Review in a Flash: Apple iPhone 16 Plus
With the iPhone 16 Plus, the question isn’t so much about needing a 120Hz display or a telephoto lens, but whether you can manage without them. The answer might surprise you.
Spending a week with the iPhone 16 Plus, especially in the striking Ultramarine shade, it’s evident that this large-screen model is a significant step up, pleasing many with its features. The new Action Button adds a nice touch of customization, but it’s the Camera Control and the A18 processor that steal the show.
The camera setup, with a 48-megapixel main camera and a 12MP ultrawide, may not be a huge leap from previous models but shines with new processing capabilities, photographic styles, and enhanced Camera Control, offering an enriched photography experience even when compared to the iPhone 15 Plus.
The debut of the Camera interface somewhat overshadows the Action Button. However, this button’s customization aligns well with iOS 18’s broader personalization options.
Although it doesn’t claim the title of the battery life champion—that honor belongs to the iPhone 16 Pro Max—the iPhone 16 Plus remains a powerhouse, confidently carrying you from morning to night, complemented by faster charging capabilities.
Overall, the iPhone 16 Plus is arguably the best big-screen iPhone for general consumers, blending new features like Camera Control and robust A18 performance with some top-tier elements now available in more affordable models. Despite wishing for more than 128GB of base storage, the device’s vibrant color options are too captivating to pass up.
Upgrading from the iPhone 15 Plus isn’t necessary unless photography is a priority. However, those with an iPhone 14 Plus or older will notice improvements in performance, imaging capabilities, battery life, and support for upcoming Apple Intelligence features, set to launch in October 2024.
Availability and Cost: Apple iPhone 16 Plus
The iPhone 16 Plus, along with its siblings, is already up for pre-order and is set to launch on September 20, 2024. Those who pre-order might be lucky to receive it on launch day or pick it up at a store.
The model is available in 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB versions, with color choices of Teal, Ultramarine, Pink, Black, or White. Pricing remains consistent year-over-year, starting at $899 / £899 / AU$1,599 for the 128GB version, although larger capacities will cost more.
Specifications of the Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Design Features of the Apple iPhone 16 Plus
- A 6.7-inch iPhone that’s lighter than the Pro Max
- The Ultramarine shade stands out, but Pink and Teal are equally vibrant
- The versatile Camera Control is a standout addition
From the front, the iPhone 16 Plus closely resembles last year’s model. Both feature a USB-C port, color-matched aluminum sides, and strategically placed buttons. The traditional ringer silencer has been replaced by the Action Button, a feature trickled down from the Pro models, offering extensive customization through Apple’s Shortcuts app.
Whether it’s unlocking your Tesla with a long press or quickly opening your train tickets, the Action Button is versatile. Right below are the familiar volume buttons, and on the right side, you’ll find the power button and the innovative Camera Control, which enhances the photographic experience dramatically.
The Camera Control isn’t just a button; it’s a multi-functional interface made of sapphire glass that responds to pushes and swipes, thanks to the integrated force sensor and Taptic Engine. It feels as responsive as a high-quality keyboard.
The rear camera arrangement has also seen a redesign; the lenses are now aligned vertically, reminiscent of older iPhone models, enhancing the phone’s ability to handle new photography formats like Spatial Photos and Videos for the Apple Vision Pro headset.
The iPhone 16 Plus retains the 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display of its predecessor, maintaining the same dimensions but at a slightly lighter weight of 199 grams, making it a large yet manageable device in hand.
- Design score: 4.5 / 5
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Display Quality of the Apple iPhone 16 Plus
- Enjoyable 6.7-inch screen for content like photos and videos
- Lacks a 120Hz always-on feature
- The display remains exceptionally bright, similar to the iPhone 15 Plus
The iPhone 16 Plus boasts a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2556 x 1179. While vibrant and bright enough for sunny outdoor use or bright indoor environments, it doesn’t support the 120Hz ProMotion technology or always-on functionality found in the Pro models.
However, the display’s performance is more than satisfactory for gaming with smooth motion and color accuracy, and watching videos or browsing photos is a pleasure. The Dynamic Island replaces the traditional notch, integrating seamlessly with iOS for notifications and activities without obscuring the screen’s top edge.
Embedded in the Dynamic Island is the reliable Face ID technology, allowing secure unlocking and authentication for payments. The front camera also remains a competent 12MP, ideal for selfies and video calls.
