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OnePlus has announced the OnePlus 13, and we now know the impressive battery life upgrades it brings along. We have an even larger battery than before that utilizes new battery materials to help keep the phone thin while still increasing the battery capacity.
There are no charging upgrades this year besides the support for reverse charging via a cable. But it is not like we were hoping to see any improvements in this are; the predecessor already offered very fast 100W of wired and 50W of wireless charging, which is also what the OnePlus 13 is capable of.
A new breed of batteries that will change world of smartphones
For a long time now, phone manufacturers have been using batteries made out of graphite. Graphite is good at storing energy, but it is not the best. Recently, the mobile tech industry has began using a new type of batteries for smartphones, they are called silicon-carbon or also silicon anode batteries.
This is exactly the tech OnePlus has utilized to manage to back a 6,000 mAh battery inside the OnePlus 13, while making it even thinner and lighter than the OnePlus 12!
Silicon-carbon or silicon anode batteries are better than graphite batteries because they can store more energy in a smaller space. This is because silicon atoms can store more lithium ions than carbon atoms.
Here’s a simple analogy: Imagine you have two boxes. One box can hold 10 marbles, while the other can hold 20. The box that can hold 20 marbles is like a silicon anode battery, while the box that can hold 10 marbles is like a graphite anode battery. Because silicon-carbon batteries can store more energy, they can make devices like smartphones and laptops last longer on a single charge.
Does the OnePlus 13 have better battery life? OnePlus hasn’t given any numbers on its website about the battery life of the OnePlus 13, but given increase in capacity we suspect it will last at least as long as the predecessor. For reference, we gave the OnePlus 12 an estimated battery life of 8 hours and 9 minutes, which placed it at the 7th spot among all phones we have tested.
It wouldn’t be too far-fetched to see the OnePlus 13 offer even longer battery life thanks to its innovative battery, especially if the Snapdragon 8 Elite proves more power efficient.
How much battery does the OnePlus 13 have?
The OnePlus 13 comes with the astonishing 6,000 mAh battery capacity, which is well above the average for modern flagship phones. This is also a 10% increase over last year’s generation, which came with a still pretty large 5,400 mAh battery.
How fast does the OnePlus 13 charge? OnePlus says that the OnePlus 13 will charge to 50% in about 13 minutes, while about 36 minutes is how long it takes to charge it to 100%. Here are all of the OnePlus 13 charging specs:
Wired — 100W
Wireless — 50W
Reverse wired — 5W
Reverse wireless — 10W
What charger does the OnePlus 13 use?
Just like with previous flagship OnePlus phones, theOnePlus 13comes with a 100W charger inside the box. In order to utilize the full charging speed of theOnePlus 13you need a Supervooc charger, which is developed by OnePlus’ sister company Oppo.
As for the wireless charging, you don’t get the Airvooc 50W wireless charger when you buy theOnePlus 13. That one you have to purchase separately, as long as you want the 50W of wireless charging. The phone will still charge with less powerful wireless chargers, it will just be slower.
We know that Apple is expected to replace what would have been the iPhone 17 Plus with a new ultra-thin phone that was at first dubbed the iPhone 17 Slim and has since been given the possible moniker of iPhone 17 Air. While the early rumors call for this phone to have the highest starting price among all of the iPhone 17 models, this pricing must be due to the design since there is nothing in the rumored spec sheet that would act as an incentive for buyers to pay up for the device.
Alao:EB-BS928ABY Battery for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra For example, instead of being powered by the A19 Pro application processor (AP), the iPhone 17 Air is said to be equipped with the A19 AP. While the phone will have 8GB of RAM, enough to support Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will both feature 12GB of the stuff. And there will supposedly be just one rear camera on the phone which leads us to believe that the design of the iPhone 17 Air will be spectacular.
Now, we’ve often seen other smartphone manufacturers copy Apple when it comes to a major change. For example, after Apple removed the 3.5mm headset jack from the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, other smartphone firms followed. Five years later, Apple decided to remove the battery charger from the boxes for the iPhone 12 line and this also w copied by other companies.
(Render of the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air expected during Q3 2025. | Image credit-FPT)
Apple’s decision to offer an ultra-thin iPhone could be the next big change to Apple’s most important product that other companies will copy. For example, ETNews reports that Samsung is reportedly working on an ultra-slim phone that would be based on the Galaxy S25 model but would be released after the launch of the regular Galaxy S25 flagship device in January 2025.
