iPhone 16 Plus review: The most complicated phone I’ve reviewed

iPhone 16 Plus

MSRP $899.00

“The iPhone 16 Plus does every thing the superb, smaller, and cheaper iPhone 16 does, simply with a much bigger display.”

Execs

• Unbelievable {hardware} and colours
• Massive, brilliant display
• Quick, dependable, and feature-packed software program
• Enjoyable digicam and Digital camera Management
• Lengthy battery life

Cons

• Solely a 60Hz refresh price
• No always-on display

We questioned in our iPhone 16 review whether or not you really want one of many Professional fashions this yr, so the place does that go away the iPhone 16 Plus? It’s virtually precisely the identical because the iPhone 16 aside from just a few apparent variations, so does that make it even higher, or pointless and in the end undesirable?

Or is it merely the iPhone to purchase this yr if you would like a giant display? I’ve discovered, and it seems the reply is way more sophisticated than I anticipated.

iPhone 16 Plus: specs

iPhone 16 Plus: design

When the iPhone 16 Plus arrived for me to assessment, I used to be already every week into utilizing the iPhone 16 Pro Max and had come from an iPhone 15 Pro Max, so I used to be totally used to dealing with Apple’s largest smartphones. It’s bigger than the iPhone 16 by far as a result of 6.7-inch display, however the weight remains to be smart at 199 grams, and the telephone is just 6mm wider, so it by no means actually looks like an excessive amount of of a handful. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless not a small telephone, and anybody who usually dislikes huge telephones received’t take pleasure in holding it.

However whenever you do maintain the iPhone 16 Plus, you instantly discover the place Apple has actually made enhancements in its {hardware} this yr. The iPhone 15 Plus was a giant step ahead over the iPhone 14 Plus, however the brand new telephone’s case, form, and supplies are even additional forward. It’s fantastically completed with its rounded, curved corners, completely executed button really feel, and easily superb glass again. The way in which the digicam module — itself one other large model enchancment over the 15 Plus — blends into the case again makes it look as if it’s floating on liquid. It’s gorgeous.

Then we’ve received the brand new colour vary. I’ve been utilizing the Teal model, and I believe it’s lovely, however there’s quite a bit to be mentioned in regards to the Ultramarine colour, too. The matte end of the metallic chassis enhances the intense new colours completely.

Staying with the metallic for a second, it doesn’t really feel worse than the iPhone 16 Professional Max’s titanium chassis, simply completely different. It’s hotter to the contact, and there’s extra grip should you don’t use a case. However probably the most noticeable distinction whenever you maintain the 2 huge iPhones collectively is the additional 28 grams you’ve received to wield each day should you select the Professional Max. The 16 Plus looks like a flyweight as compared till you maintain the even lighter iPhone 16.

I’ve used the iPhone 16 Plus out and in of its official Apple silicone case and don’t discover it burdensome within the pocket of my denims. The case could be very grippy and does appeal to loads of mud and lint, however I respect the sapphire crystal cowl over the Digital camera Management button — one other design and performance win this yr —  and the enjoyable animation for MagSafe wi-fi charging whenever you put the case on the telephone.

Make no mistake — the iPhone 16 Plus is a giant telephone, and should you don’t like that, the smaller iPhone 16 is for you. Should you don’t thoughts, it is a lovely, high-quality, beautifully made smartphone that, alongside the Google Pixel 9 sequence, needs to be thought of the benchmark different manufacturers should aspire to in the event that they wish to really compete over the approaching yr.

iPhone 16 Plus: display

There are two issues with the iPhone 16 Plus’s display, and they’re the identical ones that plague the iPhone 16. This $900 telephone’s 6.7-inch display has a 60Hz refresh price, and should you’re a spec fiend, you then most likely assume it’s unforgivable. It’s definitely fairly tight on Apple’s half, as the corporate forces you to splurge on a Professional mannequin to get a 120Hz ProMotion show, plus virtually each Android telephone comes with a excessive refresh price display nowadays, even if it costs less than $300.

