If you are thinking of buying a new phone then you would definitely want to check it out, for some people it may be expensive and for some it is cheap but the best is iPhone 16 Plus.
I just want to tell you that even in 2025, this phone is trending, it has very good features, you have seen it and you will be amazed, such as telephoto lens and promotion display and many more special things, this is the special feature of iPhone 16 Plus.
The biggest highlight of this phone is that the iPhone 16 Plus comes with an A18 chip, and that’s what makes this phone so special, along with the 8GB of RAM and the nice-looking cameras on the back.
While reviewing the Apple 16 Plus, let me tell you all that we will be talking about some of its main differences such as the battery and a bigger screen. Let’s not waste time and move on.
Price of iPhone 16 Plus in India
The 128GB variant of the iPhone 16 Plus starts at Rs 89,900, while the 256GB variant is available for Rs 99,900. The 512GB model, which I will be reviewing, is priced at Rs 119,900. For comparison, the 128GB model of the iPhone 16 starts at Rs 79,900, while the 256GB and 512GB models are priced at Rs 89,900 and Rs 109,900, respectively.
Design of iPhone 16 Plus: Classic Look, Subtle Updates
- Dimensions: 160.9mm (H) x 77.8mm (W) x 7.8mm (D)
- Weight: 199 grams
- Color Options: Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, Black, and White
The iPhone 16 Plus is the third model in Apple’s Plus series, released in 2022 and follows the iPhone 14 Plus and last year’s iPhone 15 Plus. The 16 Plus doesn’t feature any dramatic design changes, but it does have one notable upgrade: the camera housing. While the iPhone 14 Plus had a glossy glass back, the 16 Plus has a matte finish rear, framed by aluminum for a more premium feel, and a Ceramic Shield front for better durability. And that’s the specialty of Apple, it brings something new every year.
Compared to the Pro models, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus include two new physical buttons: the Action button and Camera Control. Apple is moving in the opposite direction of many other companies that are moving towards gesture-based controls by adding more physical buttons. The Action button, which was first introduced in the 15 Pro models, has now come to the 16 and 16 Plus. It serves as a versatile replacement for the traditional ring/silent switch and can be customized to perform a variety of functions. The Camera Control button is another new addition, which simplifies your interaction with the camera. Instead of having to unlock the phone or wake up the screen to access the camera app, I really liked how pressing the Camera Control button once opens the camera directly.
The iPhone 16 Plus is available in a variety of bright colours, including ultramarine, teal, pink, black and white, which is a departure from the much paler colours of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. Despite its sleek, larger frame, the 16 Plus is slightly lighter than the 15 Plus, weighing 199 grams compared to 201 grams for the predecessor. While the weight difference might seem minor, it does make the 16 Plus a more comfortable option for one-handed use – I actually enjoy using the phone with one hand. The 6.7-inch display might not appeal to everyone as some people prefer smaller phones, which is why Apple also offers a smaller 6.1-inch variant of the iPhone 16 for those who want a more compact size.
In terms of durability, the iPhone 16 Plus maintains the IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, the same as the iPhone 15 series, ensuring that it can withstand submersion in up to 6 metres of water for up to 30 minutes, although there have been no significant changes in this area. But I find the phone quite comfortable to use in water, especially in a water pool.
The camera design on the 16 Plus follows a vertical orientation, which hearkens back to the iPhone 11, but with a much more understated housing compared to the bulkier designs seen on the 14 and 15 series. Apple claims that this vertical camera setup enhances the device’s ability to capture spatial photos and videos, providing a more immersive 3D effect and adding depth to multimedia content.
On the front, the 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display offers a crisp, vibrant viewing experience, though the bezels are slightly thicker than those on the iPhone 16 Pro models. The Dynamic Island, the pill-shaped notch, continues to be present, having first debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro.
Overall, the iPhone 16 Plus boasts a modern, eye-catching aesthetic. The aerospace-grade aluminum frame not only provides a premium feel but also ensures sturdiness and durability. The color-infused back glass, with its matte finish, stands out for its rich look and smudge-resistant properties, offering a level of cleanliness that is often unmatched in the Android ecosystem. As with other iPhones, the 16 Plus is built to last. The addition of the Action button further enhances its functionality, allowing users to perform a range of tasks with a single press—whether it’s recording a voice memo, identifying a song, or translating a sentence. The Camera Control button is protected by sapphire crystal, giving it a smooth texture, and is encircled by a color-matched stainless steel trim for a sophisticated touch.
iPhone 16 Plus Display: Excellent Visuals Held Back by 60Hz
Display
- Screen Size: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Brightness: 2,000 nits (peak) and 1 nit (minimum)
The iPhone 16 series, including the 16 and 16 Plus, continues with the reliable Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a sharp, vibrant viewing experience. However, the refresh rate remains fixed at 60Hz, which is disappointing, especially considering the growing trend of higher refresh rates on other smartphones in the market. The iPhone 16 Plus, despite its premium pricing, is one of the most expensive devices in 2024 with a 60Hz refresh rate, and one can only hope that Apple will address this with its future models.