The report adds that Samsung would produce a limited number of Galaxy S25 Slim units in order to get a read on the demand for such a device. Samsung would then decide whether it should make any changes to the Galaxy S26 series. The Galaxy S25 Slim could hit the market during the second quarter of 2025 ahead of next year’s Q3 release of the iPhone 17 Air. If that’s the case, Samsung might be copying Apple even though Samsung’s slim phone would be released first.
Following the success of the 14 series, Xiaomi has officially announced the Xiaomi 15 phones which includes the Pro model and two editions not seen before.
Both the regular Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra were up there with the best phones you can buy, with the latter offering a compelling DSLR alternative for many people.
The new Xiaomi 15 models have big shoes to fill, though note that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is yet to be unveiled. Xiaomi did unveil the Pad 7 and Pad 7 tablets, though.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Xiaomi 15 series, from its release date and pricing to detailed specs and features.
When will the Xiaomi 15 be released? The Xiaomi 15 series, including the regular Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro, were unveiled on 29 October 2024.
The both phones are currently available for pre-order in China, with general sales set to begin on 31 October 2024.
While this release date applies to the Chinese market, Xiaomi has not yet announced specific details for a global launch.
Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, posted on X that “we’re bringing the Xiaomi 15 Series to global markets soon.”
And as with all Xiaomi phones, don’t expect any of the 15 series to ever be officially sold in the US. Your best bet there will be to try and import one or buy a ‘global’ model from the likes of Amazon.
How much will the Xiaomi 15 cost? The Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro come in multiple configurations, offering different storage and RAM combinations to cater to diverse needs.
Each model offers a variety of colour options, with the Xiaomi 15 Pro providing a more premium Rock Silver version and the Xiaomi 15 featuring an additional Custom Edition with up to 20 colour choices.
What specs and features will the Xiaomi 15 have? Design The standard Xiaomi 15 maintains a compact design at 152.3 x 71.2 x 8.08mm, slightly smaller than its predecessor but with a minor weight increase to 191g.
The device is protected by Xiaomi’s new Dragon Crystal glass, boasting 10x the durability of Gorilla Glass Victus (according to Xiaomi’s Lab.)
The Xiaomi 15 Custom Edition prioritises personalisation, designed for users seeking a device that reflects their unique style.
With 20 colour options available for the back panel, along with the choice between two bezel types, this edition offers an impressive variety of 40 possible combinations.
The Custom Edition maintains the core specifications and design language of the Xiaomi 15, including the ultra-narrow bezels, quad-curved frame, and lightweight build.
The most eye-catching is the Xiaomi 15 Diamond Edition which boasts a diamond-studded frame, offering a distinct shimmer that elevates the aesthetic appeal. This edition is available in three exclusive colour options: Glacier White, Elephant Gray, and a bold Orange.
The back panel features a premium crocodile-skin textured Corna leather. The diamond-studded frame extends around the device’s quad-curved wrapped metal frame, seamlessly blending into the glass-covered back, creating a continuous, unified look.
This edition also includes a specially designed packaging box and exclusive gift, underscoring its status as a limited, premium offering.
The Xiaomi 15 Pro, on the other hand, features a slightly larger 6.73-inch screen with micro-curved edges for a sleek look and comes with Dragon Crystal Glass 2.0 for enhanced scratch resistance.
Both models are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance.
Display
The Xiaomi 15 features a 6.36-inch flat OLED panel with a 1,200 x 2,670 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, capable of reaching a peak brightness of 3,200 nits with DC dimming.
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 15 Pro upgrades to a 6.73-inch LTPO OLED panel with a 1,440 x 3,200 resolution, a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and the same peak brightness of 3,200 nits.
Both phones incorporate an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner beneath the display for added security.
Performance
Both models of the Xiaomi 15 series are powered by theSnapdragon 8 Elitechipset, paired with 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB with UFS 4.0 technology.
Cameras
Xiaomi continues with a triple 50Mp camera setup for both models but introduces different enhancements.
The Xiaomi 15’s primary camera is the 50Mp OmniVision Light Fusion 900 sensor with 1.2µm pixels and 23mm focal length, equipped for 5x lossless zoom. The telephoto lens offers a 60mm focal length for portraits and macro shots, while the ultrawide camera has a 115° field of view.
