Skip the iPhone 16 Pro: Apple’s Rivals Have Something Even Better in Store
Apple CEO Tim Cook is all set to showcase the company's latest iPhone 16 Pro at the highly anticipated Glowtime event. Fans will gather in the iconic Steve Jobs Theater, as Cook and his team present features they claim can only be delivered by Apple.
But at the end of the day, they’re just phones.
Apple doesn’t hold a monopoly on innovation or cutting-edge technology. In fact, several competing brands now offer smartphones that surpass the iPhone 16 Pro in experience, features, and overall capabilities.
Of course, if you're deeply entrenched in Apple's ecosystem, with thousands of dollars invested in apps, services, and other Apple hardware, switching brands may not feel like an option. You may find yourself at the mercy of Apple’s timeline to experience new technology.
For some users, "just a phone" suffices. With today’s advanced technology, most smartphones, regardless of manufacturer, meet basic needs. However, if you’re seeking true innovation, experimentation, and progress, the real action is happening beyond Apple’s borders.
Consider three major features of the iPhone 16 lineup: artificial intelligence (AI), enhanced zoom, and the new Capture Button. These aren’t new concepts in the smartphone world. Many of Apple’s competitors have already implemented these features—and in some cases, have been refining them for years.
Google, for example, introduced the first AI-powered smartphone in 2023 with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Samsung’s Galaxy AI, with its expansive user base, quickly followed. As we enter another smartphone cycle, we're now seeing second-generation AI hardware and software making their way into devices like the Pixel 9, which recently launched with Google’s Gemini AI and a suite of advanced AI tools.
Meanwhile, Apple’s awkwardly named "Apple Intelligence" won’t even be fully available when the iPhone 16 launches. Only a few features will be available in October, with full integration of AI tools expected by next March, a significant delay compared to Android.
Zoom capabilities, another key feature, were first introduced by Apple with the iPhone 15 Pro Max in 2023, using a folding periscope lens for optical zoom. However, Apple’s entry into the zoom game came three years after brands like Huawei and Xiaomi, with Samsung and Google joining in 2021.
Similarly, while Apple is rolling out a new Capture Button with the iPhone 16 lineup, physical buttons that enhance camera functionality have been standard on many Android phones for years. Brands like OnePlus, Sony, and Samsung all have their own versions of action buttons or sliders, further highlighting how late Apple is to this trend.
The innovations found in the Android world are not only more advanced but also more practical. The latest generation of foldable phones, such as the Honor Magic V3 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, are pushing the boundaries of design, offering nearly 9-inch screens when unfolded—turning smartphones into mini-tablets. Apple has yet to introduce any foldable technology.
Android manufacturers are also prioritizing repairability. Brands like Fairphone and HMD's Skyline have designed phones with the goal of easy repairs, allowing users to replace parts themselves without incurring hefty fees. Apple, on the other hand, still favors a sealed design, making repairs both expensive and difficult.
Gaming on smartphones is another area where Android shines. While Apple’s ecosystem is popular, the best mobile games often target Android users. Specialist gaming phones like the Redmagic 7 by Nubia feature advanced cooling, shoulder buttons, and higher processing power for an unmatched gaming experience.
As Tim Cook takes the stage this Monday to unveil the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple’s story will center around bringing the “best” iPhone experience. But in reality, Apple is playing catch-up. The iPhone 16 is just another phone in a crowded marketplace, no longer holding the title of the most innovative or feature-rich device.
Ultimately, the iPhone represents the right choice for some users, but it is far from the only option. As you listen to Cook’s keynote, remember: Apple’s iPhone 16 may be impressive, but it’s just one of many great smartphones available today.