With a resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels and a pixel density of 460 PPI, the 16 Plus delivers crisp and clear visuals. The display is capable of reaching a peak brightness of 2000 nits, making it incredibly bright, even in direct sunlight. On the flip side, the minimum brightness can drop as low as 1 nit, a feature not available in the 15 series. This range in brightness levels ensures that the display remains comfortable to view in various lighting conditions.
When using the iPhone 16 Plus, I was impressed by the rich, vibrant colors and the overall clarity of the text and images. While the lack of a higher refresh rate may be a letdown for some, the display still provides an excellent experience.
For users who consume a lot of multimedia or enjoy gaming, the iPhone 16 Plus is a great option due to its larger screen and superior battery life compared to the standard iPhone 16. The enhanced screen real estate makes for a more immersive experience, and the display’s quality holds up well during extended media sessions.
When using the iPhone 16 Plus, I was impressed by the rich, vibrant colors and the overall clarity of the text and images. While the lack of a higher refresh rate may be a letdown for some, the display still provides an excellent experience.
For users who consume a lot of multimedia or enjoy gaming, the iPhone 16 Plus is a great option due to its larger screen and superior battery life compared to the standard iPhone 16. The enhanced screen real estate makes for a more immersive experience, and the display’s quality holds up well during extended media sessions.
iPhone 16 Plus: Huge Jump in Performance
Processor and Performance
- Chipset: A18 chip
- RAM: 8GB
- Biometric: Face ID
One of the most significant upgrades in the iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16 Plus, is found under the hood. Powered by Apple’s new A18 chip, the 16 Plus leaps ahead of the previous generation, moving two steps forward from the A16 Bionic found in the iPhone 15. The A18 chip is equipped with a 6-core CPU, a 5-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, specifically optimized for handling large generative models. According to Apple, the A18 is 30 percent faster than the A16 Bionic in terms of CPU performance. Built on second-generation 3-nanometer technology, the A18 chip ensures smooth operation of Apple Intelligence, enhancing everything from processing power to AI capabilities.
While Apple Intelligence features aren’t fully available out of the box, I had the opportunity to try a beta update that provided a preview of what’s to come. Among the features is an enhanced suite of writing tools integrated directly into iOS, accessible anywhere you type. This includes capabilities for rewriting notes, adjusting the tone of messages, and proofreading emails. Additionally, you can create custom emojis by simply typing descriptions or even generate images using Image Playground, all integrated into apps like Messages. The Photos app also benefits from AI, allowing you to search for images using specific keywords, making it easier to find photos across your entire library. While these AI features are still being refined, they mark a major step forward, particularly for Siri, which will see a significant transformation with the full rollout of Apple Intelligence in the upcoming iOS update, expected by the end of October.
In terms of hardware, the iPhone 16 Plus boasts an improvement in RAM, offering 8GB of memory compared to the 15 series. Along with more RAM, Apple has made significant improvements in thermal performance. The company redesigned the logic board, placing the chip at the center and optimizing the surrounding architecture. Additionally, a substructure made of 100% recycled aluminum was added to improve heat dissipation, keeping the phone cool during heavy use. I noticed this thermal efficiency while playing demanding AAA titles like Assassin’s Creed: Mirage, Resident Evil 4, and GTA: San Andreas on the 16 Plus, where the device handled these games smoothly without significant heating issues.
When it comes to synthetic benchmarks, the A18 chip outperforms the A16, showing a noticeable improvement in speed and efficiency, as reflected in the comparison with the previous generation.