For the Pro version, Xiaomi has worked with Leica for camera tuning, and it includes the same 50Mp main camera, a new 50Mp periscope camera with 5x optical zoom, and a 50Mp ultrawide lens.
The Xiaomi 15 Pro’s camera system also benefits from the AISP 2.0 computational photography system, boosting overall image quality and enabling 8K video recording at 30fps and 4K at 30/60fps with Dolby Vision HDR across all cameras.
Battery & charging
The Xiaomi 15 packs a 5400mAh battery with Silicon-Carbon technology for longevity, while the Xiaomi 15 Pro houses a massive 6100mAh battery.
Both phones support 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, optimized by the Xiaomi G1 battery management chip, ensuring that each device retains at least 80% capacity even after 1,600 charging cycles (according to Xiaomi).
Software
The Xiaomi 15 series is confirmed to ship running the company’sHyperOS 2 software, which is based onAndroid 15.
It introduces three significant innovations – HyperCore, HyperConnect, and HyperAI – enhancing performance, connectivity, and AI-driven user experiences across its ecosystem.
It’s not yet clear if Xiaomi will continue offering the four major Android updates and five years of security updates available on the 14 series.
With a dedicated team optimising over 25,000 usage scenarios, HyperCore includes a custom scheduler that reduces CPU idle time by 19%, dynamic memory management, and Storage 2.0.
HyperConnect, on the other hand, fosters seamless cross-device integration, allowing Xiaomi devices to share apps, files, and even dual-camera feeds for multi-angle video recording.
Lastly, HyperAI elevates user interaction with AI-driven features such as animated lock screens, real-time transcription, and AI-generated call summaries.
Additional AI tools include sketch-to-art conversion, bilingual translation, and fraud detection.
This is all we currently know about Xiaomi’s upcoming flagships. We will update this article when we hear about global launch details including the UK.
In the meantime, see our guides to the best phones and the best Xiaomi phones to see what the Xiaomi 15 series will be up against.
Samsung is taking an aggressive approach to its products and offerings. It is constantly working on improving its technology to better compete with others in the smartphone industry. The company is said to be contemplating a new branding strategy that could mark a significant evolution from its classic approach. It is said to be considering moving away from the Galaxy branding for its flagship phones, which has been there since 2009, in an attempt to create a distinct identity.
Samsung might drop its Galaxy branding for its premium phones and is aiming to revamp the brand identity
When it comes to Samsung’s Galaxy lineup, the company is best known for its flagship models. However, the past year has seen the competition intensify. This year, the lineup of products did not manage to leave a lasting impression on users, who were rather left dismayed by the lack of innovation for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 models that rolled out in July.
The South Korean tech giant did not hold back from accepting their shortcomings. It even extended an apology and started developing other products to make up for it. It seems that the company will not stop here when it comes to rebuilding the brand, as a report by E-Today shared by a South Korean publication mentioned that Samsung is considering dropping the Galaxy branding for its top-of-the-line smartphones and most likely would include the S-series as well as Z-series.
Samsung’s shift in branding approach is to build a more premium image for its top-tier devices and put them in a better position to compete with Apple and Google’s flagship models. It is not just Samsung that is putting more head on its high-end products to appear more premium. This seems to be an overall trend in the industry where the focus is on building a strong brand identity that resonates with users, especially for the premium models.
The report points towards the discussions regarding a pivoting in a new direction that has been ongoing in the company for a year now. The Head of Global Marketing at Samsung, Lee Young-hee, at CES 2024 said:
Galaxy has so many lineups that I understand people are expecting a new name when there is an innovative turning point.
Given that the Galaxy branding has an array of devices under it, this move does seem important for the premium devices to truly stand out. While many factors would need to be considered before undergoing this change, it could be a game changer for the company.
Xiaomi has unveiled the Xiaomi 15 Pro alongside a whole host of other devices today. Arriving as one of the first devices powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, the Xiaomi 15 Pro also packs a massive 6,100 mAh battery and a new 120 mm telephoto camera.
