Apple iPhone 16 Plus was released in September 2024 as one of the series of iPhone 16, together with the standard iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Targeted as the “big screen, big battery” device for those who refuse to pay for Pro models, the 16 Plus finds itself between affordability and premium feel. With its 6.7-inch screen, A18 processor, and status as a “battery beast,” iPhone 16 Plus is widely used in 2025.
We are going to review all the features of the iPhone 16 Plus: design, screen, performance, cameras, battery, software, advantages and disadvantages, and whether it is worth purchasing this year.
Design & Build
The iPhone 16 Plus inherits Apple’s tried-and-tested high-end design language. It boasts a glass front and rear with an aluminum middle frame, which makes it robust but stylish. At 199 grams, it’s weighty but not too heavy considering its size.
Dimensions: 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm
Weight: ~199 g
Colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine
Apple has also introduced two significant hardware improvements:
- Action Button: A reprogrammable button that can open apps, activate the flashlight, or do shortcuts.
- Camera Control Button: A pressure-sensitive button that allows you to control zoom, focus, and exposure similar to a DSLR camera shutter.
In terms of durability, the iPhone 16 Plus is IP68 dust and water resistant, remaining functional up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
Looking back, the iPhone 14 Plus was Apple’s first big-screen non-Pro model that set the stage for later Plus versions
Display
The largest highlight of the 16 Plus is its 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen. With a resolution of 2796 × 1290 pixels at ~460 ppi, it provides crisp visuals, inky blacks, and rich colors.
Size: 6.7 inches
Resolution: 2796 × 1290 pixels
Panel: OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision support
Peak Brightness: ~1000 nits typical, 1600 nits HDR, 2000 nits outdoor
The only downer is its 60 Hz refresh rate. While Pro models employ ProMotion 120 Hz for super-smooth scrolling, the 16 Plus remains with a normal refresh rate. You might notice if you transition from a high-refresh device, but most everyday users won’t care.
Performance & Hardware
At its essence, the iPhone 16 Plus operates on Apple’s A18 Bionic processor, based on a 3 nm process. This renders it not only potent but also power-efficient.
CPU: Hexa-core A18 (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores)
GPU: 5-core Apple GPU
RAM: 8 GB
Storage capacities: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
Daily activities like social media, browsing, video calls, and gaming work perfectly smoothly. Even graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile run on high settings without any lag.
The Neural Engine behind the A18 chip also drives Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new array of AI features, smarter Siri, writing tools, and photo editing improvements.
Connectivity features are 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Ultra Wideband (UWB), NFC, and USB-C charging. The use of USB-C is more convenient when charging and using accessories, particularly for individuals who also have iPads or Macs.
Cameras
The iPhone 16 Plus has the following dual rear camera setup:
- Main Camera – 48 MP, f/1.6, OIS (optical image stabilization)
- Ultra-Wide Camera – 12 MP, f/2.2, 120° field of view
The primary camera takes pin-sharp, detailed snaps with great color representation in the sun. Due to the high-res sensor, you can employ a 2× zoom crop that takes DSLR-quality photos without compromising on quality.
Low-light photography is good, but not quite on par with the 16 Pro and Pro Max, which have advanced sensors. The ultrawide camera takes decent shots but doesn’t have the level of detail and sharpness of the main sensor.
The front-facing camera is 12 MP with autofocus and 4K video recording, which makes selfies and FaceTime calls sharp.
Video features
Apple once again leads smartphone videography. The iPhone 16 Plus allows:
- 4K recording at 24/25/30/60 fps
- Cinematic mode in 4K HDR
- Action mode for stabilization
- Dolby Vision HDR video
If you want to see how far Apple has come, check out our full iPhone 14 Plus review
Battery Life
iPhone 16 Plus is a battery champion. It has a 4674 mAh battery, the biggest in the iPhone 16 family.
- Video playback: Up to 29 hours
- Audio playback: Up to 95 hours
- Real-world use: Easily lasts 1.5–2 days for heavy usage and up to 3 days for light/moderate usage.
Charging speeds: usage and
- Wired (USB-C, 27 W): 0–50% in approximately 30 minutes
- Wireless (MagSafe, 15 W): Slower, but more convenient
- Qi wireless charging (7.5 W): Supported
Although charging speeds aren’t as speedy as some of the Android competition (which tops out at 100 W), Apple focuses on battery health and life.
Software & Features
The iPhone 16 Plus comes pre-installed with iOS 18 and promises a minimum of 5–6 years of major updates, allowing for long-term usage.
Software highlights:
- Apple Intelligence—AI features for intelligent Siri, text summarization, and photo editing.
- iCloud & Ecosystem – Instant sync with Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods.
- Privacy-first approach—on-device processing for sensitive activities with the choice of adding cloud intelligence.
- Customizable Home Screen & Lock Screen – Widgets, app library, and Focus modes.
Last year’s iPhone 15 Plus refined the formula with better cameras and USB-C charging.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great battery life (2 days easily)
- Big, beautiful 6.7-inch OLED display
- Smooth performance with powerful A18 chip
- Great main camera and Apple’s unbeatable video quality
- New Camera Control and Action Button
- USB-C charging & enhanced connectivity
- Long-term iOS updates (5–6 years)
Cons
- Still capped at 60 Hz refresh rate
- No telephoto zoom lens
- One-handed bulk
- Slower charging speeds than most Android phones
- Less sophisticated camera system than Pro models
Who Should Buy the iPhone 16 Plus?
The iPhone 16 Plus is suitable for people who:
- Prioritize long battery life the most.
- Enjoy large-screen phones for watching, browsing, and reading.
- Require powerful performance but don’t require pro-level cameras.
- Want an iPhone for under $1,000 with contemporary features.
It’s not the best for users who value small size, high-refresh screens, or pro-grade photography.
Price & Availability
The iPhone 16 Plus launched at:
- $899 (US) for 128 GB
- ₹79,999 (India) starting price
It’s available worldwide in Apple Stores, carriers, and online shops.
You can also explore our iPhone 15 Plus review to see how it compares directly to the iPhone 16 Plus.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 16 Plus provides the ultimate balance of performance, screen size, and incredible battery life. It may fall short on some of the Pro offerings’ premium features (120 Hz ProMotion, telephoto camera, titanium construction), but it knocks it out of the park on what it does offer: a large-screen iPhone with unparalleled longevity.
If you desire an iPhone that lasts throughout the day and then some, can play games, shoot photos, and multitask effortlessly, and is cheaper than the Pros, the iPhone 16 Plus is one of the wisest purchases of 2025.