Performance Benchmarks Comparison
| Benchmark | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 15 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu | 1,578,189 | 1,387,632 |
| GFX Bench Car Chase | 3550 / 60fps | 3129 / 60fps |
| GFX Bench Manhattan 3.1 | 3724 / 60fps | 3227 / 60fps |
| GFX Bench T-Rex | 3364 / 60fps | 3087 / 60fps |
| 3D Mark Wild Life Extreme | 3922 | 2989 |
| 3D Mark Wild Life Maxed Out | 8704 | – |
| Geekbench 6 | 3203 (single) / 7846 (multi) | 2989 (single) / 7219 (multi) |
The iPhone 16 Plus offers significant performance improvements over the iPhone 15 Plus across several benchmarks. For example, in AnTuTu, the 16 Plus scores over 1.57 million, compared to the 1.39 million scored by the 15 Plus. Similarly, in various GFX Bench and 3D Mark tests, the 16 Plus outperforms the 15 Plus by a notable margin, showcasing its superior graphical processing and smooth gameplay performance. The Geekbench 6 scores also reflect this leap, with the 16 Plus delivering faster single-core and multi-core performance, a direct result of the A18 chip’s enhanced efficiency and power.
Sound and Haptics
The iPhone 16 Plus features a fantastic display complemented by stereo speakers that provide a balanced and clear sound output. Even at higher volumes, the clarity of the audio remains intact, offering a great listening experience for music, videos, and calls. The device also stands out for its impressive haptic feedback, which is precise and adds to the immersive experience, whether you’re typing long emails or gaming. This level of tactile response makes interactions feel more engaging and enjoyable.
Connectivity and 5G
On the connectivity front, the iPhone 16 Plus excels, consistently locking onto networks and providing a stable 5G connection. Currently, you can take advantage of this 5G connectivity on Jio and Airtel networks, ensuring faster data speeds and improved connectivity for users in areas with 5G support.
iOS 18 Features and Customization
The latest iOS 18 update brings a host of new features, particularly around customization. You now have more control over how you arrange apps and widgets, as well as the ability to personalize your home screen layout further. The update introduces dark and tint themes, allowing you to adjust the appearance of your interface, and even gives you the option to increase the size of app icons for easier navigation.
One of the standout features in iOS 18 is the ability to lock or hide apps, which adds an extra layer of privacy and organization. The Control Center has received a complete redesign, with options to rearrange and resize controls—an eagerly awaited feature that iPhone users have long been asking for. Additionally, the ability to swap controls on the lock screen for quick access to essential features makes it even more user-friendly.
The Photos app gets a major overhaul, though it may take some time to get used to the new layout and design. Overall, the focus of iOS 18 is on customization, offering users plenty of options to personalize their devices and improve their overall user experience.
iPhone 16 Plus Camera: Reliable with Fresh Features
Cameras and Photography Features
- Primary Camera: 48MP wide
- Secondary Camera: 12MP ultra-wide
- Zoom Options: 0.5x, 1x, 2x (optical)
- Selfie Camera: 12MP
The iPhone 16 Plus continues to feature the same 48-megapixel primary camera as the iPhone 15 Plus, ensuring excellent resolution and detail in photos. The major upgrade here lies in the ultra-wide sensor, which also retains a 12-megapixel resolution but now comes with a wider f/2.2 aperture and autofocus support, enhancing its versatility. The selfie camera remains a 12-megapixel sensor, consistent with the previous iPhone 15 series.
Before delving into the camera’s performance, it’s important to mention the new Camera Control feature. This is a notable addition, offering an easy and quick way to access the camera. While it does take a bit of time to adjust and break old habits (since you’ll want to go to the home screen to launch the camera via the app), it’s incredibly convenient once you get used to it. The 6.7-inch screen size on the 16 Plus also makes it easier to handle the Camera Control, especially if you have larger hands. For users who prefer a more compact form factor, the iPhone 16 with a 6.1-inch screen is available.
Now, when it comes to photography, the iPhone 16 Plus delivers exceptional results in various lighting conditions. Daylight shots are crisp and full of fine detail, with excellent dynamic range. The colors remain natural and accurate, avoiding oversaturation, while portraits benefit from precise depth estimation. One standout feature is the new Photographic Styles, which let you personalize the appearance of your photos, giving more control over how you or your subject is portrayed. The optical zoom works well, though the absence of a telephoto lens limits zoom capabilities, as it only offers 0.5x, 1x, and 2x optical zoom.
The 12MP ultra-wide camera brings more versatility than before, allowing you to capture larger scenes with ease. Apple claims it now captures up to 2.6 times more light, improving low-light performance. The addition of autofocus is another significant upgrade, ensuring sharper and more accurate shots, especially in fast-moving scenes. Additionally, the ultra-wide camera supports macro photography this year, opening up new possibilities for close-up shots. These macro shots turn out well, showcasing good detail and vibrant colors, while the ultrawide shots retain clarity and color accuracy even when capturing wide landscapes or interiors.