The Xiaomi 15 Pro complements Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with a huge 6,100 mAh battery. (Image source: Xiaomi)
Xiaomi has now fully introduced the Xiaomi 15 Pro, which effectively replaces the Xiaomi 14 Ultra as the company’s premier smartphone. For context, the Xiaomi 15 Pro has arrived alongside the smaller Xiaomi 15, which clocks in with a 6.36-inch display.
By contrast, Xiaomi equips the Xiaomi 15 Pro with a 6.73-inch display that helps it measure 161.3 x 75.3 x 8.4~8.7 mm and weigh 213~219 g. Please note that while the Xiaomi 15 Pro outputs at 1440p and 120 Hz like the Xiaomi 14 Pro, it gets 200 nits brighter thanks to a 3,200 nit peak brightness. Moreover, this brighter display is joined by a 6,100 mAh Silicon Carbon (Si/C) battery and Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
Unfortunately, wired charging capabilities have dropped from 120 W to 90 W; 50 W wireless and 10 W reverse wireless charging remain, though. The Xiaomi 15 Pro offers a comprehensive camera system too, although there are upgrades and downgrades compared to theXiaomi 14 Pro.
On the one hand, Xiaomi has swapped last year’s 75 mm telephoto camera for a new 120 mm and 50 MP periscope option powered by a Sony IMX858 sensor. On the other hand, its 50 MP primary camera lacks the variable aperture support its predecessor provided. Seemingly, the underlying sensors inside its primary, ultra-wide-angle and front-facing cameras are unchanged, too.
The Xiaomi 15 Pro is exclusive to China for now. For reference, the handset starts at CNY 5,299 (~Nz $1244) with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Alternatively, the Xiaomi 15 Pro can be configured with up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage for CNY 6,699 (~Nz $1572) in its ‘Bright Silver Version’ colour option. As it stands, it remains to be seen whether the Xiaomi 15 Pro will receive a global release.
Google has joined Apple and Samsung in offering certified refurbished models of its phones. These phones come with a warranty and even a charger in the box. However, retailers may sometimes offer better deals.(Google is currently only selling refurbished Pixel phones in the US)
Google is selling refurbished Pixel 7 and Pixel 6 smartphones.
This year Google announced a handful of phones including the budget Pixel 8a and the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold. However, it hasn’t stopped selling older models like the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 7a from last year, both of which are available to purchase on the Google Store. Now, it has begun selling certified refurbished units of some older models, too.
Interested buyers can now purchase certified refurbished units of the Pixel 7 for $429 and the Pixel 7 Pro for $629 on the Google Store. There are also refurbished units of the Pixel 6a for $249, the Pixel 6 for $339, and the Pixel 6 Pro for $539.
Google says each device has undergone a careful inspection process and has also been tested to ensure premium quality. Devices that are found to have issues are repaired with original Google parts, and each device is shipped with the latest Android software before repackaging. This should mean the phones will run Android 15 out of the box.
Each refurbished device also comes with a brand-new, one-year warranty and full customer support. In addition, Google is shipping a charger with the refurbished Pixel phones. This is a surprise since Google stopped shipping its phones with a charger since 2021’s Pixel 6 series. The refurbished phones also ship in a 100% plastic-free packaging like the Pixel 9 series.
The refurbished Pixel smartphones will come with the latest version of Android and a charger in the box. (Image source: Google)
Google is selling the refurbished Pixel phones in the US only for now and has not said if they will be available in other regions. However, what it has confirmed is that it plans to update the generation of available refurbished Pixel phones.
While it is nice to see Google sell refurbished Pixel phones, whether they are worth buying is a different question entirely. Buyers will surely find better deals on newer products on online stores. As an example Amazon currently has the Pixel 8 for $499 which is a better deal than the $429 refurbished Pixel 7.
Heck, you’ll even find renewed and refurbished models for much less, such as this Amazon renewed Pixel 7 that’s available for $249. Although it doesn’t come with a charger in the box.
DxOMark’s display analysis for the iPhone 16 Pro is now available, and the results leave much to be desired. Both the S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro pulled ahead of the iPhone 16 Pro, and not by a small margin.
iPhone 16 Pro is outpaced by both its arch rivals – the S24 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro XL in DxOMark’s display rating. (Image source: Apple)
DxOMark’s analysis of the iPhone 16 Pro’s display is now online, and, oh dear, Apple fans might want to brace themselves. Similar to the standard iPhone 16, the results are rather disappointing, with the iPhone 16 Pro not only losing to Samsung’s S24 and Google’s Pixel 9 Pro lineup but also to its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro.
