Apple iPhone 16 Plus Review: Better Than The Pro?

Price When Reviewed

899

Best Prices Today: iPhone 16 Plus

$929.99

The iPhone 16 Plus represents a significant leap in design and functionality, offering one of the most similar experiences to its premium counterpart, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, in years.

With a high-quality 6.7-inch display, it brings a large-screen experience without the added weight or cost of the Pro Max. Notable design changes include the introduction of the Action Button, a feature that was previously exclusive to the Pro models, and the new Camera Control button, which transforms the photography experience by allowing real-time customization of zoom, exposure, and more.

While the iPhone 16 Plus doesn’t carry the Pro Max’s 120Hz display or telephoto lens, it’s the closest Apple has come to narrowing the gap between its standard and Pro models. This iteration of the Plus offers the same 48Mp Fusion main camera and advanced image processing, making it an excellent choice for users who want the latest features but don’t need the full power of the Pro Max.

From the updated design or the impressive A18 chipset, the iPhone 16 Plus delivers an experience that feels much closer to Apple’s high-end offerings than ever before.

Design & Build

• Vibrant colors make a comeback
• 199g – one of the lighter big iPhones
• Action Button and Camera Control both useful

The iPhone 16 Plus keeps to Apple’s sleek design language while refining some key aspects.

With flat edges, the design is clean and modern, and very much in line with Apple’s minimalist approach. Overall, the design manages to stand out in a market where many phones start to look the same. You’ll notice that the camera design has reverted to the vertical pill style from the iPhone X, replacing the camera bump with diagonal lenses.

Apple decided to make this year’s device lighter – down from 201g on the iPhone 15 Plus to 199g here. It’s a minor but notable change that makes handling the 6.7-inch device much more comfortable, especially over extended use. Ergonomically, it feels well-balanced, even though it’s still a two-handed phone due to the screen size.

The Action Button, a feature first introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro, has now made its way to the iPhone 16 Plus.

This button replaces the old mute switch, offering more customizability. You can assign it to various tasks, from launching the camera to activating shortcuts, making it a versatile addition for users who crave a bit more personal control over their phone’s hardware. Whether you want it to unlock your Tesla or access your music playlists quickly, it’s a feature that integrates well into daily workflows.

One new addition I appreciate is the Camera Control button, which Apple insists isn’t quite a button – but it is. It sits recessed, offering gesture control and a quick launch to the camera, much like the Action button introduced last year. The button provides tactile feedback using Apple’s Taptic Engine, ensuring that each interaction is precise and responsive, enhancing its usability when held in landscape mode.

I’ll talk more about the Camera Control later, but can share some early thoughts now. While I found the Camera Control useful for photography, it sometimes competes with the Action button for relevance. Apple may need to rethink the function of the older Action button in future iterations, as it feels underused compared to this newer control.

From a color perspective, the Ultramarine variant stands out, and is my personal favorite. However, I bought the device in Pink at the request of my other half.

Whichever you decide to go for, you’ll notice a depth of color, with lighter tones contrasting against the glossy camera bump and adding a premium feel to the device. The Pink and Teal variants also provide vibrant choices, offering a rich visual experience that doesn’t feel overdone.

Screen & Speakers

• Bright 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display
• Still no 120Hz refresh rate
• Stereo speakers provide clear, loud sound with decent bass

The iPhone 16 Plus maintains its 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels, delivering a crisp, bright, and immersive experience. This display shines in most scenarios, from gaming to watching movies, and handles everyday tasks with aplomb.

However, the lack of ‘ProMotion’ high refresh rate is perhaps the most notable difference from its pricier siblings, and very frustrating in 2024. The 60Hz refresh rate feels dated compared to other flagship models that offer smoother scrolling and animations.

This omission is felt most while playing games or switching between apps, where a 120Hz display would make things feel more fluid. That said, the iPhone 16 Plus still provides a sharp, color-accurate visual experience, but users upgrading from recent Pro models may notice the difference.

However, the screen can reach impressive levels of brightness, making it usable in direct sunlight or brightly lit rooms. According to Apple, the screen can reach up to 1000 nits typically, with 1600 nits for HDR content and 2000 nits in peak brightness, meaning it is more than capable of handling harsh lighting conditions.

With 2000 nits peak brightness outdoors and a new 1 nit low setting for nighttime use, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best displays on the market. The new low brightness comes in particularly handy when using my phone in bed at night.

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