This morning, Apple opened preorders for the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro at 5 a.m. PT/8 a.m. ET. Despite initially resisting the urge to preorder the latest iPhone, I eventually succumbed to temptation 20 minutes after preorders went live.
Instead of opting for the higher-end iPhone 16 Pro Max or the iPhone 16 Pro, or even the iPhone 16 Plus with its larger screen and potentially longer battery life, I unexpectedly chose the base model iPhone 16 for some rather unusual reasons.
Reasons for Choosing the iPhone 16
As a tech writer who specializes in smartphones, I usually gravitate towards the top-tier devices. I typically opt for phones like the Google Pixel 9 Pro or the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra due to their cutting-edge features. Despite using an iPhone 15 Pro Max as one of my daily phones since its release last year, I decided to preorder the iPhone 16 for some unexpected reasons.
Although it seemed logical for me to choose the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max, I went against the grain and selected the base model iPhone 16 instead.
One of the main reasons for this unconventional choice is my dissatisfaction with the design of the iPhone 16 Pro. Despite being a premium and well-crafted smartphone, I found its design monotonous. On the other hand, the iPhone 16’s new design captivated me with its simplicity and vibrancy. The frosted glass back felt premium, and the color options like Teal, Pink, and my chosen Ultramarine were visually stunning.
From a practical standpoint, I also wanted to move away from larger phones. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, with its titanium construction, offered better usability, but its large size became cumbersome over time. The compact and lightweight design of the iPhone 16 appealed to me for this reason.
Changing Priorities
Transitioning from last year’s Pro Max to this year’s base model will entail some compromises. I will miss the telephoto camera, the expansive display, and the higher refresh rate. However, the gap between the base iPhone and the Pro models has narrowed significantly, with features like the Action button, new Camera Control, and the primary camera being on par with the higher-end models.
This shift in preference reflects my desire for a different smartphone experience. While my past self would have always opted for the Pro model, my current self values the unique design and aesthetics of the iPhone 16 over certain technical specifications. Whether this choice turns out to be a misstep remains to be seen, but I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my compact, lightweight, and vibrant iPhone in the mail.
