The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
A large-screen phone with a solid battery life and useful features for daily users, without a massive cost.What's good
- Stunning large display
- Great battery life
- Strong camera performance
- Faster MagSafe charging
- Sleek, colorful design
What's bad
- 60Hz display limit
- Bulky for some users
- No optical zoom
- No charger included
- Limited storage options
Design
The iPhone 16 Plus impresses with its updated design. It uses aerospace-grade aluminum, making it both lightweight and durable. This finish reduces fingerprint marks, keeping it clean.
Its vertical camera module is a departure from previous models, allowing for spatial video capture. Users appreciate the feeling of "a sleek aluminum unibody case," according to Notebookcheck.
The ergonomic shape and rounded corners ensure comfort, despite its large size. With an IP68 rating, it withstands dust and water exposure.
Display(s)
The iPhone's 6.7-inch screen ensures you see crisp details and true colors. Its Super Retina XDR display shows everything in fine detail.
Reviewers find its brightness improved, peaking at 2,000 nits, which helps in sunny conditions, though "outdoor visibility remains a challenge" according to Notebookcheck.
The 60Hz refresh rate can make scrolling feel less smooth, a letdown when watching videos or gaming, with Tom's Guide noting other phones offer higher refresh rates at this price point.
Its big screen is a strong point for those who enjoy watching content or editing photos on the go.
Performance
The iPhone 16 Plus excels with Apple's A18 chip, showcasing notable speed improvements. It powers through demanding apps and games, making it feel responsive in every use.
Reviewers highlight its impressive ability to handle any general task without noticeable lag, making it suitable for a wide array of users.
"A remarkable upgrade in both CPU and GPU performance," experts note, emphasizing that its hardware can manage upcoming Apple Intelligence features seamlessly.
Software & Storage
iOS 18 brings a new level of customization to the iPhone 16 Plus, letting you place app icons and widgets anywhere on your home screen with ease.
You can modify the Control Center, add colored app icons, and engage with the new Widgets placed throughout the interface. PCMag notes this flexibility as a welcome improvement.
Though Apple Intelligence features will roll out in October, experts anticipate significant enhancements like improved Siri responsiveness and AI-powered photo editing tools.
Cameras
The iPhone packs a 48MP main and 12MP ultrawide camera, delivering detailed and vibrant photos in varying conditions. The Camera Control button simplifies quick access and adjustments for capturing moments effortlessly, though it requires a firm touch to master all functions as noted by TechRadar. Night photography impresses, providing visibility in almost total darkness, turning "night vision" into reality, as shown in our tests.
While lacking a telephoto lens, reviewers agree the detailed photos and intuitive camera interface make the experience enjoyable for most users.
Battery
The iPhone 16 Plus offers one of the longest-lasting batteries in a smartphone. With a 4,674mAh battery, you can expect more than 21 hours of continuous video streaming. It's ideal for users who dread a midday shutdown.
Experts highlight how "Apple doesn't disappoint with its long-lasting battery life," offering peace of mind for busy individuals.
Traditional charging might feel sluggish at 20W, but the 25W MagSafe wireless charging option delivers a significant speed boost, letting you quickly juice up without wires.
Audio
Apple's iPhone 16 Plus continues to impress with its enhanced audio capabilities. The dual stereo speakers deliver warm and balanced sound, and you'll notice distinct instrument separation during music playback. This makes it ideal for watching films or playing music, enhancing your entertainment experience.
When it comes to calls, reviewers from Notebookcheck affirm, "Call quality via the earphones and microphones is very good," ensuring whoever you're speaking to hears you clearly in any setting. This is especially valuable during lengthy, important conversations.
Additionally, the new Audio Mixing feature, inherited from the Pro models, allows for post-capture audio adjustments in video recordings. You can tweak sound levels to your liking, adding a personalized touch to your videos without extra equipment.
The Bottom Line
This phone offers a larger screen experience that feels lighter and more comfortable for extended use.
You'll enjoy the addition of the Action and Camera Control buttons, enhancing user interactivity and camera flexibility. Reviewers have noted "a pleasing mix of performance, battery life and size" (PCMag), which makes this device a practical choice for daily tasks.
While it lacks a high refresh rate, the display remains bright and vibrant, making it a viable option for entertainment and productivity on a budget.
What the Critics Are Saying...


- Adam Turner, Gadget GuyThe Apple iPhone 16 Plus' larger 6.7-inch display sounds impressive, but it doesn't always offer the boost you'd hope for.


- George Cairns, Digital Camera WorldIf you own an older iPhone model then the 16 Plus is worth considering as its new Camera Control button could change the way you shoot. You can swipe and press to adjust a wide range of camera settings (such as Depth, Tone and Exposure) in a more tactile way than by tapping and swiping icons on a sc...


- Craig Grannell, StuffThe iPhone 16 you’d pick last for your team, but you’d still be happy it’s on your side. I just wish it had a little more Pro and a little less upsell.


- Samuel Gibbs, The GuardianThe iPhone 16 Plus occupies an odd spot in Apple’s 2024 smartphone lineup. It is identical in capability and hardware to the cheaper, smaller iPhone 16, which means it lacks the zoom camera, more advanced screen and other capabilities of the company’s Pro iPhones. Though the 6.7in display is sizeabl...


- Ketan Pratap, Gadgets 360The iPhone 16 raises the bar for what vanilla iPhone models could do. The iPhone 16 (and 16 Plus) gets an A18 chip, which promises superior performance compared to Android flagships in the market. The cameras are solid, and you get two new buttons - Action and Camera Control. The battery backup is i...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
Apple iPhone 16 Plus prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Apple's suggested retail price is $899.00. You can compare iPhone 16 Plus prices from around the web here on The Informr.
Apple backs up the iPhone 16 Plus with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your iPhone 16 Plus has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Apple support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Apple's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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