Practical Examination: iPhone 16 Plus Evaluation – Realizes Your Aspirations for an Affordable Large Screen.
Merging the distinction between standard and Pro for large displays.
Hands-on iPhone 16 Plus review: Two-minute preview
Upon encountering the iPhone 16 Plus from the front, one might easily mistake it for the 15 Plus or even the 14 Plus, given its familiar appearance. It maintains the identity of a large-screen iPhone that is reasonably priced, delivering swift performance and featuring two outstanding cameras.
However, upon flipping the device over or inspecting its sides, a different narrative unfolds. This was my experience when I first encountered the iPhone 16 Plus in the hands-on area shortly after the conclusion of Apple's "It's Glowtime" event.
The device retains its large 6.7-inch size, showcasing a vibrant OLED display and the Dynamic Island at the top, which facilitates engaging Live Activities and Face ID unlocking. A glance at the left side reveals the Action Button, which I consider to be a remarkable feature of the iPhone. This button can be customized through a Shortcut, albeit with some effort, or one can choose from various presets such as a flashlight or timer. Additionally, the preset can be adjusted depending on the device's orientation.
While the introduction of this feature is indeed thrilling, it is not entirely novel. The Action Button made its debut on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max in 2023. Nevertheless, similar to the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and even the iPhone 16, the new "Camera Control" functionality is also included.
By its very nature, it does not qualify as a conventional button; however, it is designed to be recessed and can be activated by pressing. It consists of a subtly recessed section of sapphire glass that allows for a gentle press or even a swipe gesture.
When the iPhone is in a locked state, a simple click activates the camera, and a subsequent press allows you to capture an image. Swiping left or right facilitates zooming in or out, while a gentle press enables access to various camera settings. Although it may take some time to master, this feature undoubtedly stands out as one of the most thrilling aspects of the new iPhone 16 Plus. It is commendable that Apple has incorporated this functionality across both the standard and Pro models from the outset.
The iPhone 16 Plus, equipped with the A18 chip, boasts significant processing power, enabling it to efficiently manage the new input methods and capture images using its advanced 48-megapixel primary camera and 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. This device is also sufficiently robust to support the upcoming Apple Intelligence features, the first of which is expected to launch next month, along with the various new customization options in iOS 18. For gaming enthusiasts, the A18 chip ensures that both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus can handle AAA games and even facilitate hardware-accelerated ray tracing.
Apple continues to assure users of all-day battery life for the iPhone 16 Plus, and given the impressive performance of the 15 Plus, expectations remain high.
In terms of aesthetics, the iPhone 16 Plus, similar to the iPhone 16, offers one of the most appealing color selections in recent times. Personally, I find the Ultra Marine (a unique blend of blues, though not strictly blue) and Pink variants particularly striking, while options also include Teal, Black, and White. Each color variant is vibrant, providing a visual appeal that is truly captivating.
The iPhone 16 Plus remains the go-to large-screen option for a wide audience, and with the introduction of the Camera Control and Action Button, it has become more professional than ever—a sentiment I reiterated during my hands-on experience with the iPhone 16. This suggests that for those who can forgo a 120Hz display or a telephoto lens, the 16 Plus offers substantial value.
As for the pricing, that remains uncertain, and further testing will be necessary to provide a definitive answer.
Hands-on iPhone 16 Plus review: Price and availability
- Starts at $899 / £899 / AU$1,599
- Pre-orders open on September 13, and shipping begins on September 20
| Storage | US price | UK price | AU price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 128GB | $899 | £899 | AU$1,599 |
| 256GB | $999 | £999 | AU$1,799 |
| 512GB | $1,199 | £1,199 | AU$2,149 |
| iPhone 16 Plus | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8mm |
| Weight: | 199g |
| Display: | 6.7-inch OLED |
| Resolution: | 2796 x 1290 pixels |
| Refresh rate: | 60Hz |
| Chipset: | A18 |
| Rear cameras: | 48MP main (26 mm, ƒ/1.6), 12MP ultra-wide (13 mm, ƒ/2.2) |
| Front camera: | 12MP (ƒ/1.9) |
| Storage: | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |