I upgraded only because the speakers on my 12 Mini were failing making it nearly impossible to have a phone call.
(1) This phone is too big, heavy, and slippery and uneasy to grasp with one hand.
(2) The camera bump is ridiculously large. It’s laughable how much it rocks on the counter as you type on it. Not in a good way.
(3) The Camera button is in the worst place (accidentally clicking it constantly) and too confusing so I disabled it forever.
(4) I also disabled the action button. This seems too easy to disable silent mode which I have enabled 99.9% of the time.
(5) The screen is noticeably worse and has a blue cast. It’s not as sharp and the contrast is dull.
(6) I love the material used on the back, even though it makes it difficult to hold.
I fully understand the hardware is significantly more advanced but the iPhone 16 genuinely feels like a downgrade from the iPhone 12 Mini. I’m not happy at all.
I’m going to stop by the Apple Store this weekend and look at getting the SE.
Update:
After a couple weeks, I can confirm that I still hate how gigantic this phone is. I had to get a case so that I can use it laid flat. It's like packing a laptop in my front pocket so I either put it in my back pocket or carry a bag. It STILL wobbles.
I have to use two hands to do most things. Shockingly, web sites and apps still don't properly fit on the screen. The camera is just ok. Speakers are pretty good. I have no use for Apple AI other than the occasional image edit (which other apps do).
I've replaced the shitty Apple camera app with Halide. I access this from Control Center. I swipe left from the home screen to access the default video camera. I found a cool trick to utilize the Action button - use it to access a menu built in Shortcuts (basically mimicking Control Center). I would one thousand percent prefer to get rid of the camera button entirely.
I guess I've adjusted to the screen though it still seems too blue to me.
I really can't think of one reason anyone would choose to upgrade to this phone.
This phone would be perfect if (1) Apple shifted more of the weight towards the bottom, (2) removed one camera, (3) recessed the camera entirely, (4) made the back from smooth (sticky) glass that wasn't nano-textured, (5) reduced the height and width dimensions by 10mm, (6) got rid of the camera button.
I have owned an iPhone since the very first one. Never have I used a case. I should not need to purchase an accessory to use my phone. The option should be to add things to the phone to increase functionality, not to resolve a bug.
No color filters. No screen protector. It’s brand new out of the box. It’s blue. Honestly, I’m shocked this hasn’t been reported. Maybe I got a dud.
If it’s that blue, yeah, take it in. Could be a dud. My idea on the color filters was to make it better for you.
I don’t want buttons to do anything. In previous generations, the volume up and down buttons were somewhat useful and the power button would just turn the screen on and off. Now these buttons are open in apps, taking pictures, turning on lights, doing things. In your pocket. I’m very happy they’ve added the option to disable them entirely. I’d be happier if it were the old toggle mute button which made sense.