Skip the iPhone 16 Pro Max—Discover why the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus offer superior value.

As a tech enthusiast, I have always been a staunch supporter of high-end models like “Pro Max,” “Ultra,” and “XL.” I’m the kind of person who always seeks the latest and most impressive offerings from tech giants like Samsung, Google, and Apple, regardless of whether it’s an Android or iOS device.

Take, for example, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. This mobile marvel stole our hearts with its endless battery life and exceptional Super Res Zoom. On the contrary, the base model Pixel 9 hardly got a second glance. As for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, its S Pen is a feature I could never trade for a base model without a stylus.

When it comes to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, it’s the opportunity to experiment with Apple Intelligence, currently in its early beta phase on iOS 18, that excites me. This suite of AI features is sorely missing from the base iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models.

However, with the release of the iPhone 16, I found myself unexpectedly drawn to the standard model, a first in my tech history.

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Why the iPhone 16 Stands Out More Than Before

Apple is known for reserving its headline features for Pro models and subsequently releasing them to lower-tier models the following year. For instance, the LiDAR scanner, which bolsters augmented reality capabilities, was a major showstopper exclusive to the iPhone 13 Pro.

The iPhone 14 Pro models garnered attention for their exclusive Dynamic Island feature, while the non-Pro models were stuck with a dull notch.

Fast forward to the iPhone 15 series, the Action Button became a standout feature, allowing users to assign their favorite apps to a new side key for quick access.

Now, with the iPhone 16, Apple has been more generous. The all-new Camera Control is the star of the show in this generation, offering convenient gesture control for popular camera app features. What’s surprising is that this feature is not exclusive to the Pro versions — it’s available across all models.

As someone who usually opts for the high-end Pro Max, Ultra, or XL models, I find myself reconsidering this time around. The iPhone 16, despite being an entry-level model, seems to offer a complete experience, a rare occurrence in today’s smartphone market.

Yes, I’d miss out on features exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro Max such as 4K video at 120Hz, studio-quality microphones, a large 6.9-inch display, and audio track layering in Voice Memos. However, I believe I can do without these.

Starting at just $799, the iPhone 16 offers a slew of attractive features, including lively new color options of Pink, Ultramarine, and Teal. Despite lacking a telephoto sensor, Apple has managed to compensate with up to 2X high-quality zoom.

The only point of concern is that the iPhone 16 Pro Max is touted to have the longest battery life of any iPhone. As someone who prioritizes power efficiency, I’m not entirely convinced without testing it myself.

I’m curious to know if anyone else is considering the base iPhone model for the first time. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

The iPhone 16 base models start at $799, while the iPhone 16 Pro versions kick off at $999.

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