Since mid-September, I’ve been using the iPhone 16, and I must admit that I have encountered a problem that I cannot ignore.
What’s the issue, you ask? Well, I am absolutely enamored with the iPhone 16 to the point where I cannot imagine switching to any other smartphone. Its performance, cameras, and battery life are all exceptional, but what truly sets it apart for me is its design.
The iPhone 16 Prioritizes What Matters Most to Me
Lately, I’ve come to realize that I am growing weary of oversized and heavy smartphones. The trend in the market has been towards larger, heavier devices with higher-quality materials and larger batteries, but I find myself disliking this direction. In this landscape of bulky phones, the iPhone 16 stands out as a refreshing change.
Weighing just 170 grams, the iPhone 16 may seem like just a number to some, but when compared to other major smartphone releases of 2024, its lightweight nature becomes apparent:
- iPhone 16 Pro (199 grams)
- Google Pixel 9 Pro (199 grams)
- Google Pixel 9 (198 grams)
- OnePlus 12 (220 grams)
- Xiaomi 14T Pro (209 grams)
Despite just publishing my iPhone 16 Pro review, which boasts superior hardware, I find myself drawn to the lightness and comfort of the iPhone 16. While the Pro model may exude a sense of premium quality, I have developed a peculiar fondness for the lightweight feel of the standard iPhone 16.
Handling the iPhone 16 feels like a breeze, unlike the hefty alternatives in the market. Its 6.1-inch display allows for easy one-handed usage, further enhancing the overall user experience. While other models may offer superior camera quality or battery life, I find myself willing to make the trade-off for the compact and lightweight design of the iPhone 16.
Fun, Comfortable, and Charming
While the lightweight build and compact screen are major selling points, the design of the iPhone 16 has other notable features that I adore. The visual appeal of the device is striking, especially in comparison to many lackluster smartphone designs of recent years.
The new camera layout, though not groundbreaking, offers a refreshing change from previous models. Additionally, the color options for this year, particularly Pink, Teal, and the spectacular Ultramarine, enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the device.
The delightful blend of blue and purple in the Ultramarine variant, along with the perfectly coordinated camera bump and frame, never fails to bring a smile to my face. The iPhone 16’s design exudes a sense of joy and creativity that stands out from the crowd, making it truly charming. It may not boast the most professional or robust hardware, but that’s not its aim. The iPhone 16 is all about fun, and that’s a breath of fresh air in the smartphone industry.
It’s Hard to Switch Back
As I sit here with an iPhone 16 Pro and a Pixel 9 Pro within reach, along with several of the year’s top folding phones in my closet, I find myself constantly gravitating towards the iPhone 16. Despite having access to the latest and greatest smartphones, it’s the simplicity, comfort, and joy of the iPhone 16 that keep me coming back.
Amidst a hectic year both personally and professionally, the iPhone 16 has brought me a sense of happiness and contentment. It excels in the basic elements of a smartphone while also offering a visually appealing and pleasant user experience. It may not try to do everything, but it certainly excels at being a delightful and lightweight companion in a sea of heavy and cumbersome devices.