I’m not going to defend Apple right here, however I’ll say that the iPhone 16 Plus does a good job of smoothing out the 60Hz display, and it’s a approach higher expertise than it was on the iPhone 14. That mentioned, it’s nowhere close to the expertise you get with the 120Hz ProMotion display or any fashionable Android telephone’s excessive refresh price. It’s a merciless alternative on Apple’s half, and for me, it’s a motive to not purchase a non-Professional iPhone — but it surely is probably not a deal breaker for everybody. I discover the blur when scrolling in apps like Threads and Reddit, and it’s as ugly as it’s uncomfortable.

The opposite difficulty is the dearth of an always-on show, which ends up in a black display when the telephone is locked except you’re interacting with it. Once more, always-on shows are discovered on virtually each different smartphone out there in the present day, and even holdout Motorola is anticipated to finish its aversion to the feature quickly. Apple’s always-on display is very customizable, useful, and handsome, however you’ll have to purchase a Professional telephone to see and use it.

Apple’s resolution to not embody these options makes you’re feeling shortchanged and does take away from an in any other case very enticing display. Regardless of being bigger in dimension, it has the identical pixel density because the iPhone 16, and it’s sharp, colourful, and actually brilliant. What’s attention-grabbing is how the iPhone 16 Plus is barely smaller than the iPhone 16 Professional Max, despite the fact that that telephone has an excellent greater 6.9-inch display. The distinction is within the bezels, that are bigger and extra noticeable on the 16 Plus. It’s not a giant deal, however there’s little doubt the 16 Professional Max appears to be like extra futuristic with its minuscule display bezels.

iPhone 16 Plus: digicam

The iPhone 16 Plus has the identical digicam because the iPhone 16, so don’t count on any variations between specs or efficiency. There’s a 48-megapixel fundamental digicam, a 12MP ultrawide digicam, a 2x optical high quality zoom mode, and a 12MP selfie digicam. It’s nice to see autofocus on the wide-angle digicam, however in any other case, it’s similar to the iPhone 15 Plus digicam system.

New for iOS 18 and the iPhone 16 are updated Photographic Styles, that are filters you possibly can apply and alter in actual time and after you’ve taken a photograph. There are 15 in complete, and except said, all the instance photos right here have been taken with the usual Photographic Model. They’re lots of enjoyable to play with, although, particularly whenever you use the Digital camera Management {hardware} button on the aspect of the telephone, and so they can each subtly and dramatically alter the look of your photos.

On the optimistic aspect, the digicam takes sharp, detailed images which can be higher balanced than these taken with some earlier iPhone cameras, with much less distinction and problematic publicity points. You will get a beautiful depth of discipline when near a topic, and though the wide-angle digicam lacks the identical degree of element as the first digicam, it’s in step with its remedy of a scene. The digicam app is quick and logical, there’s a good enhancing suite (which isn’t very intuitive at first, however will get simpler with use), and the Camera Control button does add a enjoyable component to taking images.

Much less spectacular is its lowlight efficiency, as even in dim indoor lighting, photographs are grainy — an affliction that additionally impacts macro mode, which hates something however excellent lighting. The on-the-go enhancing of the Photographic Kinds is fantastically designed — you modify the look utilizing a mix of swipes and sliders — however fiddly. Mastering this characteristic does assist compensate for the occasions when the iPhone’s digicam can oversaturate photographs. The optical high quality 2x images are wonderful, however lack element whenever you crop them down additional.

I’m being fairly harsh on the iPhone 16 Plus’ digicam as a result of it wants to be actually good. Not due to the worth, however as a result of it might be nice if it have been a motive to decide on the Plus over the conventional iPhone 16. It’s not, because the digicam is strictly the identical.