With a score of just 150 points, the iPhone 16 Pro snags the 17th place in DxOMark’s global ranking and lags well behind the chart-topping 158 points scored by the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Samsung S24 Ultra rakes in 155 points, while last year’s iPhone 15 Pro managed 151 points in the same test.
It’s not all bad news, however. The iPhone 16 Pro’s display is plenty admirably for a flagship smartphone, and as DxOMark notes, boasts pleasant as well as accurate colors both indoors and outdoors, thereby delivering a visually delightful experience.
That said, there is plenty to chew on in DxOMark’s criticisms. For starters, the luminance and contrast figures of the display are relatively low in certain conditions, which adversely affects the display’s readability. Moreover, the average brightness values for HDR 10 as well as SDR videos were also rather inconsistent.
One of the notable improvements specific to the iPhone 16 Pro lineup was the reduction of the bezel thickness, which seems to have backfired. DxOMark states that the thinner bezels lead to frequent accidental touches, negatively affecting the user experience.
Despite its flaws, however, the iPhone 16 Pro continues to be a robust candidate in the flagship category, as indicated by DxOMark, who, in summary, termed the iPhone 16 Pro’s display as ‘impressive’. However, it is hard to argue that the Pixel 9 Pro XL as well as the S24 Ultra being so far ahead in this category might be a little hard to digest for those who were expecting a better show from this year’s iPhone lineup.
OnePlus has released more details of the OnePlus 13 ahead of the launch later this week. The new official teasers cover communication features such as Bluetooth, network signals, NFC, etc.
The OnePlus 13 will have better communication features. (Image source: OnePlus)
OnePlus is gearing up for the launch of the OnePlus 13 which is scheduled for October 31 in China. Ahead of the launch, it has been posting details of the phone’s features such as the display. More details have now surfaced about the phone, covering features such as connectivity and audio performance.
According to new teasers shared by OnePlus, the OnePlus 13 will come with what it calls ‘Super Signal Engineering 2.0’ which seems to be an updated version of the OnePlus 12’s Smart Link technology. OnePlus says the feature brings enhancements to Bluetooth and network signals.
Like the OnePlus 12 , the OnePlus 13 will have Bluetooth 5.4. However, OnePlus claims that its new flagship has a Bluetooth range of 400 meters and can cover an area of 100m2, thus allowing users to enjoy a strong connection when streaming audio even when their phone is not nearby.
The OnePlus 13 will have improved communication features. (image source: OnePlus)
The improved communication features also extend to connection to cell towers. With a new subway mode, users can expect to see a reduction in lags or buffering when using streaming apps or making video calls during train rides.
In addition, the OnePlus 13 is also confirmed to have 360° communication antennas, multi-function NFC which doesn’t require users to tap specific sides of their phone against a payment terminal, and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port. OnePlus has also revealed the upcoming flagship will have updated stereo speakers, and an AI-assisted 4-mic call noise reduction.
It will also have an infrared blaster for controlling compatible electronics, and users will be able to easily add a device’s remote by simply taking a photo of the remote. The phone will automatically recognize the remote from the image and add it to your list of remotes.
In addition to the above, the OnePlus 13 will also launch with an upgraded display, the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, 100W fast wired charging, 50W fast wireless charging, and an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner.
New edition. A bigger battery, more RAM, a new camera button, more vivid colors, and even more power: By Apple’s standards, the iPhone 16 packs an above-average number of new features, making it one of the best compact smartphones on the market. Our review reveals whether it’s worth purchasing or upgrading.
Verdict – Still strict separation between the Pro and non-Pro models With the iPhone 16, Apple might not be reinventing the wheel. Still, it has crammed the newest edition of its smartphone with a comparably large number of updates compared to the previous generation. What remains are plus points such as very premium build quality, powerful cameras, a bright OLED panel, and a long update period.
The Apple A18 makes the iPhone 16 significantly more powerful than the iPhone 15, and users will benefit from the RAM upgrade to 8 GB even though it has nothing to do with the much-heralded AI features. WiFi 7 has now also made its way onto the “base” iPhone, although, like the Pro models, it is limited to a 160 MHz bandwidth. In everyday situations, the 6 percent larger battery ensures slightly better battery life.
With the Action button, the iPhone 16 has not only inherited a feature that used to be reserved for the Pro models but one that also replaces the classic rocker. Another innovation is the haptic camera button that controls the camera. Whether or not it’s actually useful is another question.
One feature criticized on the iPhone 15 has been carried over to the iPhone 16, causing it to also be one of our main points of criticism. Although the smartphone almost has a four-figure price tag, the OLED screen continues to run at a no longer up-to-date 60 Hz. Plus, you will still have to make do without an always-on display. Additionally, you only get a 12-month warranty, it still has the slow USB-C 2.0 and the charging speed is not particularly fast.
One alternative to the iPhone 16 is, for example, the iPhone 15, which is now significantly cheaper and has a very similar feature set. One recommendation on the Android side is the 6.2-inch Samsung Galaxy S24 and, at 6.36 inches, the similarly compact Xiaomi 14.
Processor:Apple A18 6 x – 3.8 GHz Graphics adapter:Apple A18 GPU Memory:8 GB Display:6.10 inch 19.5:9, 2556 x 1179 pixel 460 PPI, capacitive touchscreen, Super Retina XDR OLED, 1600/2000 nits max. brightness (HDR/outdoor), 1 nit min. brightness, glossy: yes, HDR, 60 Hz Storage:Apple 512GB NVMe, 512 GB, 496 GB free Weight:170 g ( = 6 oz / 0.37 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds) Price:1329 Euro Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.
Case – Bold colors for the iPhone 16 Apart from the arrangement of the rear camera, Apple has adopted the iPhone 15’s design, more or less 1:1, for its iPhone 16. However, unlike the predecessor, considerably bolder colors are available on day one. Our review device is Teal, with the other colors being Ultramarine, Pink, White and Black.
The iPhone 16 also possesses a stylish unibody case, is excellently crafted, feels very premium, and, in our tests, it proved itself to be exceptionally resistant to any of our attempts to dent or twist it. The chassis is dust and waterproof according to IP68.
The iPhone 16 has an aluminum frame, and the rear is made from matte, solid-colored glass, which hardly attracts fingerprints apart from the Apple logo in the middle. On the front, once again, the Ceramic Shield screen protection has been used. However, this is claimed to 50 percent more robust than the type found in the iPhone 15.
While the predecessor’s main and ultra-wide-angle cameras were offset to the side, they are now located directly on top of one another, the same as the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. This also means that both devices can now shoot three-dimensional videos. This was not possible with either the iPhone or the iPhone 15 Plus due to the diagonal positioning of both cameras.
Nothing has changed concerning the dimensions. The iPhone 16 is exactly the same size as the iPhone 15 and weighs 1 gram less. This is not likely to be noticeable in everyday use.
Features – The Apple iPhone 16 has 8 GB of RAM To ensure that Apple’s new AI features also run on the “smallest” new iPhone, the iPhone 16 has 8 GB of RAM (iPhone 15: 6 GB). However, price-wise, nothing has changed compared to the iPhone 15. The available storage is also the same:
128 GB mass storage: $799
256 GB mass storage: $899
512 GB mass storage: $1,099
Unlike the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, the iPhone 16’s USB-C port is connected internally using the USB 2.0 speed rather than USB 3.2. This makes data transfer much slower, and this was confirmed by the copy test with our test SSD, the Samsung 980 Pro (38.9 MB/s).
The USB-C port supports the DisplayPort protocol, meaning you can mirror the iPhone’s screen on a monitor. To achieve this, you will also need a USB-C cable (USB 3.1 or higher) as well as a suitable external display.
In addition to Bluetooth 5.3 and an NFC chip (which is only available in read mode), the iPhone 16 also possesses an ultra-wideband chip. One new addition is support for the smart home wireless standard, Thread.
In Europe, Apple continues to offer the iPhone 16 with a nano-SIM slot. Together with an eSIM, dual-SIM operation is possible. Alternatively, 2 eSIMs also work.
Software – The Apple iPhone 16 with iOS 18 and initially without AI The iPhone 16 runs the new iOS 18. In addition to small changes such as the newly-designed photo app, a significantly more customizable control center and a move away from the rigid app grid. Apps can now be placed anywhere on the home screen. However, above all else, it’s the AI functions that set the new operating system apart from iOS 17.
