Alright, let’s be real. It’s 2026, and the hype around the iPhone 16 is still everywhere. Walk into any Reliance Digital or Imagine store in India, and it’s the first thing you see. But here is the real truth: just because it has an Apple logo doesn’t mean it’s the best use of your ₹79,900. With the iPhone 17 already on the horizon and Samsung pushing boundaries with the S25, the iPhone 16 sits in a weird spot. Is it a powerhouse or just a “safe” update for people who are bored of their iPhone 13? Don’t waste your money if you’re expecting a 120Hz screen on the base model—Apple still thinks 60Hz is “pro” enough for you. Let’s dive deep.
QUICK SPECS TABLE:
| Feature | Specification |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (60Hz Refresh Rate) |
| Processor | Apple A18 Bionic (3nm architecture) |
| RAM | 8GB (Built for Apple Intelligence) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear Camera | 48MP Fusion (f/1.6) + 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9) |
| Battery | ~3,561 mAh (Up to 22 hours video playback) |
| Charging | USB-C, 50% in 30 mins with 20W+ adapter |
| Special | Camera Control Button, Action Button |
DESIGN & BUILD: The “Pinky” Comfort
The iPhone 16 feels like a polished stone. Apple swapped the diagonal camera layout for a vertical one (looking very much like the iPhone X days), and honestly, it looks cleaner. The aerospace-grade aluminum and color-infused glass back feel incredibly premium.
In the Indian context, where we use our phones for everything from UPI payments at the sabzi mandi to long WhatsApp calls, the 170g weight is a blessing. It doesn’t strain your pinky finger. However, the biggest “new” thing is the Camera Control button. It’s flush with the frame and uses haptics. It’s cool, but let’s be honest: you’ll probably forget it exists after two weeks.
DISPLAY: The 60Hz Heartbreak
This is where I have to get tough. The 6.1-inch OLED panel is gorgeous—colors pop, and it hits 2,000 nits of peak brightness, which is great for seeing your Google Maps under the Delhi sun.
But here is the kicker: It is still 60Hz. In 2026, even a ₹15,000 Redmi phone has a 120Hz smooth display. If you are coming from an older Pro model, the iPhone 16 will feel “slow” to your eyes, even if the chip is fast. If you don’t care about “smooth scrolling,” you’ll be fine. If you do? This is a dealbreaker.
PERFORMANCE: A18 Bionic is a Beast
The A18 chip is the star of the show. Built on 2nd-gen 3nm tech, this thing doesn’t just run apps; it flies.
- Gaming: We tested Genshin Impact and BGMI on Max settings. It holds a steady frame rate and, surprisingly, doesn’t turn into a portable heater like the iPhone 15 did.
- Multitasking: With 8GB of RAM, apps stay open in the background much longer.1 This RAM boost was mandatory for Apple Intelligence (AI), which finally brings features like smarter Siri and writing tools to the base model.
Read more : Poco M8 5G
CAMERA: Pro Features for the Rest of Us
The 48MP Fusion camera is essentially a 2-in-1 lens.2 It takes 24MP super-high-res photos by default.3+1
- The 2x Zoom Trick: Even without a dedicated telephoto lens, it crops into the 48MP sensor to give you a “lossless” 2x zoom. For your Instagram portraits, this is fantastic.
- Macro Photography: Finally! The base iPhone can now take close-up shots of flowers or textures.
- Video: It’s still the gold standard. 4K60 Dolby Vision is smoother than any Android competitor in this price bracket.
BATTERY: The Full Day Standard
Apple claims a “big boost,” but the reality is more modest. It charges 0-50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W brick (which you still have to buy separately).4
- Real World: If you start your day at 8 AM, you’ll reach 10 PM with about 15-20% left.
- Drain Test: Heavy 5G usage and 4K recording will kill it by evening. Carry a power bank if you’re a heavy traveler.
THE COMPETITION: Rivalry in 2026
The iPhone 16 isn’t fighting in a vacuum. In India, it faces two massive giants:
| Feature | iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S25 | Google Pixel 10 |
| Screen | 60Hz OLED | 120Hz AMOLED | 120Hz LTPO |
| AI | Apple Intelligence | Galaxy AI (Advanced) | Gemini (Deeply Integrated) |
| Camera | 48MP + 12MP | 50MP + 10MP + 12MP | 50MP + 48MP |
| Price | ₹79,900 | ₹74,999 | ₹76,999 |
Winner: If you want the best Display and Zoom, the Galaxy S25 wins. If you want the smartest AI and Best Still Photos, the Pixel 10 is the king. The iPhone 16 only wins if you are locked into iMessage and iCloud.
FINAL VERDICT:
Buy it if:
- You are upgrading from an iPhone 12 or 13. The jump in speed and camera is massive.
- You want a “small” phone that is easy to use with one hand.
- You record a lot of Reels or YouTube Shorts—nothing beats iPhone video.
Skip it if:
- You want a 120Hz smooth display. (Go for the 16 Pro or an Android flagship).
- You need a dedicated Zoom lens for wildlife or concert photography.
- You are looking for the best “Value for Money”—the Galaxy S24/S25 offers more hardware for less.
FAQs:
1. Does iPhone 16 have an Always-On display?
No. That feature is still exclusive to the Pro models.
2. Can I use my old Lightning cable?
No, the iPhone 16 uses USB-C.5 You’ll need to switch your cables.
3. Is Apple Intelligence available in India?
Yes, but it rolls out in phases. Ensure your region is set to “English (US)” or “English (India)” for the best compatibility.
4. Is the iPhone 16 waterproof?
It is IP68 rated, meaning it can survive 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.6 (But don’t take it swimming on purpose!)
5. Should I wait for the iPhone 17?
If you care about a high-refresh-rate (120Hz) screen on the base model, rumors suggest the iPhone 17 will finally include it. If you can wait 6 months, do it.