Apple iPhone 16 Plus Review (2025): Big Screen, Extended Battery & Essential Features
The iPhone 16 Plus smartphone offers a compelling large‑screen alternative to the Pro Max, combining a 6.7 in Super Retina XDR OLED display, Apple’s A18 chip, and enhanced battery life—all while offering core innovations like the Camera Control button, Action Button, and Apple Intelligence support. It’s tailored to users who want better display and battery without paying full Pro Max prices.
Display & Design
- Screen: 6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, resolution 2796×1290 at ~460 ppi
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz (no ProMotion), making the scrolling less fluid than the Pro models
- Brightness: Peak brightness ~2000 nits (up to 1000 nits manual, ~1800 nits auto detection)
- Build: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, aluminum frame, IP68/IP69 water‑dust resistance, and slimmer bezels than its predecessor
The large OLED offers rich colors and strong outdoor visibility, but with a standard 60Hz refresh, the interface lacks the smoothness of ProMotion displays.
Performance & Hardware
- Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm) with 6‑core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency), 5‑core GPU, and 16‑core Neural Engine—providing up to 30 % faster CPU performance and 40 % faster GPU than the A16 Bionic
- Memory & Storage: 8 GB RAM; storage options of 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB UFS
- Cooling and Haptics: Improved thermal design and refined haptic feedback deliver consistent and comfortable performance
The A18 delivers smooth multitasking, real-world app switching, and strong support for upcoming Apple Intelligence features.
Camera System
- Rear Cameras: 48 MP main with sensor-shift OIS and Fusion technology offering 2× optical-quality zoom; 12 MP ultra-wide with autofocus for macro photography
- Front Camera: 12 MP TrueDepth (f/1.9) with improved low-light selfies and Face ID support
Additional camera features include:
- Vertically aligned lenses compatible with Spatial Capture video (Apple Vision Pro format)
- Camera Control button for tactile focus, zoom, and shutter control
- Improved ultra-wide autofocus enhances macro usability
While lacking a true telephoto lens, it delivers consistent, reliable imaging across most scenarios.
Battery & Charging
- Battery Capacity: 4,674 mAh, ~6.6 % larger than the iPhone 15 Plus
- Battery Life: Leading endurance with ~18 h of active use, ~23 h video playback, and ~19 h web browsing—making it the longest-lasting iPhone to date
- Wired Charging: Around 30 W USB‑PD (50 % in 30 mins using 20W adapter), full charge in ~95 minutes
- Wireless Charging: MagSafe up to 25 W (with 30W+ adapter), Qi2 support up to 15 W
- Reverse Charging: Up to 5 W for compatible accessories
Across reviews, the 16 Plus earns praise for delivering multiple days of uptime on a single charge.
Software & Apple Intelligence
- Operating System: Ships with iOS 18, upgradable to future versions, backed by 7 years of iOS and security updates
- New Features:
- Action Button replaces mute switch, customizable across apps
- Camera Control Button, offering gesture-based camera control
- Apple Intelligence (beta from October, full from December) with chat‑style Siri, email summarization, image recognition, and generative tools
These new controls and AI enhancements elevate the iPhone 16 Plus beyond its hardware class.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent battery life (top among iPhones)
- Large, bright OLED display suited for media & gaming
- Strong performance from the A18 chip with efficient power use
- New Camera Control and Action Buttons enhance user interaction
- Seven years of software and security updates
Cons
- Refresh rate limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion)
- No dedicated telephoto lens
- Charging speed is modest relative to Android flagships
- Apple Intelligence features may be region-restricted at launch
Final Verdict
The iPhone 16 Plus offers the best of both worlds: a large immersive display, exceptional battery endurance, and access to Apple’s latest software innovation—including Camera Control, Action Button, and AI features. It hits a sweet spot for users who want a big-screen experience without paying Pro Max prices. While it lacks ultra-fast charging or high-refresh Pro display, the 16 Plus remains an exceptional value within the Apple ecosystem.
