We test every iPhone in the real world, focusing on its features, design, performance, camera, battery life and overall value. We documented our findings in the initial review, which will be updated regularly when there are new iOS updates or when compared to new phones from competitors like Samsung, Google and OnePlus.
photography
Photography is the main focus of the iPhone, so we take pictures and videos of various topics in various settings and lighting schemes. We tried any new camera modes, such as the 4K 120FPS slow video, which debuted with the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max.
Battery life
Battery testing is performed in a variety of ways. We evaluate how long the iPhone lasts during a typical day and pay attention to how it performs in more concentrated video calls, media streams, and games. We also conducted a video playback test, which is not always included in the initial comment and added in the update.
Performance measurement
We use benchmarking applications to measure performance, as well as our own anecdote experiences of using our phones for review. What is particularly noteworthy is the appearance of the graphics and animations. Are they smooth? Or do they lag or stutter? We also looked at how fast the phone switches between horizontal and vertical directions, as well as how quickly the camera app is turned on and ready to take a picture.
Emergency SOS is probably one of the most important features of any phone this year.
We perform heavy tasks such as editing photos and videos, exporting videos and playing games. We evaluate whether the new version of the iPhone contains enough features to make it worth upgrading from the older model. Some of these tests will be added in the update later after the initial comment is posted.
Read more: How to test a phone in CNET
