iPhone 16 Plus review

What Makes the iPhone 16 Plus Different This Year

The iPhone 16 Plus is the 2024 addition to Apple's range of large-screened iPhones at a price that doesn't reach the Pro Max level. While the phone keeps many familiar traits, a few key changes set it apart from its predecessor. The addition of the Camera Control button and the customizable Action Button are the most noticeable hardware updates. These buttons, which were once reserved for the Pro models, now give owners a more direct way to adjust shooting settings or launch their favorite apps without looking at the screen.

Under the hood, the phone uses the Apple A18 chip, which provides enough power for demanding tasks and ensures the phone can handle future software updates. The new vertical camera arrangement supports spatial photo and video capture, a feature that was previously limited to the Pro line. Although the price stays at $899, the same as the previous generation, the phone now offers a larger battery that can last throughout a full day of heavy use.

However, some reviewers note that the phone is not a major upgrade from the iPhone 15 Plus, so owners of last year's model may not find enough reason to upgrade.

The Big Screen and the 60Hz Trade-Off — The iPhone 16 Plus

The iPhone 16 Plus sports a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. This is a significant compromise because many competitors at similar price points offer 120Hz displays, which provide smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. For users who have never used a high-refresh-rate screen, the 60Hz panel will look sharp and vibrant, but those who have experienced 120Hz may notice the difference in everyday tasks like scrolling through social media or navigating the interface.

On the plus side, the screen is large and bright, making it excellent for watching videos, editing photos, or reading text. The phone also benefits from a durable aluminum unibody with an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand dust and water immersion. The available color options—Black, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine—are more vibrant than the pastel shades of the previous generation. If you prioritize a huge display for media consumption and don't mind the slower refresh rate, this phone delivers a great visual experience. Check out our full collection of phone reviews for more comparisons.

New Buttons That Change How You Use the Phone — The iPhone 16 Plus

This year's iPhone 16 Plus introduces two physical buttons that fundamentally change how you interact with the device. The Camera Control button, located on the side, offers a tactile way to launch the camera app, adjust zoom levels, and capture photos with a half-press or full-press. This button makes shooting feel more like using a dedicated camera, giving you fine control over effects and composition in real time. Meanwhile, the Action Button, which was first seen on the Pro models, can be customized to perform a variety of tasks, such as opening the flashlight, voice memos, or any app you choose.

These buttons add a layer of convenience that many users will appreciate. The Camera Control, in particular, enhances the shooting experience even when compared to the previous generation. However, some reviewers feel that the arrival of the Action Button is less of an event because the Camera Control already covers many of the same quick-launch needs. Also, the Apple Intelligence features, which are touted as a major software upgrade, still need more innovative options to be truly useful. For a detailed overview of all available large-screen phones, visit our phone directory.

Camera Control and the Dual-Lens Setup — The iPhone 16 Plus

A standout addition to the iPhone 16 Plus is the new Camera Control button, which reviewers found genuinely useful for adjusting zoom, depth, and effects in real-time while shooting. This physical control, combined with the Action Button that can be customized for quick camera launch, changes how you interact with the phone's photography features. The camera system itself pairs a 48MP main sensor with a 12MP ultrawide lens, a combination that delivers versatile shots without a dedicated telephoto zoom.

Image processing has been improved, and new photographic styles let you customize the look of your photos before you press the shutter. While the camera hardware isn't a dramatic leap over the previous generation, the overall shooting experience has been elevated through these software and control enhancements. For anyone who frequently uses their phone to capture memories, the large 6.7-inch OLED display provides an excellent canvas for reviewing shots, making the 16 Plus a practical choice for photography enthusiasts who don't need the Pro model's triple-lens system.

If you want to compare the camera capabilities directly with a Pro model, our side-by-side comparison is available.

Battery Life and Charging Speeds for All-Day Use — The iPhone 16 Plus

The iPhone 16 Plus continues to deliver strong battery performance, with reviewers noting it can easily power through a full day from early morning to late evening. Apple rates the device for up to 27 hours of video playback, and real-world testing confirms it as a dependable companion for heavy usage. This year, Apple has also increased the battery capacity and improved charging speeds.

The phone supports up to 25W wireless charging via MagSafe, which is a noticeable step up from previous generations, and it also works with standard 20W-class wired charging. While it no longer holds the title of battery champion—that honor goes to the iPhone 16 Pro Max—the Plus model still offers excellent longevity. The combination of a large screen and all-day battery makes it a solid choice for travelers, commuters, or anyone who hates hunting for a charger before the day ends.

For more details on how the battery life compares to other devices, you can use our phone finder tool.

Is the iPhone 16 Plus right for you?

The iPhone 16 Plus: Large Screen, Affordable Price, and What You Give Up

The iPhone 16 Plus is designed for those who want a big-screen iPhone without the Pro Max price tag, starting at $899. It offers a 6.7-inch OLED display, the new A18 chip for smooth performance and future-proofing, and a fresh set of vibrant color options including Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine. However, to hit that lower price, Apple made some intentional trade-offs. The display runs at 60Hz instead of the 120Hz refresh rate found on many competitors, so scrolling may not feel as fluid.

You also miss out on a dedicated telephoto lens, meaning you'll rely on digital zoom for distant subjects. Reviewers point out that this is not a major upgrade over the iPhone 15 Plus, and the promise of Apple Intelligence features still feels incomplete in practice. But if you value a large screen, long battery life, and the new physical controls (Camera Control and Action Button) without spending over a thousand dollars, the iPhone 16 Plus delivers a compelling experience.

It confidently serves as the best big-screen iPhone for the masses, provided you can accept where Apple chose to cut corners.