iPhone 16 Series Complete Review 2025
Everything you need to know about Apple's latest iPhones. Compare prices, new features, and find the best deals in New Zealand.
Quick Verdict: Should You Buy iPhone 16 in 2025?
✅ Buy iPhone 16 If:
- You have iPhone 13 or older
- You want the latest Apple features
- Camera Control appeals to you
- You need USB-C connectivity
⚖️ Consider Carefully If:
- You have iPhone 15 (minimal upgrade)
- You're price-sensitive
- You rarely use camera features
- You prefer proven technology
❌ Skip iPhone 16 If:
- Your current phone works perfectly
- You want better value for money
- You're waiting for iPhone 17
- You prefer Android ecosystem
iPhone 16 Series Models & Pricing
Compare all iPhone 16 models with current New Zealand pricing and features.
iPhone 16
iPhone 16
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Pricing Note: iPhone 16 launched at premium pricing. Expect gradual price drops over 2025. Check multiple retailers for current best deals.
What's New in iPhone 16: Key 2024 Features
Apple's 2024 iPhone lineup introduces several meaningful improvements and new capabilities.
Camera Control Button
Dedicated camera button for quick access and professional controls
A18 & A18 Pro Chips
Next-generation processors with enhanced AI capabilities
Apple Intelligence
AI-powered writing tools, image generation, and Siri improvements
Action Button
Customizable button replacing silent switch
Improved Ultra Wide Camera
Enhanced low-light performance and macro photography
Larger Pro Max Display
6.9" display (up from 6.7")
New Features Verdict
The Camera Control button and Apple Intelligence are the standout additions. While evolutionary rather than revolutionary, these features provide genuine utility for photography enthusiasts and productivity users.
iPhone 16 Camera System: Worth the Hype?
iPhone 16 Pro Max Camera System
- Main: 48MP f/1.78 with sensor-shift OIS
- Ultra Wide: 48MP f/2.2 with macro capability
- Telephoto: 12MP f/2.8, 5x optical zoom
- Front: 12MP TrueDepth with autofocus
2024 Camera Improvements
- Camera Control: Pressure-sensitive button for pro controls
- Improved Ultra Wide: Better low-light performance
- Faster Processing: A18 Pro enables better computational photography
- Enhanced Night Mode: Improved across all cameras
- ProRes Video: Professional video recording (Pro models)
Best iPhone 16 Photography Use Cases
📸 Street Photography
Camera Control button enables discrete, quick shooting
🌅 Landscape
Improved Ultra Wide captures more detail in challenging light
👨👩👧👦 Family Portraits
Enhanced Portrait mode with better edge detection
🎥 Content Creation
4K ProRes recording for professional video projects
iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Google Pixel 8 Pro
How does Apple's latest stack up against the best Android competition?
| Specification | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Galaxy S24 Ultra | Pixel 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (NZ) | $2349 | $2099 | $1699 |
| Display Size | 6.9" Super Retina XDR | 6.8" QHD+ AMOLED | 6.7" LTPO OLED |
| Main Camera | 48MP | 200MP | 50MP |
| Max Zoom | 25x Digital | 100x Digital | 30x Digital |
| Battery Life | Up to 33 hours video | Up to 30 hours video | Up to 31 hours video |
| Special Features | Camera Control, Apple Intelligence | S Pen, Galaxy AI | Pure Android, Magic Eraser |
| Software Updates | 6+ years | 7 years | 7 years |
Which Flagship Should You Choose?
- Choose iPhone 16 Pro Max for iOS ecosystem, best video recording, premium build quality
- Choose Galaxy S24 Ultra for S Pen productivity, best zoom, Android customization
- Choose Pixel 8 Pro for pure Android, excellent AI features, best value pricing
Should You Upgrade to iPhone 16?
Personalized upgrade advice based on your current phone.
