Key Points:
- iPhone 16 introduces an easier battery removal process with electrical adhesive debonding.
- iPhone 16 Pro Max ranks #4 overall in DXOMARK, with the best video performance.
- Improvements in photo and video quality, but zoom performance shows inconsistencies.
Over the weekend, iFixit released a teardown video of the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, highlighting a new and more user-friendly battery removal method. Unlike previous models, the iPhone 16 uses an innovative adhesive that can be loosened with a low-voltage electrical current, making battery replacement easier.
By attaching alligator clips to a 9V battery and connecting them to specific points on the phone, the adhesive releases after about 90 seconds, allowing for hassle-free battery removal. iFixit hailed this method as “revolutionary” and gave the iPhone 16 a repairability score of 7 out of 10, noting significant improvements in hardware repairability.
However, this new method is exclusive to the standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models still use traditional stretch-release adhesive for battery removal. Additionally, the Pro Max now features a metal-enclosed battery, enhancing heat dissipation and repair safety.
iPhone 16 Pro Max DXOMARK Results
The iPhone 16 Pro Max performed impressively in DXOMARK’s rigorous camera tests, ranking #4 overall but standing out as the best smartphone for video. DXOMARK’s analysis was based on over 3,000 photos and 150 hours of video.
Here’s the breakdown of the results:
- Best for Video: The iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in video performance, offering great color accuracy, noise reduction, and stabilization.
- Photo Capabilities: The device performs well with wide dynamic range, accurate white balance, and excellent detail in bright settings. However, it shows inconsistencies in detail across the zoom range and in ultra-wide shots.
- Issues with Zoom: The Pro Max has a narrow depth of field, which affects group photos, and suffers from unwanted artifacts like ghosting and flare, especially when zooming between 2x and 5x.
Verdict
While the iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in video performance, there is room for improvement in zoom quality. Still, the addition of new features like 4K/120fps video mode, advanced customization options, and better photo processing makes it a strong contender in the smartphone camera market. Despite modest improvements over the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple’s flagship remains a top choice for both photography and videography.
