The iPhone 16 officially launched in Indonesia on April 11, 2025, with pre-orders opening as early as March 28 through authorized distributors. As the newest addition to Apple’s smartphone lineup, the iPhone 16 series includes the iPhone 16e, standard iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
This launch marks the end of a seven-month sales ban in Indonesia, which may tempt many users to consider an upgrade. However, despite being Apple’s latest offering, the iPhone 16 isn’t necessarily a must-buy for everyone. Before making a purchase, several key factors should be considered.
1. Familiar Design, Not Entirely New
Among the most noticeable changes in the iPhone 16 series is the design of the non-Pro models. The standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus come with a revised look that breaks away from the previous three generations. But while the design is technically different, it isn’t completely new.
In fact, the back of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus resembles the iPhone 11, launched five years ago. The dual rear cameras are now vertically aligned—abandoning the diagonal layout seen in the iPhone 13, 14, and 15. This design choice feels like a throwback rather than an innovation.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max maintain a design that closely mirrors their predecessors, offering little visual change.
2. No 120Hz Display on Base Models
Apple continues to reserve high-refresh-rate displays for its premium models. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max boast slightly larger screens compared to the previous generation—6.3 inches and 6.9 inches respectively, up by 0.2 inches from the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
However, the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus remain limited to 60Hz refresh rates. This means no support for Apple’s ProMotion display technology, which enables smoother scrolling and more responsive touch input—a feature considered standard on flagship smartphones today.
This decision makes the base models feel outdated in a market where 120Hz has become the norm, even in mid-range devices.
3. Improved Chip and Battery, But Stagnant Cameras
The iPhone 16 series does offer noteworthy performance improvements, especially in the chip and battery departments.
The regular iPhone 16 and 16 Plus now run on the new A18 chip, a notable upgrade. This is a shift from Apple’s previous approach, where non-Pro models inherited the prior generation’s Pro chip. For example, the iPhone 14 used the A15 chip from the iPhone 13 Pro, and the iPhone 15 used the A16 from the iPhone 14 Pro.
This year, Apple returns to launching all-new chips across the entire lineup. The Pro and Pro Max versions feature the even more powerful A18 Pro chip.
Battery life has also improved across the board. The iPhone 16 is rated for up to 22 hours of video playback—up two hours from the iPhone 15. The iPhone 16 Plus offers 27 hours, up by one hour, while the iPhone 16 Pro supports 27 hours (up four hours). The iPhone 16 Pro Max leads with 33 hours of video playback, an increase of four hours from its predecessor.
Despite these internal upgrades, the camera hardware remains unchanged. On paper, the specs are nearly identical to the iPhone 15 series. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus still feature a 12 MP front camera and a dual rear setup: a 48 MP main sensor and a 12 MP ultra-wide lens. No major enhancements were made to sensors or photo capabilities.
Verdict: Worth Upgrading?
If you’re already using an iPhone 15, there may be little reason to upgrade to the iPhone 16 unless you’re specifically interested in the new chip or improved battery life. The lack of major design changes, the continued absence of a 120Hz display in non-Pro models, and stagnant camera specs make the upgrade feel incremental rather than revolutionary.
However, for those using older iPhones—especially models prior to the iPhone 13—the iPhone 16 could still offer a meaningful boost in performance and battery life. Just be sure to weigh what features matter most to you before making the investment.