What’s extra, contemplating the compromises you’re already making with the display, if the digicam is basically essential to you, it’s most likely value excited about a Professional mannequin at this level. If you wish to take enjoyable photographs on trip to share with mates, you then’ll be greater than glad. Simply ensure you be taught to make use of the Photographic Kinds, as they’re key to getting probably the most from the iPhone 16 Plus’ digicam.

iPhone 16 Plus: software program

What can I say about iOS 18, which comes preinstalled on the iPhone 16 sequence? I believe it’s glorious, and whereas it’s not faultless, it presents many options which can be usually extraordinarily straightforward to make use of and luxuriate in, with only a few pointless interruptions or gimmicks that disrupt the use and movement of the working system each day. Apple’s A18 processor (not the A18 Professional discovered within the Professional fashions) ensures it’s at all times quick and responsive proper from the outset, and whereas the benchmark outcomes do present a small variation between it and the smaller iPhone 16, there’s no apparent {hardware} motive why this needs to be the case.

The look of iOS 18 is extra customizable than earlier than, with the power to vary the place and color of app icons, have fewer on the display if you would like, and use a greater variety of widgets, too. It’s considerably profitable, however I’m pleased with the identical outdated structure I’ve used for years on the iPhone. The colour choices vary from the appropriate darkish mode icons to the extraordinarily color-sensitive tinted possibility. It’s very straightforward to get this unsuitable and break the look of the house screens.

That is fluff compared to all of the issues iOS does effectively. Apple Pay works each time with out fail and is easy to arrange. Apple Maps has improved an amazing deal and is now equally pretty much as good as Google Maps for driving routes the place I stay. The built-in Podcasts app is packed and easy to make use of and iMessage now has a ton of features and is enjoyable in case you have the prospect to make use of it (I’ve simply one contact who prefers to make use of it over WhatsApp). I discover your complete consumer expertise for apps to be so easy and reassuring that I exploit my iPhone for nearly each app that makes on-the-go funds (comparable to my parking app and the Shell app for pay-at-the-pump service after I refuel my automobile).

That’s all earlier than the world of pay companies Apple gives, from Apple Music and iCloud to Apple Health+ should you even have an Apple Watch. Apple brings all its companies and {hardware} collectively in a approach that’s extra coherent than different manufacturers, encouraging you to contemplate including them in, however by no means actually pushing you to take action. On the draw back, iOS is steadily turning into so feature-packed that it’s onerous to maintain observe, and the various customization options — from the icon colours to enhancing and rearranging the Management Middle structure — are clunky and sometimes pointless, whereas the ever-growing menus and pull-down screens danger overwhelming the OS.

Apple’s iOS software program is a giant promoting level of the iPhone. It’s straightforward to be taught and use, remains to be easy sufficient for nearly everybody, has a variety of well-crafted commonplace apps and plenty of optionally available companies, may be custom-made if that’s your factor, and can be supported for a few years to return. Solely Android on the Pixel 9 sequence comes shut, and even it’s nonetheless behind the very good, well-rounded software program package deal Apple places on the iPhone.

iPhone 16 Plus: About Apple Intelligence

If you purchase the Apple iPhone 16 Plus, it is not going to include Apple Intelligence put in except you utilize the public beta version of iOS 18.1. I don’t suggest doing so if it’ll be your solely telephone, as I’ve been utilizing it and it isn’t 100% dependable. In addition to that, it’s not value it but, both. The software program has advised me Apple Intelligence is working, but it surely hasn’t accomplished something that I’ve felt has modified or improved my workflow but.

