iPhone 16 Plus Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Apple Finally Releases a Model With a Powerhouse Battery
Apple’s iPhone 16 Plus builds on the regular iPhone, offering two key enhancements: a larger screen and extended battery life. Positioned between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, it provides the big-screen experience at a more affordable price point, starting from £899 (€1,099/$899/A$1,599).
Key Specifications:
- Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED), 460ppi
- Processor: Apple A18
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Operating System: iOS 18
- Cameras: 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide (rear), 12MP front-facing
- Battery Life: Up to 72 hours of general use
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C
- Water Resistance: IP68 (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes)
- Weight: 199g
- Dimensions: 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8mm
Design and Build
The iPhone 16 Plus keeps Apple’s familiar aluminum and glass sandwich design, with its cameras realigned to resemble the iPhone 12. Weighing 199g, it’s light for a large phone but still requires two hands for most tasks. Adding a case or grip might make handling more comfortable.
New Buttons
The 16 Plus introduces two new buttons, mirroring those in the iPhone 16 range:
- Action Button: Replaces the traditional mute switch, allowing you to assign custom functions, like launching apps or activating the flashlight.
- Camera Control Button: Instantly opens the camera and lets you adjust settings like zoom or depth, making one-finger photo-taking more efficient.
Display Quality
With a large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, the iPhone 16 Plus is great for viewing content. However, its 60Hz refresh rate lags behind the Pro models and competitors, meaning it isn’t as smooth for scrolling or gaming. That said, it still offers a solid viewing experience for streaming or casual media use.
Performance
The iPhone 16 Plus is powered by Apple’s new A18 chip, the same as in the smaller iPhone 16. It delivers fast performance, handling multitasking and demanding apps with ease. Combined with 8GB of RAM, it’s well-equipped to support future iOS updates and the AI-driven features that will roll out with iOS 18.1.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the standout features of the iPhone 16 Plus. It can last up to 72 hours with mixed usage, which includes about nine hours of active screen time over Wi-Fi and 5G. Even under heavier usage, such as continuous 5G navigation, it can last two full days between charges, making it a reliable choice for those who prioritize long battery life.
Camera System
The camera setup mirrors that of the regular iPhone 16:
- 48MP main camera
- 12MP ultrawide camera
The main camera captures high-quality images, particularly excelling in low light and motion settings. The ultrawide lens features a macrophotography mode, adding fun, close-up shooting options. The phone can also shoot spatial photos and videos, compatible with devices like the Vision Pro.
While the camera performs well overall, the lack of a telephoto zoom option is noticeable, especially for a device at this price point.
Sustainability and Repairability
Apple continues its efforts to improve sustainability with the iPhone 16 Plus:
- Battery: Rated to last for over 1,000 full charge cycles, maintaining at least 80% of its original capacity. A replacement costs £95.
- Repairability: Scored 7/10 by iFixit. Screen repairs are priced at £349.
- Recycled Materials: Over 30% of the device’s components, including aluminium, cobalt, and lithium, are made from recycled materials.
Apple also offers trade-in and recycling programs for both Apple and non-Apple products.
Price and Comparison
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) | £899 |
| iPhone 16 | £799 |
| iPhone 16 Pro | £999 |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | £1,199 |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | £1,099 |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus | £999 |
| Fairphone 5 | £499 |
Final Verdict
The iPhone 16 Plus carves out its niche in Apple’s 2024 lineup. It offers a larger display and superb battery life but lacks the more advanced features of the Pro models, such as a telephoto camera and a faster refresh rate. For users looking for a bigger screen without splurging on the Pro Max, and those who prioritize battery life, the iPhone 16 Plus is a solid choice. However, at £100 more than the regular iPhone 16, it’s worth considering whether the larger screen and longer battery life are worth the extra cost.
Pros:
- Fast performance
- Solid dual-camera system with macro mode
- Excellent battery life
- Action and camera control buttons
- USB-C port
- Long software support
- Face ID
Cons:
- No telephoto zoom
- Slower 60Hz refresh rate
- No always-on display
- Larger size makes one-handed use difficult
The iPhone 16 Plus stands out for users who want a phone that will last all day and beyond while still delivering high-quality performance and camera features. However, its limitations—particularly the lack of advanced screen tech and a telephoto lens—make it a compromise in some areas compared to the pricier Pro versions.
