Apple has unveiled the eagerly awaited iPhone 16 series, introducing four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. These devices are expected to hit the shelves on September 20. However, prior to the launch, the purported iPhone 16 Pro appeared on Geekbench, showing underwhelming performance results.
Benchmark Comparison with Previous Models
The information was shared by X user James Atkinson, who discovered the Geekbench listing. It features an iPhone with the identifier 17,3, achieving scores of 3114 in the single-core test and 6666 in the multi-core test of Geekbench 6. This identifier is believed to correspond to the iPhone 16 Pro model.
For reference, the iPhone 15 from last year, equipped with the A16 Bionic chip, scored 2,595 and 6,651 points on the same benchmark. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro, featuring the more advanced A17 Pro chip, scored approximately 2,900 and 7,440 points. As such, the performance of the alleged iPhone 16 Pro falls short of expectations.
Potential for Performance Improvements
It’s important to consider that the phone has not yet been released, and Apple is likely optimizing the performance and stability of the devices. If this is the case, improvements in performance are expected by the time the phone is officially launched.
This year, the non-Pro and Pro models are powered by the A18 and A18 Pro chips, which have slight differences. Both chips are made using TSMC’s 3nm process and feature 6 CPU cores. However, the A18 Pro includes an additional GPU core (6-core vs 5), potentially enhancing graphics performance and offering better gaming experiences on the Pro models.
Awaiting Final Performance Evaluation
Ultimately, we will need to wait for the official release to fully evaluate the performance capabilities of the different models. Performance can vary depending on several factors, including the heat dissipation system, which differs among the models.
During its 2024 Fall Product Launch Event, Apple introduced the eagerly awaited iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, along with the standard models, iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, redefining standards in design, performance, and photography.
The latest iPhones boast larger screens, the sophisticated A18 Pro chip, and an innovative camera control button, enhancing the overall user interface. Below are their notable specifications.
iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max Specifications
The iPhone 16 Pro models feature more expansive displays than previous versions, with the iPhone 16 Pro offering a 6.3-inch screen and the iPhone 16 Pro Max featuring a 6.9-inch display. Both screens include Apple’s renowned 120Hz ProMotion display for fluid scrolling and have the slimmest bezels ever seen on an iPhone.
Powered by Apple’s A18 Pro chip, crafted using TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process, the iPhone 16 Pro series includes a 6-core CPU, a 6-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine capable of 35 trillion operations per second. This chip boasts 15% faster CPU and 20% faster GPU performance than the A17 Pro, all while offering improved power efficiency. Enhanced system memory bandwidth and advanced machine learning accelerators contribute to more efficient device operation, especially during the use of generative models.
A major highlight of the iPhone 16 Pro series is its upgraded camera system. Both models come equipped with a 48MP main camera featuring a second-generation quad-pixel sensor, supporting ProRAW and HEIF photos with zero shutter lag. Additionally, they include a 48MP ultra-wide camera and a 12MP 5x periscope telephoto lens with a 120mm zoom, catering to photography enthusiasts.
Enhanced Camera and Performance Features
The iPhone 16 models introduce a novel camera control button providing tactile feedback and quick access to camera functionalities. A single press opens the camera app, a tap takes a photo, and holding the button begins video recording. It also supports touch gestures for easy composition, zoom, and other setting adjustments.
The A18 Pro chip significantly enhances computational photography with real-time color and shadow adjustments, customizable photography styles, and improved video recording at 4K120fps. It also supports spatial audio capture, offering a more immersive experience when paired with AirPods or the Apple Vision Pro.
The series includes a new “Visual Intelligence” feature, which provides real-time information about objects in the camera’s view, similar to Google Lens, offering details such as restaurant reviews, information from posters, or identifying dog breeds.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max reportedly offers the best battery life of any iPhone so far, thanks to larger batteries and improved power management from the A18 Pro chip. Both models support faster charging speeds, though the exact wattage specifications remain unconfirmed.
Software and Build Quality
Featuring iOS 18, the iPhone 16 Pro series includes new tools designed to enhance productivity, creativity, and user experience. It introduces Apple Intelligence, a personal assistant powered by the A18 Pro chip’s machine learning, capable of tasks like writing, summarizing, and image generation with complete on-device privacy.
For gamers, iOS 18 offers Game Mode, improving performance with enhanced frame rate stability and reduced latency. The update also brings more customization options for the home screen, along with Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite for added safety.
Constructed with a Grade 5 titanium frame, the iPhone 16 Pro series is both sturdy and lightweight, featuring a premium microblasted finish. It includes Ceramic Shield glass, making it twice as tough as any other smartphone glass, and holds an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, capable of withstanding water immersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
Internally, a 100% recycled aluminum thermal substructure improves heat dissipation, enhancing performance during demanding tasks. The devices offer up to 20% better sustained performance compared to the iPhone 15 Pro.
Pricing & Availability
Available in four colors: Deep Black Titanium, Bright White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium, the iPhone 16 Pro series starts at $999 for the 128GB model, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max begins at $1199 for the 256GB variant. Pre-orders start this Friday, with official availability beginning September 20.
