-friendly for most people.
4. No Fast Charger Included: Despite faster charging capabilities, Apple doesn’t include a fast charger in the box.
5. Wobbly Design: The phone feels less stable when placed on a flat surface.

My Take:
I think the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro are solid phones, but they don’t offer enough new features to justify upgrading from recent models. The Camera Control button is a cool idea, but it seems too complicated for everyday use.

The lack of Apple Intelligence at launch is disappointing, especially since it’s a big part of the marketing. If you’re using an older iPhone (like the 13 or earlier), it might be worth upgrading, but for others, it’s better to wait.

The Pro models are great for photography enthusiasts, but the regular iPhone 16 is a good option for those who don’t need the extra features. Overall, it’s an incremental update, not a game-changer.

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

6. iPhone 16 Pro Review: 30 Days Later! by Joshua Chang

Summary:
This review covers the iPhone 16 Pro after 30 days of use. While it looks similar to the iPhone 15 Pro, there are some notable changes. The design is slightly taller, wider, and heavier, with slimmer bezels and a 6.3-inch display.

The new camera control button is a highlight, offering touch and swipe controls for camera settings, though some see it as a gimmick. The camera system has updates, including a standard 5x zoom, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and 4K 120fps slow motion.

Battery life is similar to the 15 Pro, but heat management is improved. Apple Intelligence features, like writing tools and notification summaries, are discussed, though many features are still upcoming.

Pros:

1. Slimmer bezels and larger display.
2. New camera control button adds creative options.
3. Improved camera system with 5x zoom, 48MP ultra-wide, and 4K slow motion.
4. Better heat management and faster wireless charging.
5. Apple Intelligence features like notification summaries are useful.

Cons:

1. Design changes are minimal and hard to notice.
2. Camera control button may feel unnecessary or gimmicky to some.
3. Apple Intelligence writing tools feel limited compared to other AI models.
4. Many promised Apple Intelligence features are not yet available.
5. Battery life is similar to the previous model, not a big improvement.

My Take:
I think the iPhone 16 Pro is a solid upgrade, but it’s not a huge leap from the 15 Pro. The camera improvements and better heat management are nice, but the new camera control button might not be for everyone.

Apple Intelligence seems promising, but it’s still incomplete. If you have the iPhone 15 Pro, I’m not sure this upgrade is worth it yet. But if you’re coming from an older model, the 16 Pro is a great choice.

The software and AI features will likely make a bigger difference in the future.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

7. 1 MONTH with the iPhone 16 / 16 Plus! [Full Review] by The Tech Chap

Summary:
This review dives into the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus after a month of use, comparing them to previous models and the Pro versions.

The reviewer highlights the new features like the A18 chip, improved battery life, and camera upgrades, but also points out some downsides, like the lack of a high refresh rate screen.

The review concludes that the base iPhone 16 models offer significant upgrades this year, making them a better value than the Pro models for most people.

Pros:

• Performance: The A18 chip is a big leap forward, making the phone faster and more efficient.
• Battery Life: Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have noticeably better battery life compared to older models.
• Camera Upgrades: The new 48MP main camera and photography styles offer improved photo quality and creative options.
• Design & Colors: The iPhone 16 comes in fun, vibrant colors, and the design is sleek and modern.
• Value for Money: The base models offer most of the Pro features at a lower price, making them a great choice for many users.

Cons:

• No High Refresh Rate: The 60Hz screen feels outdated, especially compared to cheaper Android phones with 120Hz displays.
• Camera Wobble: The vertical camera alignment causes the phone to wobble on flat surfaces.
• Limited Pro Features: Missing features like a telephoto lens, ProRes video, and always-on display might disappoint some users.
• Apple Intelligence Rollout: The new AI features are taking a long time to become available.

My Take:
I think the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are solid upgrades, especially for those coming from older models. The improved battery life and camera are big wins, and the A18 chip ensures the phone will stay fast for years.

However, the lack of a high refresh rate screen is a letdown, especially at this price. If you’re not a power user who needs Pro features, the base models are a great choice.

The 16 Plus, in particular, seems like the sweet spot with its bigger screen and excellent battery life. Overall, it’s a good upgrade, but Apple could have done more to make it feel truly next-gen.

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Conclusion:

In conclusion, choosing the right iPhone 16 review depends on what you value most in a smartphone. Whether it's camera quality, battery life, or design, there's something for everyone.

The reviews above offer a variety of perspectives, helping you make an informed decision. Remember to consider your needs and preferences before making a choice. Happy iPhone hunting!