The iPhone 16 Plus continues Apple’s trend of offering a compelling, large-screen experience without the premium price tag of its Pro models. It boasts solid battery life, a capable camera system, and all the benefits of Apple’s robust ecosystem. However, it also exposes Apple’s growing tendency to chase industry trends — most notably with the push for AI (Apple Intelligence) — while still refusing to address long-standing complaints, such as the lack of a high refresh rate display.
Design and display: Familiar but starting to feel dated
At first glance, the iPhone 16 Plus looks nearly identical to its predecessor (with the exception of the redesigned camera bump and realigned camera lenses), which isn’t surprising — Apple has never been one to make drastic design changes year over year. While some users appreciate the consistency, this time, it’s harder to ignore that Apple is playing it too safe. The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display is bright and crisp, but it’s still limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, something that feels increasingly outdated as even mid-range Android phones now offer 90Hz or 120Hz screens.
I’ve never been particularly bothered by 60Hz displays, but after spending time with the iPhone 16 Plus, I started noticing its limitations more — especially when switching back to my iPhone 16 Pro. Scrolling just isn’t as smooth as it should be, and animations don’t feel as fluid as on devices with higher refresh rates. Apple could have easily bumped this up to at least 90Hz, but its refusal to do so feels out of touch with current consumer expectations.
Performance: Reliable and efficient with the A18 chip
Under the hood, the iPhone 16 Plus is powered by Apple’s A18 chip, delivering fast and efficient performance across the board. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or editing photos, the phone handles it all without breaking a sweat. And thanks to Apple’s tight hardware-software integration, the device remains optimised for years, ensuring that performance won’t degrade as quickly as some Android counterparts.
Battery life is another strong point, easily lasting a full day of heavy use and stretching even longer under moderate conditions. This makes the iPhone 16 Plus an excellent choice for those who prioritise longevity over cutting-edge hardware.
Camera: Solid, but not groundbreaking
The iPhone 16 Plus features a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor. Photos are detailed, colour-accurate, and benefit from Apple’s computational photography prowess. Night mode continues to impress, and video recording remains one of Apple’s biggest strengths. However, while the camera is excellent, it doesn’t bring anything particularly new or groundbreaking to the table — incremental improvements rather than revolutionary changes.
Apple Intelligence: Chasing trends rather than leading
One of the biggest talking points this year is Apple Intelligence, the company’s take on AI-driven features. While Apple has traditionally been immune to criticism about following trends, this move feels like a response to industry pressure rather than a necessary evolution. The iPhone has never needed AI to be an outstanding device, and while some of these features may prove useful, they don’t feel like the game-changers Apple wants them to be.
The Apple Ecosystem: The real selling point
Where Apple continues to outshine the competition is in its ecosystem. Owning an iPhone means seamless integration with iPads, Macs, Apple Watch, and other Apple devices. Features like AirDrop, Handoff, iMessage, and Continuity remain unmatched in their simplicity and reliability. This is something no Android manufacturer has managed to replicate on the same level, and it’s a major reason why so many users stay loyal to Apple.
Value for money: More affordable than the Pros, but still premium
The iPhone 16 Plus may be on the pricier side compared to some Android alternatives, but it offers something many competitors do not: multiyear software support and access to Apple’s core features at a lower cost than the Pro series. Unlike many Android brands that drop software updates after two or three years (with the exception of Samsung and Google’s Pixel lineup), Apple provides iOS updates for five years or more, ensuring that even older devices remain secure and functional.
Additionally, iPhones hold their value far better than their Android counterparts. Whether you plan to trade it in for an upgrade or sell it second-hand, you’ll get a significantly better return compared to most Android devices. This long-term value proposition makes the iPhone 16 Plus a smarter investment for many users.
The best iPhone for most people
The iPhone 16 Plus is an excellent choice for those who want a big-screen iPhone without paying Pro-level prices. It offers great battery life, strong performance, and all the benefits of Apple’s ecosystem. However, Apple’s stubborn refusal to move beyond 60Hz displays and its newfound obsession with AI feel like missteps.
That said, none of these issues seem to be slowing Apple down. The iPhone remains the most copied smartphone on the market, with Chinese brands replicating everything from its flat-edged design to Dynamic Island. However, as these brands continue improving their premium offerings at lower prices, Apple — like Samsung — will need to find ways to evolve beyond the iterative updates we’ve been seeing.
Click here for an Android user’s experience of the iPhone 16 Plus.