We already presented the AI functions – otherwise known as Apple Intelligence – in our iPhone 16 Plus review. They include AI-generated emojis, photo editing, voice message transcription, websites and other text-based content as well as a smarter Siri voice assistant.
However, due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) data protection, Apple Intelligence for iPhones won’t initially be available in the EU. Apple wants to play catch-up as soon as an agreement has been reached with the European Commission, something that probably won’t happen before 2025.
Apple hasn’t provided any information on how long the iPhone 16 will receive updates. However, experience shows that you can bank on a 5-year update period. On top of this, older devices still receive updates, if critical security gaps need to be closed.
Sustainability According to Apple, more than 30 percent of the iPhone 16 consists of recycled material. When it comes to gold, cobalt, lithium and rare earth, the recycling quota even manages to hit 100 percent.
The packaging doesn’t contain any plastics and consists 100 percent of wood fibers, which have also either been recycled or sourced from responsibly farmed forests. Apple has provided precise information in this report.
In the past, iPhones weren’t exactly famous for being easy to repair. However, in the meantime, that has changed significantly, since the current iPhones have a modular internal design and can be opened from both sides. Additionally, the iOS-integrated repair assistant helps to avoid software errors after replacing components.
Experienced users can repair their iPhones themselves. Although special tools are required to do this, Apple also provides support with detailed repair manuals.
Telephone functions and voice quaility The iPhone 16 supports both VoLTE and WiFi calls. In addition to a physical SIM, you can also activate an eSIM. Alternatively, you can also have two eSIMs if you wish to do without a SIM card.
In our test, the iPhone 16 delivered good voice quality. Using the mobile and landline, we could hear our counterparts perfectly, and the same level of intelligibility was reported on the receiving end. In hands-free mode, that essentially didn’t change, we just sounded a touch quieter.
If a mobile network or Wi-Fi is not at hand, the iPhone can also make emergency calls via a satellite connection. Once activated, the service is free for the next two years. However, it will presumably remain permanently free of charge. Apple would be put in a very bad light if the life-saving function had to be activated in an emergency due to the lack of an active subscription.
Cameras – A 48 MP camera with 2x zoom
The iPhone 16’s selfie camera still has a 12 MP resolution and takes good shots with a nice bokeh effect. Like the main camera, it can record videos at 4K and up to 60 frames per second, delivering very good image quality in the process.
Apple also has nothing new to report regarding the iPhone’s main camera. It continues to use a 48 MP resolution image sensor and allows you to capture photos at either 12 or 24 MP. You can use the full 48 MP as long as you activate Resolution control in the settings.
The Sony image sensor also allows the iPhone’s main camera to capture telephoto shots at 12 MP, which represents 2x zoom. Photos captured with the main camera also impress in difficult lighting conditions with high image sharpness and balanced color reproduction. When you magnify the images using the 2x zoom, many details are still visible, however, at higher zoom levels – the digital zoom goes up to 10x – things quickly get blurry.
The main camera records videos at a maximum of 4K and 60 frames per second and possesses the same impressive image quality as the photos. The videos are very sharp, and the autofocus responds precisely, easily switching between bright and dark subjects. If you use the cinema mode, the camera automatically focuses on faces and saves additional depth information so that the focus can be adjusted later for blurry effects.
The 12 MP resolution ultra-wide-angle camera uses a new sensor that has a slightly wider f/2.2 aperture (iPhone 15: f/2.4). It does its job well within the limits of its capabilities. You get solid and largely distortion-free shots which don’t show many details.
Accessories and warranty – The Apple iPhone 16 comes with a 12-month warranty
Optional accesories, from left to right: 30-watt charger, MagSafe charger, silicone case With its iPhone 16, Apple has included a USB-C cable (USB 2.0) as well as a SIM tool. Inside the slim packaging, there are also a few booklets with info material. The Apple stickers which came with the previous iPhone models are no longer included.
Apple offers plenty of additional accessories for its smartphone and these include a 30-watt charger ($39), a MagSafe adapter ($39) and silicone cases with MagSafe functionality ($49).