From iPhone 15 Series
Minimal improvements, save money or wait for iPhone 17
From iPhone 14 Series
USB-C upgrade, better cameras, Action Button now standard
From iPhone 13 or older
Significant performance, camera, and feature improvements
From Android flagship
Best iPhone experience with premium features
Best iPhone 16 Deals in New Zealand
Retailer Deals
- PB Tech: Competitive pricing, tech support, price matching
- JB Hi-Fi: Bundle deals with accessories, extended warranties
- Harvey Norman: Interest-free payment plans, trade-in programs
- Noel Leeming: Airpoints rewards, price matching guarantee
- The Warehouse: Competitive prices, bundle offers
Carrier Plans
- Spark: Device payment plans, unlimited data options
- One NZ: Trade-in bonuses, family plan discounts
- 2degrees: Competitive monthly rates, device financing
- Skinny Mobile: Budget-friendly plans with device payments
Money-Saving Tips
- Wait for seasonal sales (Boxing Day, Black Friday)
- Consider trade-in value of your current phone
- Compare total cost including plan over 24 months
- Look for bundle deals with Apple Watch or AirPods
- Check for student, corporate, or government discounts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 16 series worth buying in 2025?
The iPhone 16 series offers meaningful upgrades including the Camera Control button, A18 chips, and Apple Intelligence. However, it's premium-priced. Consider your current phone age and specific needs - iPhone 13 or older users will see significant benefits, while iPhone 15 users can likely skip this generation.
What's new in iPhone 16 compared to iPhone 15?
Key new features include Camera Control button for quick photo access, A18/A18 Pro chips with 20% better performance, Apple Intelligence AI features, Action Button now standard across all models, improved Ultra Wide cameras, and larger 6.9" Pro Max display.
Should I buy iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro?
Choose iPhone 16 Pro if you want the best cameras (including 5x telephoto zoom), ProRes video recording, always-on display, and titanium build. iPhone 16 is better for most users offering excellent cameras, performance, and features at $400-600 less.
What's the best iPhone 16 storage option?
256GB is recommended for most users, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos. Choose 128GB only if you're budget-conscious and use cloud storage heavily. 512GB+ is for content creators and power users who store large files locally.
Where can I find the best iPhone 16 deals in New Zealand?
Best retailers include PB Tech, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Noel Leeming, and The Warehouse. Compare prices across retailers and check for bundle deals. Carrier plans from Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees often include device payment options.
How does iPhone 16 Pro Max compare to Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?
iPhone 16 Pro Max offers better video recording, iOS ecosystem integration, and longer software support. S24 Ultra has superior zoom capabilities (100x vs 25x), S Pen productivity features, and typically costs less. Choose based on ecosystem preference.
Is the Camera Control button worth it?
The Camera Control button provides faster camera access and professional controls like pressure-sensitive zoom. It's particularly useful for photography enthusiasts and content creators. Casual users may find it convenient but not essential.
Should I upgrade from iPhone 14 to iPhone 16?
It's a solid upgrade offering USB-C, Action Button, Camera Control, significantly better cameras, and A18 chip performance. However, iPhone 14 is still capable. Upgrade if you want the latest features or your iPhone 14 shows performance issues.
Final Verdict: iPhone 16 Series in 2025
The iPhone 16 series represents a solid evolutionary step forward with meaningful improvements in camera control, AI capabilities, and performance. While not revolutionary, the additions provide genuine value for the right users.
Our Final Recommendations:
- Best Overall: iPhone 16 Pro 256GB ($2149) - Premium features in manageable size
- Best Value: iPhone 16 256GB ($1749) - Latest features without Pro premium
- Best for Power Users: iPhone 16 Pro Max 512GB ($2749) - Maximum screen and storage
- Budget Alternative: iPhone 15 or iPhone 14 - Consider previous generation for savings
The Camera Control button and Apple Intelligence features justify the upgrade for photography enthusiasts and productivity users. However, iPhone 15 owners can likely skip this generation unless they specifically want the new camera features.