Apple continues to push the boundaries of smartphone innovation, and the iPhone 16 Plus is no exception. Known for its massive battery life, enhanced camera capabilities, and larger display, this device is built for those who crave both performance and longevity. In this review, we will dive deep into the specs, features, and overall performance of the iPhone 16 Plus, helping you understand why it's one of Apple's most compelling releases to date.
Design: Bigger, Bolder, and Sleeker
The iPhone 16 Plus comes with a stunning 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering crisp visuals that make watching videos and playing games a delightful experience. While its design is similar to its predecessor, Apple has managed to fine-tune the aesthetics with cleaner lines and a more ergonomic feel. Weighing 199g, the phone is fairly light for its size but remains a two-handed device for most tasks.
The body is crafted from aluminium and glass, offering both durability and a premium feel. For those familiar with the iPhone 12, the rear camera layout may look similar, but subtle improvements in placement make this version feel fresh and modern. One downside is that this bulkier phone can be cumbersome to carry around in smaller pockets, so a case or grip might be necessary for better handling.
Display: A Visual Treat with a Few Trade-offs
While the iPhone 16 Plus retains the same screen size and type as the previous models, Apple has focused on improving brightness and clarity. With a 60Hz refresh rate, the device may not match the smoothness of Apple’s Pro models or some Android competitors, but it still offers an excellent viewing experience for casual users. Movies, TV shows, and games look fantastic on this display, even if fast-paced scrolling isn’t as fluid as it could be.
This phone is ideal for those who prioritize screen real estate without jumping to the premium 16 Pro Max, which offers a larger 6.9-inch display at a higher price point.
Performance: A18 Chip Powers the Future
The iPhone 16 Plus is powered by the all-new A18 chip, a significant upgrade from its predecessor, making it one of the fastest phones available in 2024. Paired with 8GB of RAM, this phone excels in multitasking, gaming, and heavy-duty apps without any signs of lag. Whether you're editing 4K videos or juggling multiple apps, the performance remains smooth and responsive.
In addition to its core processing power, the A18 chip brings better efficiency, meaning longer battery life and faster performance across the board. This device is future-proofed to handle Apple’s upcoming AI features, expected to roll out in iOS 18.1 later this year.
Battery Life: Unmatched Endurance
The biggest selling point of the iPhone 16 Plus is undoubtedly its battery life. With an impressive 72-hour lifespan under moderate usage, this device easily outperforms many competitors. The combination of 5G connectivity and efficient power usage ensures that you won’t find yourself scrambling for a charger by mid-day. In our tests, even under heavy use with extensive 5G and mapping, the device comfortably lasted two days.
Charging is also faster thanks to the USB-C port, reaching 75% in 50 minutes with a 30W power adapter and fully charged in just 95 minutes.
New Buttons: Action and Camera Control
Apple has introduced two significant button upgrades with the iPhone 16 Plus. The first is the action button, replacing the traditional mute switch, which offers quick access to apps, camera modes, and focus settings with a simple press. This button can also be customized to perform tasks like turning on the torch or activating specific apps.
The second new button is the camera control button, allowing instant access to your camera and its settings. With just one hand, you can adjust zoom, depth, and exposure, making photography more intuitive than ever.
Camera: Improved Performance, Lacking Zoom
The dual-camera setup on the iPhone 16 Plus features a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. While these specs mirror the regular iPhone 16, the 16 Plus benefits from faster sensors, providing enhanced image quality in low-light environments and better performance in motion shots.
The macro mode is a standout feature for those interested in close-up photography, capturing details with impressive clarity. The photographic styles feature allows users to personalize color tones and palettes, whether you're shooting or editing.
Unfortunately, the iPhone 16 Plus lacks the telephoto lens found in the Pro models, meaning zoom quality is limited. This absence is one of the device’s biggest weaknesses, especially considering the price point. However, for everyday photography and casual video recording, this phone holds its own.
Operating System: iOS 18 and the Future of AI
Running on iOS 18, the iPhone 16 Plus feels modern and sleek, although many of Apple’s AI-driven features are still in beta. These features are expected to fully launch with iOS 18.1, which will introduce tools designed to improve everything from photography to app management. Early reviews of the beta indicate promising advancements, but for now, users will have to wait a little longer to experience these AI capabilities.
Sustainability: A Greener iPhone
Apple continues to lead the way in sustainability, and the iPhone 16 Plus follows suit. The phone is built using over 30% recycled materials, including aluminium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. Apple’s commitment to eco-friendly design is clear with its trade-in and recycling programs, which allow users to return their old devices free of charge.
In terms of repairability, the iPhone 16 Plus scores 7 out of 10 on iFixit’s scale, a slight improvement from previous models. With repair guides available and lower costs for screen replacements, maintaining your device is easier than ever.
Price and Comparison
Starting at £899 ($899) for the 128GB model, the iPhone 16 Plus is positioned between the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models. For those who want a large screen and long-lasting battery but don’t need the advanced camera and display features of the Pro versions, this is the perfect middle-ground option.
However, with competing devices like the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL at £1,099 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus at £999, the iPhone 16 Plus holds its own in both performance and pricing. But if price is a major concern, options like the Fairphone 5 at £499 offer a more affordable, albeit less powerful alternative.
Verdict: A Battery Giant With Trade-offs
The iPhone 16 Plus is the ideal choice for users who prioritize battery life and screen size. While it lacks the advanced display technology and telephoto zoom found in the Pro models, its affordability, performance, and usability make it a great option for most.
However, users who want the best of the best in camera technology or smooth display performance may need to consider other options.
Pros:
- Massive battery life
- Excellent display
- Snappy performance with A18 chip
- Improved durability and sustainability
- Action and camera buttons add versatility
Cons:
- No telephoto zoom
- 60Hz refresh rate feels outdated
- Bulky for one-handed use
- Lacks always-on display
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