The iPhone 16 comes with a 12-month warranty. Via AppleCare+ and for additional surcharges, this can be extended, starting at $9.99 a month or a one-off payment of $199 for 2 years. If you also wish to provide cover for theft and loss, the prices increase to $11.49 a month or a one-off payment of $219.
Apple iPhone 16: Battery
Like the iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 delivers all-day battery life
Support for faster wired and wireless charging is a welcome addition
Just like with iPhone 15, and every iPhone before that, Apple does not publicly share the battery size for any of its phones – or most of its products. We’ll wait until somebody else tears one apart to get the answer in mAh. Rather, Apple says the iPhone 16 should last for up to 22 hours of local video playback, up to 18 hours of video playback if streamed, and up to 80 hours of audio playback. That’s an additional 2 hours of video playback over the iPhone 15.
Considering those are specific use cases, I’m here to tell you that the iPhone 16 can get you through a full day, from morning to evening, even under more intensive use. After a few days of use I’d estimate 15 to 16 hours of screen time before I needed to recharge my iPhone 16.
You can, of course, engage low power mode to stretch it a bit more and stop it from constantly refreshing in the background. On Future Lab’s battery rundown test, the iPhone 16 lasted for 12 hours and 43 minutes, which is a decent amount of time, but not the best I’ve seen.
On a particularly busy day at a festival filled with a lot of photo capture and video recording, I did need to recharge my iPhone 16 after about 8 hours of use. So, more intense tasks will eat the battery faster. Luckily, it still comes with a braided USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, and you can fast-charge the iPhone 16. I was able to get it from 0% to 48% in about 30 minutes with a standard 20-watt adapter, but plugging it into a 35-watt charger did get to 51% in 30 minutes.
The iPhone 16 also has some new wireless charging tech with support for the new MagSafe charger and the Qi2 standard – you can get up to 25W with MagSafe and up to 15W with Qi2. You’ll also want to pair either of those with at least a 30-watt adapter. I did notice with either wireless charging platform, the iPhone 16 did get a bit warmer than with a wired charge.
Apple iPhone 16: Should You Buy?
The Apple iPhone 16 is a very good smartphone with powerful features and a compact 6.1-inch format that still only continues to rely on a 60 Hz screen.
Buy it if.. You want an affordable, smaller iPhone
At $799 and with a 6.1-inch display, the iPhone 16 is an excellent option for those who don’t want to use two hands or spend a ton. It offers some really nice features and will support Apple Intelligence.
You want more control for taking photos
Camera Control isn’t just a buzzword, but what makes shooting photos and adjusting on the fly a bit easier. If you love taking photos with your iPhone or recording videos, it is an excellent upgrade.
Don’t buy it if… You’re happy with an iPhone 15
If you aren’t desperate for a new button to take photos and Apple Intelligence isn’t calling your name, you don’t need to upgrade to the iPhone 16.
You want a bigger screen
If you want a larger display, consider the iPhone 16 Plus, which boasts a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display.
You want a true zoom lens
The iPhone 16 tops out at 2x telephoto or 10x digital zoom, so if you want to zoom in farther with more clarity, look at the iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S24 Ultra, or the Pixel 9 Pro.
Samsung has now presented the W25 and W25 Flip, which line up as the company’s fourth and fifth foldable smartphones of the year. While the W25 Flip is a new version of the Galaxy Z Flip6, the W25 is the long-awaited stablemate of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition.
Samsung has now officially introduced its new W series foldables, shortly after the pair were both seen in a handful of leaked render images. As expected, the W25 is the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition by another name. By contrast, the W25 Flip effectively serves as a more luxurious version of the Galaxy Z Flip6.
Please note that the W25 and W25 Flip have only been presented in China, where they will also likely remain. Incidentally, Samsung already sells its other current generation foldables in China with which these new models share plenty of hardware. For example, the W25 and W25 Flip contain Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipsets and the same underlying hardware as the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition and Galaxy Z Flip6, respectively.
With that being said, the W25’s quoted weight of 255 g is almost 20 g heavier than the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. However, it seems that no technical differences exist between the two devices. By contrast, it appears that the W25 Flip shares all its hardware with the existing Galaxy Z Flip6. Thus, Samsung has distinguished the W25 and W25 Flip from their regular counterparts with their black and gold finishes, which mirror those of their predecessors. While Samsung has not confirmed pricing for either model yet, we imagine that it will do so in the next few days.