- Display score: 4 / 5
Software and Innovations on the Apple iPhone 16 Plus
- iOS 18 introduces impactful, albeit small, changes
- Math Notes feature is a useful addition at launch
- Anticipated Apple Intelligence features to roll out from October in selected regions
iOS 18, which comes pre-installed on the iPhone 16 Plus, isn’t a complete overhaul but refines many features to improve the user experience. The new OS allows for more customization of the lock and home screens, breaking away from the traditional grid layout.
Enhancements in Messages, such as RCS Messaging support and the ability to schedule texts or apply new text effects, add convenience and creativity to communications. The Math Notes feature is particularly handy, integrated into the Calculator and Notes apps, allowing for handwritten equation solving—a task that benefits from the iPhone 16 Plus’s large display.
While these features utilize on-device machine learning, they pave the way for the upcoming Apple Intelligence suite in iOS 18.1, which promises more advanced AI capabilities. Testing a beta version of iOS 18.1 gave a glimpse into the future of Apple Intelligence, including a new focus mode to minimize interruptions by prioritizing essential notifications and summarizing others to keep you informed without overload.
Photo editing on the large screen is more intuitive, with new tools like Clean Up in the Photos app to easily remove unwanted elements from images, a feature that performs notably faster on the iPhone 16 Plus due to its enhanced processing power.
The initial rollout of Apple Intelligence aims to be helpful without being intrusive, a balance that Apple seems to have struck well in this early stage.
- Software and Apple Intelligence score: 4 / 5
Photographic Capabilities of the Apple iPhone 16 Plus
- Camera Control revolutionizes photo-taking
- Enhanced image processing for superior photos, especially in low light
- 4K video at 60fps is impressive, but slow-motion editing adds a creative twist
The camera system on the iPhone 16 Plus maintains a dual-camera setup with a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide that doubles as a macro shooter. The main camera’s optical image stabilization helps keep shots clear, while the ultrawide camera’s improved light intake enhances night photography.
The hardware updates, borrowed from the iPhone 15 Pro, along with the new A18 chip’s processing power, allow for crisper, more vibrant photos. The Camera Control feature introduces a new level of interactivity, letting users switch photographic styles or adjust settings like zoom and exposure with simple swipes and presses.
The iPhone 16 Plus also introduces new ways to manage skin tones in photos, ensuring accurate representation while maintaining the overall aesthetic of the image. These adjustments are just part of the comprehensive control users have over photo settings, making the photography experience highly customizable and user-friendly.
Video capabilities are robust, supporting 4K recording at 60fps with Dolby Vision, ideal for content creators. The ability to alter the frame rate post-recording for slow-motion effects adds versatility to video editing.
The new Audio Mix feature allows for on-the-fly audio editing, using built-in microphones to adjust the sound profile of recordings, which could be particularly useful for creators who need to manage audio quality directly on the device.
- Cameras score: 4.5 / 5
Sample Photos Taken with the iPhone 16 Plus
Performance Insights on the Apple iPhone 16 Plus
- Powered by the robust A18 chip
- Effortlessly handles even the most demanding tasks
The introduction of the A18 chip in the iPhone 16 Plus marks a significant performance upgrade, aligning it with the high standards set by the Pro models. This new chipset enhances everything from basic phone operations to intensive gaming, ensuring smooth operation across all applications.
Apple’s focus with the A18 chip is not just on immediate performance but also on future-proofing the device, particularly with the upcoming rollout of Apple Intelligence features. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the iPhone 16 Plus will continue to perform at a high level for years to come.
In terms of raw power, the iPhone 16 Plus excels, outperforming nearly all competitors in standard benchmarks, making it a top choice for those who need reliable and responsive technology.
- Performance score: 4.5 / 5
Battery Life and Charging Capabilities of the iPhone 16 Plus
- Impressive battery endurance, lasting over 16 hours in tests
- Supports fast charging for quick power boosts
While Apple remains tight-lipped about the exact battery specifications, the estimated runtimes are telling of the device’s capabilities. Even with its expansive screen and powerful internals, the iPhone 16 Plus can handle a full day’s worth of tasks on a single charge, with energy to spare.
Testing confirms that the battery can support extended use cases, such as streaming video or engaging in prolonged gaming sessions, without frequent recharges. When a boost is needed, the fast charging capabilities mean you won’t be tethered to an outlet for long.
The addition of improved MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging options also enhances the convenience factor, allowing for versatile charging solutions depending on the user’s needs.
- Battery score: 4 / 5
