Like every year, brand loyalists line up to get their hands on the shiny new iPhones. But unlike previous years, there are a lot of reasons that make it hard to recommend an upgrade this year.

Because even if you ignore the constant Apple Intelligence delays and view the device as it was at launch, there are only a handful of notable features and changes, like the Camera Control button, iOS 18, and minor hardware upgrades. But do these alone justify the complete package that is the new iPhone 16 (all four models)? Here’s what we think.

The iPhone 16s certainly stand out when it comes to colors. You could argue that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models have the better hues (black, teal, pink, ultramarine, and white), compared to the Pro and Pro Max (black, white, natural, and desert – all titanium). But if you’re going to put a case on it, does it really matter?

The 16 Plus is a step up in terms of screen size, with the Pro Max having the largest display ever on an iPhone at 6.9 inches. But the reduced bezels mean the devices themselves aren’t absolutely gigantic. The 16 Pro Max also now has the biggest battery, dethroning the “Plus” and removing one of its main selling points.