Apple Intelligence will launch with iOS 18.1 in October within the U.S. and as a beta model within the U.Ok. in December. Primarily based on my expertise with Google Gemini and Samsung’s Galaxy AI companies, which do many comparable issues, Apple Intelligence is unlikely to be a motive to purchase the iPhone 16, so don’t maintain out for it to make your resolution. If it seems to be nice and higher than the competitors, take into account it a bonus.

iPhone 16 Plus: battery life and charging

Apple doesn’t present the iPhone 16 Plus battery capability; as an alternative, it quotes metrics like video playback occasions to evaluate and evaluate battery life. It states that the iPhone 16 Plus will play video for 27 hours on a single cost, in comparison with 22 hours from the iPhone 16, confirming it has a bigger capability cell than its smaller sibling telephone.

Battery life has been robust, and I’ve simply seen about six hours of screen-on use from a single cost. What’s very attention-grabbing is that that is mainly the identical use time as we received from the iPhone 16. Up to now, the battery life has been dependable, too, unlike my experience with the iPhone 15 Pro Max over my yr of possession, suggesting iOS 18 has been effectively optimized.

Recharging the battery may be accomplished with a USB-C cable or a MagSafe wi-fi charger. Apple says to count on a 50% cost in half-hour with a 20-watt charger, which appears correct, but it surely takes not less than 90 minutes to totally cost the battery utilizing a cable. It’s not the quickest charging telephone, however I make good use of an excellent iOS feature called StandBy and place the 16 Plus on a MagSafe charger in a single day, the place it really works as a useful sensible show and bedside clock whereas it prices up. Even with three hours of screen-on time, the battery nonetheless persistently had about 50% remaining on the finish of the day, leading to no concern over battery life when used and charged on this approach.

iPhone 16 Plus: worth and availability

The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is offered now and prices $899 for the essential 128GB model of the telephone, however you possibly can pay an additional $100 to get 256GB of cupboard space or one other $200 on prime of that to get 512GB of cupboard space. Solely providing 128GB of cupboard space on the bottom mannequin could prohibit you over time and can also be pretty stingy on Apple’s half, so do assume severely about getting extra cupboard space should you plan to maintain the telephone for a while. Alternatively, count on to pay for added iCloud cupboard space over time to return.

You’ll pay $100 extra for the bigger display than you’ll for the smaller iPhone 16. Whether or not it’s value it’s going to rely upon whether or not you’re feeling snug utilizing and carrying a big-screen telephone each day. Should you don’t, you’re not lacking out by going for the iPhone 16 in some other considerable approach.

A tougher consideration is whether or not to spend extra and get the iPhone 16 Professional Max, which has an excellent greater, always-on display and a 120Hz refresh price, together with all the opposite digicam and efficiency advantages. Checked out like this, the case for the iPhone 16 Plus, basically, is a troublesome one, as I’m unsure who it’s for. It’s not the most affordable iPhone and much from being the most effective. It’s simply probably the most reasonably priced huge iPhone that’s heavier than the most affordable small iPhone, and that limits its enchantment.

Is that this the iPhone 16 to purchase?

The iPhone 16 Plus is superb, and I’ve no drawback recommending it, besides I’m not solely positive who I’m recommending it to. The issue is that the compromises you’re going to make, starting from the general dimension and weight to the low refresh price display, could imply it’s both wiser to spend much less and get the additionally glorious iPhone 16 or spend extra and get the larger, higher iPhone 16 Professional Max.

It’s irritating that I don’t appear to be getting longer battery life than I’d on the iPhone 16. The cameras and processor are the identical, and the display is larger, however nonetheless missing what I’d take into account virtually important options in 2024. I wish to reiterate the truth that the iPhone 16 Plus has been good, however except you’re completely determined for a much bigger display, the iPhone 16 is cheaper and in any other case an identical.

But when that desperation for a big-screen telephone comes with the power to spend more cash, the iPhone 16 Professional Max has an even greater display with out characteristic compromises and with varied different characteristic advantages. I’m trying ahead to placing my SIM again in it and leaving the iPhone 16 Plus out by itself, just like the final to be picked for the staff. It’s not as a result of it’s dangerous; it simply lacks presence as a result of it doesn’t do sufficient to make itself in style.