The Deepdive
Join Allen and Ida as they dive deep into the world of tech, unpacking the latest trends, innovations, and disruptions in an engaging, thought-provoking conversation. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just curious about how technology shapes our world, The Deepdive is your go-to podcast for insightful analysis and passionate discussion. Tune in for fresh perspectives, dynamic debates, and the tech talk you didn’t know you needed!
The Deepdive
Comparing Giants: iPhone 16 vs Pixel 9 Pro
Ready to discover if Apple’s latest offering is the ultimate upgrade or just hype? Join us in this episode as we dissect the iPhone 16, discussing whether its new features truly set it apart. We analyze reviews, even diving into a head-to-head face-off with the Google Pixel 9 Pro. Learn about the iPhone 16’s stylish design inspirations from its Pro siblings, including those handy customizable action and camera control buttons that can transform your daily tech experience.
We’ll also explore the iPhone 16’s photography and video capabilities, from macro photography on the ultra-wide lens to a new audio mix feature that puts pro-level editing within reach. Hear our thoughts on the performance of the A18 chip and what you might sacrifice with the 60 Hz refresh rate. Finally, we discuss the impressive battery life that makes the iPhone 16 a reliable companion for busy days. Tune in to find out if the iPhone 16 is the next must-have gadget or if you should consider other options.
All right, everybody, welcome back to the Deep Dive, ready to dive into the tech pool again? Today we're gonna tackle the iPhone 16. Big question is upgrade or nah?
Speaker 2:Yeah, especially with those Pro models looking pretty tempting a lot of buzz going around Can. I say it See what's really good and what's hype.
Speaker 1:Definitely so. We've got three big reviews we're looking at today Tom's Guide always solid Tech Radar another good one Always solid TechRadar another good one. And then a really interesting take from Forbes they're comparing it head-to-head with the Google Pixel 9 Pro.
Speaker 2:Oh, always like a good head-to-head.
Speaker 1:For sure Threw some spice in there, and you know me, I always gravitate towards the design stuff first, and one thing that really stuck out was just how much the iPhone 16 looks like its pro siblings. This year, tom's guide even said they thought the 16's color options were more stylish.
Speaker 2:That's Apple being clever, I think. Make that standard model a little sexier. Suddenly, those pro features don't seem as essential right Might sway a few people.
Speaker 1:Yeah, playing those mind games. And it's not just the looks. Apple's added some of those cool new buttons that people were loving on the 15 Pro, that action button. Now you can customize it on the regular 16 too, so like think Shazam, ready to go at a moment's notice, or jumping straight into your favorite photography app.
Speaker 2:Oh that's handy, streamline that workflow, yeah totally.
Speaker 1:And speaking of photography, there's a brand new camera control button. Now this thing is pressure sensitive, so you can do a half press for focus and then a full press to snap the picture. Almost Almost like having a you know, a real camera in your hand.
Speaker 2:Nice. That's a game changer for anyone who's serious about their phone photos. I know Tom's guide mentioned how much more control it gave them.
Speaker 1:All right, let's dig into the camera tech itself. Now the iPhone 16,. It's got the two lenses right, but the reviewers were still seriously impressed.
Speaker 2:One of the coolest additions Macro photography is now on that ultra wide lens. That used to be a pro only thing, and it's one thing to just have it right, but another to do it well and Tom's guide. They were saying the level of detail you get is like unprecedented for a regular iPhone.
Speaker 1:Right Like. Imagine capturing all those tiny details the veins on a leaf, the texture of like a flower petal so cool.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's like a whole new perspective right there in your pocket.
Speaker 1:And for all the video folks out there, Apple's added this new audio mix feature to both the 16 and 16 plus. Basically, it lets you adjust the audio levels of like different sounds in your videos after you've already shot them.
Speaker 2:Whoa, that's usually something you only see in pro level video editing software. Pretty high end for a standard iPhone.
Speaker 1:Right. It's like you could be filming a street musician and then later you can choose to really isolate the sound of their music or their voice, or even the ambient street noise separately.
Speaker 2:That's wild.
Speaker 1:I know right, okay, gotta talk performance. Iphone 16's rocking that new A18 chip, and this thing is a beast.
Speaker 2:The benchmarks are out there. It's actually beating last year's Pro models in some tests. Crazy.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and like both Tom's Guide and TechRadar, they really put it through its paces and they were blown away by how fast and smooth everything ran. There is one little tradeoff, though it's still got that standard 60 hertz refresh rate. Meanwhile the Pro models have moved on up to the 120, so that's something to keep in mind. You might notice a difference.
Speaker 2:Yeah, especially if you're used to 120. Going back can be a little jarring. Techradar said you mostly notice it with gaming or if you're scrolling through stuff really fast.
Speaker 1:Good points, All right. Battery life always a big one, right, Especially since the regular iPhone 16 is on the smaller side.
Speaker 2:Tom's guy did their battery rundown test. Got 13 hours and 19 minutes of straight use, so not too shabby. Solid improvement over the iPhone 15 from last year.