In terms of low-light performance, the primary 48MP camera performs admirably, producing detailed night shots. Ultrawide shots in low light are acceptable, though they don’t quite match the quality of the daylight photos. Selfies taken with the 12MP front-facing camera are also impressive, with natural skin tones and a clear, flattering look.
Video capabilities are another area where the iPhone 16 Plus shines. Known for its video prowess, the iPhone 16 Plus delivers smooth, stable video recording, capturing high-quality footage in various environments. The video upgrades are a significant part of what makes iPhones the preferred choice for content creators, offering features like improved stabilization and professional-grade recording options.
Overall, the iPhone 16 Plus comes equipped with a highly capable camera system, delivering stunning images both day and night, with versatility that makes it ideal for a range of photography needs. Whether you’re capturing wide landscapes, close-up details, or low-light shots, the 16 Plus performs admirably, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize camera quality.
iPhone 16 Plus Battery: Surprising Power That Stands Out
Battery and Charging Performance
- Video Playback: Up to 27 hours (Claimed)
- Charging Speed: Up to 50% in 35 minutes
- USB Support: USB 2
The iPhone 16 Plus proves to be a dark horse when it comes to battery life. In my testing, it outperformed the iPhone 16 Pro Max multiple times in terms of screen-on time. While the 16 Pro Max offers a maximum of 8 hours and 30 minutes of screen time under heavy use, the 16 Plus delivered an impressive 9 hours and 37 minutes. This was with a demanding usage pattern, including a couple of hours of gaming, streaming a two-hour movie on Netflix, using apps like Outlook, Gmail, WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, and taking photos and videos with the Camera app, all while engaging in regular calls totaling around 50 minutes throughout the day. This means the iPhone 16 Plus comfortably lasted for a day and a half with heavy usage, which is notably better than what most Android flagships can deliver.
In our HD video loop test, the iPhone 16 Plus impressed further, managing to sustain video playback for 27 hours and 20 minutes. This is a testament to the phone’s excellent battery efficiency, ensuring you can enjoy media and stay connected for extended periods without needing to recharge.
However, the charging performance of the iPhone 16 Plus does leave room for improvement. While it can charge up to 50% in just 35 minutes, a full charge takes around 120 minutes, which is on the slower side compared to competing smartphones in the market. Additionally, the 16 Plus still uses USB 2, which is somewhat disappointing, as USB-C with faster data transfer and charging speeds is becoming more of a standard in the industry.
In summary, while the iPhone 16 Plus shines with its impressive battery life, it falls short in the charging speed department, where it lags behind some of its competitors.
The iPhone 16 Plus sets a new standard for what the regular iPhone models can achieve. Powered by the A18 chip, it offers impressive performance that rivals many Android flagships, ensuring smooth and responsive user experiences. The camera system is reliable, and the addition of two new physical buttons—Action and Camera Control—enhances usability. Battery life is another highlight, offering extended usage even with heavy tasks, and the build quality remains top-tier. The phone also boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, adding peace of mind for users who want durability. For gaming enthusiasts, the iPhone 16 Plus provides a solid experience, supporting high-graphic games with ease. The Super Retina XDR display delivers stunning visuals, making it a pleasure for media consumption.
However, there are some areas where improvement is needed. The charging speed could be faster, and the 60Hz refresh rate feels a bit outdated at this price, especially when compared to some Android competitors that offer higher refresh rates.
Who Should Buy It?
If you currently own an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus, the iPhone 16 Plus may not offer significant enough improvements to warrant an upgrade. On the other hand, if you’re using an iPhone 14 or an older model, the iPhone 16 Plus offers substantial upgrades in terms of performance, cameras, and battery life. Additionally, with festive sales bringing the price of the iPhone 15 down, it presents a strong competitor to the 16 series, making it a solid alternative for those looking for a more affordable option.
Easy-To Understand Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz |
| Processor | A18 Bionic Chip |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear Camera | 48MP Primary, 12MP Ultra-Wide, 12MP Telephoto |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth Camera |
| Battery | 4,800mAh with up to 20 hours of video playback |
| Operating System | iOS 17 |
| Build | Glass front and back, Aluminum frame |
| 5G Support | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes) |
| Face ID | Yes |
| Charging | MagSafe, Qi wireless charging, 20W fast charging |
| Colors | Space Black, Silver, Gold, Blue |
| Price | ₹89,999 (128GB), ₹99,999 (256GB), ₹1,09,999 (512GB) |
