Apple iPhone 16 Plus review

Apple released the iPhone 16 Plus in 2024 as the large-screen option in its iPhone lineup. Available colours include Black, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine. It sits between the standard iPhone 16 and the Pro models, offering a large screen and long battery life without the premium cost of the Pro variants.

The iPhone 16 Plus retains Apple’s flat-edge aluminium and glass construction. Dimensions are approximately 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm, with a weight of around 199 g. It feels premium in the hand, though its large footprint may require two hands for comfortable use. The aluminium frame and glass panels provide a solid, high-end feel, while the flat edges offer a modern aesthetic consistent with Apple’s current design language.

The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display has a resolution of 2796 × 1290 pixels, delivering sharp text, vibrant colours, and deep contrast. Peak brightness reaches roughly 2,000 nits outdoors. While the panel is excellent for streaming, browsing, and gaming, the 60Hz refresh rate is noticeably slower than the 120Hz found on many Android rivals and the iPhone Pro models. Colour accuracy and detail remain top-tier for content consumption.

The rear setup features a 48MP main sensor (f/1.6) and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. Daylight images are sharp, with strong dynamic range and accurate colours. Low-light photography benefits from the A18 chip and iOS computational photography enhancements. Video recording supports 4K at 60fps, HDR, and Apple’s Cinematic mode. The lack of a telephoto lens limits optical zoom, so while the system is excellent for most users, photography enthusiasts may find it restrictive compared to Pro models.a

Premium aluminium frame, front and back glass, and IP68 water and dust resistance ensure durability. Apple’s attention to detail results in tight tolerances and strong fit and finish. Fingerprints and minor scratches may appear on glass surfaces. The size can be cumbersome for pocket carry and one-handed operation, but overall, the build quality is excellent for a large-format iPhone.

Powered by the Apple A18 chip, the iPhone 16 Plus offers very strong performance. Benchmarks show significantly improved single-core and multi-core results compared to previous generation iPhones. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is fluid, and demanding tasks such as high-resolution video editing or gaming are handled with ease. The increased 8GB of RAM (versus 6GB in previous models) supports heavier workflows. The performance head-room and Apple’s long software support make this a device that should remain capable for many years.

The iPhone 16 Plus shows a noticeable improvement in battery endurance compared with the 15 Plus, offering several extra hours of video playback. Charging times are largely similar across the Plus and Pro models, with Apple maintaining moderate speeds that balance battery longevity with convenience.

While the 16 Pro edges out slightly in full-day performance, the 16 Plus provides excellent battery life for a large-format iPhone.

Upgrading from smaller iPhones may make the large size feel awkward. The 60Hz refresh rate can feel sluggish if accustomed to higher refresh screens. No telephoto lens limits zoom photography, and charging speeds are moderate compared to some rivals.

The iPhone 16 Plus offers a compelling large-format iPhone experience, balancing screen size, battery life, and performance without requiring Pro-level spending. If you value endurance and a big display over higher refresh rates or advanced camera zoom, this is a strong choice. Power users or photography enthusiasts may still prefer the Pro models for enhanced performance and camera versatility.