The iPhone 16 Plus represents Apple’s latest effort to perfect the balance between high-end features and affordability across its product lineup. Positioned as a mid-range option, it builds on its predecessor with improvements in performance, battery life, and camera capabilities, while still offering the signature large display that appeals to power users and tech enthusiasts alike.
While the iPhone 16 Plus doesn’t have all the cutting-edge features of the Pro model, such as a 120Hz display or ProRAW, it offers a refined experience tailored for everyday users who value practicality and value. But is this really a major upgrade, or just incremental improvements? Let’s dig into the details to determine whether the iPhone 16 Plus is worth the investment.
The combination of an efficient chipset and improved thermal management means the phone stays cool even during demanding tasks | Photo Credit: John Xavier
Display and design
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7-inch display with a 60Hz refresh rate, which may be a big issue for some, especially compared to the 120Hz ProMotion technology in the Pro model. Despite this limitation, iOS’s optimized animations and smooth software mitigate the lower refresh rate to some extent. The screen is large and bright, with excellent color accuracy and peak brightness comparable to the Pro model, making it suitable for outdoor use.
The bezels are thinner than previous non-Pro models, but still slightly more noticeable than the Pro series. Dynamic islands are also included, but opinions are mixed – useful for notifications and multitasking, but visually intrusive for some users. The build quality is excellent, with a clean aluminum frame. While Apple has launched several color versions of the device, we got a sleek matte black version. The phone is resistant to fingerprints, feels durable, and has a matte black finish that exudes premium quality similar to high-end models.
Performance and battery
iPhone 16 Plus is powered by the A18 chipset and comes with 8GB of RAM, providing excellent performance. It handles multitasking, gaming, and AI features with ease, and even rivals the Pro model in day-to-day use. iOS optimizations ensure the phone runs efficiently, making the lack of a 120Hz display less noticeable in most cases.
Overall, the camera kit balances practicality and performance | Photo Credit: John Xavier
Battery life is a standout feature. It has a larger capacity than the iPhone 15 Plus and provides about 1.25 days of use on average, which is better than older models like the 14 Pro Max. The combination of an efficient chipset and improved thermal management means the phone stays cool even during demanding tasks like video editing or gaming. This phone is perfect for users who value long-lasting battery life.
camera
The camera system has received several meaningful upgrades. The addition of Macro mode enhances versatility, allowing for close-up shots with outstanding detail. The main camera supports 10x zoom, an improvement over previous models, while video remains powerful, delivering smooth and vibrant results. The lack of ProRAW and 120fps 4K may put off professionals, but for most users the camera’s performance will be excellent.
Photo taken with Apple iPhone 16 Plus camera | Photo credit: John Xavier
However, the 12MP front-facing camera remains unchanged from previous generations and feels outdated in 2024.
Photo taken with Apple iPhone 16 Plus camera | Photo credit: John Xavier
Overall, this camera kit balances practicality and performance, appealing to those who want high-quality photos and videos without pro-level features.
Photo taken with Apple iPhone 16 Plus camera | Photo credit: John Xavier
Apple information
iPhone 16 Plus benefits from the latest iOS 18 features, including beautiful widgets, AI integration and seamless software updates. Adding visual intelligence tools, such as identifying objects and locations through cameras, enhances usability. While it lacks some Pro-specific features, such as split-screen multitasking, the overall software experience is polished and takes advantage of Apple’s ecosystem strengths, including iMessage and seamless device compatibility.
Photo taken with Apple iPhone 16 Plus camera | Photo credit: John Xavier
final verdict
The iPhone 16 Plus is a solid device that offers an excellent balance of performance, design, and battery life at a more affordable price than the Pro model. It’s not without its shortcomings, particularly the 60Hz display and the lack of certain Pro features like ProRAW or split-screen multiplexing.
However, for users who prioritize long battery life, a high-quality camera, and Apple’s ecosystem, it’s a compelling choice.
So, is it worth upgrading? If you have an older Plus model, such as the iPhone 14 Plus or earlier, and want longer battery life, improved performance, and camera enhancements, you may want to upgrade to the new iPhone 16 Plus. On the other hand, if you currently own a 120Hz 15 Plus or Pro model and are happy with your current device, then you’re better off sticking with your current device.
The phone is fingerprint-resistant, feels durable, and has a matte black finish that exudes premium quality similar to high-end models | Photo credit: John Xavier
For most users, the iPhone 16 Plus is a product worth upgrading, and it can be said to be the best Plus model released by Apple. It strikes a good balance between affordability and advanced features, making it a practical choice in 2024.
iPhone 16 Plus is available in three storage variants in India: 128 GB for Rs 79,900; 256 GB for Rs 89,900; and 512 GB for Rs 1,09,900. These prices are consistent across all color options, including white, black, pink, teal, and ultramarine.
Published – December 31, 2024 at 3:08 pm (IST)