Speaker 1:Yeah, sounds like they found a way to cram some serious battery juice into a smaller package. Now everyone's really buzzing about the software. So it comes with iOS 18, which you know has some cool new features. Might have to do a whole other deep dive just on that, but the big story is Apple Intelligence launching later this year.
Speaker 2:Yeah, this is their big swing at the whole AI craze that's been going on. They're promising a major Siri upgrade, making it way more conversational, Plus this visual intelligence thing. It's like Google Lens, but on another level.
Speaker 1:Don't forget about the AI photo editing.
Speaker 2:That cleanup feature is going to use AI to get rid of any unwanted stuff in your pics Sounds promising, Though the Forbes reviewer they brought up a good point. Google might still be ahead in the whole AI game, especially with some of the stuff the Pixel 9 Pro can already do, like the photo editing and search features.
Speaker 1:That's true. Okay, last thing, price tag. Iphone 16 starting price is $799 for the 128 GB model. Not exactly cheap, but hey, it's still less than those pro models starting at $999.
Speaker 2:It's a lot of options. Right Got to weigh those features against how much you want to spend.
Speaker 1:So we're talking about like is it pro enough or should I just go all in and like get those pro models right? Big decisions.
Speaker 2:It's a tough one this year for sure. Really boils down to what you want out of your phone, how you use it. Maybe start with the camera stuff, since we were just talking about it. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Now the iPhone 16's camera system definitely impressed, but the pro models still have that triple lens setup right like that. Telephoto lens is still pro only and that telephoto lens.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's the real deal. If you're really into photography, if you're like always zooming in, it makes a huge difference.
Speaker 1:For sure, for sure. But hey, the regular 16, it's got those other upgrades right. That macro photography we were geeking out about, plus the new camera control button, feels really professional exactly, for For a lot of folks those features are going to be more than enough.
Speaker 2:The display is another one where the pros have the edge, at least on paper that 120 hertz refresh rate buttery smooth.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah, Makes a difference when you're scrolling through everything or, like you said, gaming Looks super slick.
Speaker 2:Yep, but you know the regular iPhone 16's display Yep, but you know the regular iPhone 16's display, that SuperRed and XDR, it's no slouch either.
Speaker 1:Colors pop blacks are deep. It's a really good looking screen. It really is. Honestly, I feel like the difference in refresh rate it's not something everyone even notices that much, unless you're really, really picky about that kind of thing.
Speaker 2:Right, okay, how about performance? We got to talk about that A18 chip in the iPhone 16. This thing is an absolute beast.
Speaker 1:Yeah, benchmarks don't lie. Sometimes it even meets out last year's pro models. Kind of crazy to think about.
Speaker 2:Chips are getting so powerful these days it's insane. Though got to mention the pro models. Do get a slight bump up, and they've got the A18 Pro chip, which is well, even more powerful, as you'd expect.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so like if you're someone who needs the absolute best of the best and you're planning on keeping this phone for a while, it might be worth considering. All right, let's talk juice battery life. Nobody wants a phone that's dying in the middle of the day, am I right?
Speaker 2:Preach. Thankfully iPhone 16, the battery life has definitely gotten better and those faster charging speeds they're packing in now Lifesaver. Though, if you're a power user, like you're on your phone constantly the pros, especially that Pro Max, are going to give you the most juice by far.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's definitely something to factor in. It's always that balance right Features you want versus how practical it's got to be for your everyday life.
Speaker 2:So much to unpack right. We've really gone through it all Design, the camera situation, how it performs battery life, even that wildcard Apple intelligence coming down the line. What's really sticking with you after this deep dive?
Speaker 1:Honestly, I think the big takeaway this year is just how much Apple's blurred the lines between the regular iPhone 16 and the Pro models. Like so many features that used to be pro only, they're just there now.
Speaker 2:Right, makes the decision so much harder, yeah, but also, like, even with all these upgrades, the iPhone 16 is still starting at a lower price than the pros, so that's got to factor in.
Speaker 1:Smart move on Apple's part. Give people options, hit those different price points Totally so the million dollar question or, I guess, a several hundred dollar question. After all, this is the iPhone 16 pro enough.
Speaker 2:Yeah, tough call. That's really up to each person to decide. Depends on what they value.
Speaker 1:For sure, but I think it's safe to say, based on everything we've looked at, it's a seriously compelling option even without that Pro label.
Speaker 2:Absolutely Solid performance, great features, that Apple ecosystem people love. It's all there.
Speaker 1:And who knows, maybe Apple intelligence really will shake things up once it's out in the wild. We'll have to revisit that down the road.
Speaker 2:Yeah, definitely a lot of potential there. Fun to think about where things could go.
Speaker 1:For real. Okay. Well, folks, as you're weighing those upgrade options, here's something to chew on. Don't get too caught up in like specs and numbers. Think about how you actually use your phone day to day exactly what features actually matter to you better myself.
Speaker 1:All right, everybody. That wraps it up for our deep dive into the iphone 16. Hopefully we've given you some food for thought as you navigate the wild world of new phone releases. Let us know your thoughts. Are you feeling the iphone 16, or are those pro models still calling your name? Hit us up online. Love to hear what you think and until next time, keep.
