iPhone 16 Plus Honest Review After 3 Weeks

Summary

The iPhone 16 Plus offers a solid, budget-friendly alternative to the Pro models, delivering impressive performance with its A18 chip and long battery life. While its 60Hz display, lacking ProMotion, may disappoint some, the 48 MP camera and solid video capabilities make it a strong contender for casual users. The device’s lighter build compared to the Pro Max adds comfort, and its software features like customizable icons and iOS 18 support ensure future-proofing. Despite its few drawbacks, the iPhone 16 Plus is a great option for those seeking a reliable and powerful device without the premium cost of higher-end models.

Takeaways

• 😀 After 3 weeks, the iPhone 16 Plus feels lighter and more comfortable than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it a better choice for users who prioritize ease of use over a heavier, more premium model.
• 😀 The iPhone 16 Plus lacks a 120Hz ProMotion display, which affects its value proposition, as it’s priced similarly to the Pro models but doesn’t offer the same screen refresh rate.
• 😀 Despite the absence of ProMotion, the iPhone 16 Plus' display is bright (1000 nits typical, 2000 nits outdoor) and sharp, though it could benefit from a higher pixel density compared to Android phones with over 500 PPI.
• 😀 The iPhone 16 Plus has great software support, including customizable icons, better widgets, and the advanced features of iOS 18, making it a good option for future-proofing.
• 😀 Equipped with the A18 chip, the iPhone 16 Plus offers excellent performance, delivering Pro-level benchmark scores in CPU and 3D Mark tests, outperforming last year’s models and even the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
• 😀 The camera on the iPhone 16 Plus is good for casual use, offering solid main and ultra-wide photography, but lacks strong zoom capabilities and ProRAW support, limiting its appeal for advanced users.
• 😀 Battery life on the iPhone 16 Plus is impressive, lasting a full day, with the option to extend it further with dark mode and low power mode. It’s a solid choice for users who want longer battery life without opting for the Pro Max.
• 😀 The iPhone 16 Plus has improved connectivity with better Wi-Fi performance and modem signal strength, providing a reliable user experience for calls and data.
• 😀 Although the iPhone 16 Plus features the new Action button, the camera control button could be more customizable, leaving users with less flexibility compared to the customizable Action button.
• 😀 Overall, the iPhone 16 Plus offers about 90% of the features of the iPhone 16 Pro Max at a lower price, making it a good option for those who want a large iPhone but don't want to pay for the higher-end model, though it falls short in some key areas.

Q & A

How does the weight of the iPhone 16 Plus compare to other models?

The iPhone 16 Plus is significantly lighter than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, weighing just 199g. It feels like a featherweight compared to the Pro models, making it more comfortable to hold.

Is the iPhone 16 Plus worth its price?

At over $900, the iPhone 16 Plus might not be considered the best value for the price, especially since it lacks a 120Hz ProMotion display. However, it's still a good phone with solid performance and features, but it could be priced slightly lower, especially without ProMotion.

What are the key differences in display between the iPhone 16 Plus and the Pro Max models?

While both models offer similar brightness levels (1000 nits typical, 2000 nits outdoors), the iPhone 16 Plus lacks ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate), and has slightly thicker bezels compared to the Pro Max models.

Does the iPhone 16 Plus have a sharp display compared to competitors?

The iPhone 16 Plus has a 460 PPI display, which is sharp but not as high as some Android competitors like the Pixel 9 Pro XL, which offers over 500 PPI. The display is still good but could benefit from a higher resolution.

What’s the performance like on the iPhone 16 Plus?

The iPhone 16 Plus is powered by the A18 Bionic chip, offering exceptional performance that rivals or even surpasses the iPhone 15 Pro Max in benchmarks. It is one of the fastest smartphones available, with top-tier CPU and GPU performance.

How does the camera perform on the iPhone 16 Plus?

The iPhone 16 Plus features a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The camera performs well for everyday photography, but it lacks advanced zoom capabilities, and the front camera resolution remains at 12MP, which feels outdated compared to competitors.

How is the battery life on the iPhone 16 Plus?

The iPhone 16 Plus offers solid battery life, lasting a full day and more. It doesn’t match the iPhone 16 Pro Max in longevity but still provides great performance, especially with iOS's efficient power management.

Does the iPhone 16 Plus have USB-C charging?

Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus has USB-C 2.0 for charging, but transfer speeds are not as fast as the Pro models, making it less ideal for heavy video file transfers.

What are the advantages of the iPhone 16 Plus over the iPhone 15 Plus?

The iPhone 16 Plus benefits from an upgraded A18 chip, 8GB of RAM, and better overall software support with iOS 18. These enhancements make it more future-proof compared to the iPhone 15 Plus.

How does the iPhone 16 Plus compare to the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The iPhone 16 Plus offers almost 90% of the features of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, including performance and camera quality, but lacks ProMotion, advanced zoom, and some pro-level camera features. It’s a more affordable alternative but doesn’t offer the same level of excitement as the Pro Max.