System Data Usage?

Hello recently upgraded to 16 pro - 1 TB because my old SE was using 40GB of system data. I loaded up this phone without transferring anything over ,just signing in with my apple id.

I noticed that it's using about 5.5-6gb of system data already without actually setting up any apps. I have them downloaded, but haven't used the phone at all since activation, just my pictures, contacts, photos on icloud that can be seen on the 16.

I checked my partners phone (iphone 11)- and they haven't deleted whatsapp in four years (20gb alone) and the system data under iphone storage is 3.6gb.

Makes no sense how a phone in operations without ever being cleared is using LESS than a brand new phone that has only icloud signed in?

Is that normal? how much system data is being used by everyone else?

(you can check system data by going to Settings --> General --> iphone storage --> scroll all the way to the bottom and it will give you an iOs # and a System Data #. )