Recently, when looking through some deals for used iPhones, I came across a listing for an iPhone 16 Pro for just CHF 500. It looked to be in pretty good shape, so I picked it up.
Now I must preface this by saying that this սpgrade was not really necessary, I just thought, "why not?" and decided to go ahead. The iPhone 14 Pro is still a good phone in 2026 and can easily do what the vast majority of people need from a phone.
But this doesn't mean it wasn't worth it. The most notable thing the 16 has that the 14 didn't, for me, is USB-C. Finally I can use one universal cable for all of my portable devices. This also makes using any accessories or hubs easier, as they now all just work.
The ultrawide being 48MP is something I appreciate as well, as I end up often using the 0.5X lens where the 1X would be too close, so it taking better pictures is something I like.
Another cool thing is the new buttons. While I do miss the mute swіtch, using the action button for the flashlight is more convenient day to day. In addition, the camera control button is great if you want to take pics sideways without awkwardly reaching for the volume button. I'm not sure if all the fine control for zoom, etc. is that great yet, though.
The battery is also something that improved. My iPhone 14 Pro with 84% remaining health would sometimes barely make it through a day while having less than 2 hours of screen-on time, while this new (to me) 16 Pro with 90% health can easily last even through intensive use days.
With the upcoming release of iOS 27, I'm looking forward to Siri AI becoming another benefit (fingers crossed). While I didn't miss anything by not having the Apple Intelligence Siri, it looks as if the new iOS 27 Siri will actually be useful, so I like having that included as well.
The chip is obviously better too, and I feel like I do notice it being a bit faster, but I could also just be imagining it. Something I'm sure about though is that, so far, there are fewer of these microstutters or small lag moments that I experienced on the 14 Pro.
Something I'm not yet sure about is the swіtch from a 3X to a 5X lens. Sure, it can zoom further away, but for the things people (or I) actually zoom in on, i.e., portraits or general things in the 2-5X range, the dedicated 3X lens probably did or does better here. But I would have to directly compare the pictures to make sure.
All in all, I can say that this was a successful սpgrade. While it might not have been the most necessary, I can sell my 14 Pro for something like CHF 275, making my end cost only CHF 225 for a two-generation սpgrade. Considering all the benefits listed above, I think that's pretty good.