iPhone 16 Plus review

The iPhone 16 Plus is Apple’s solution for users who want a big-screen iPhone without going Pro. Launched in 2024, it combines a spacious 6.7″ OLED display, solid performance and outstanding battery life in a more accessible package than the Pro Max.

In this updated 2025 review, we break down all the key features, from the display and camera to battery life and value for money.

Contents:

• Price
• Release date
• Presentation
• First impressions
• Design
• Colours
• Display
• Camera
• iOS Updates
• Battery
• Comparison to other models
• The refurbished option
• The final verdict

Price 💶

Storage	Apple (new)	Swappie (refurbished)
128 GB	€999	from €799
256 GB	€1,129	from €869
512 GB	€1,379	from €1,129

Refurbished models on Swappie include a 12-month warranty and 14-day free return, offering a reliable alternative at a lower cost.

Release date 📅

The iPhone 16 Plus was announced on 10 September 2024 and officially released on 20 September 2024 alongside the rest of the iPhone 16 series.

Presentation 📱

Apple introduced the 16 Plus as the large-screen option for mainstream users. It features Dynamic Island, USB-C, and a camera system identical to the standard iPhone 16. It targets users who value size and battery life over Pro-level extras.

First impressions 💭

Despite its size, the iPhone 16 Plus feels balanced and comfortable in the hand. The aluminium frame, colour-infused back glass and large display give it a polished, high-end look, even if it doesn’t carry the Pro branding.

Design 🖌️

Apple retained its clean, rounded design language for the 16 Plus. It uses aerospace-grade aluminium, the latest Ceramic Shield front and vibrant colour-infused glass. While it lacks the titanium of the Pro models, it still feels durable and premium.

Colours 🎨

The iPhone 16 Plus comes in five soft, pastel finishes:

• Black
• Ultramarine
• Pink
• Teal
• White
  

These shades offer a more playful alternative to the subdued titanium tones of the Pro line.

Display 🌟

The display is one of the 16 Plus’s strongest selling points.

• 6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED
• 2796 x 1290 resolution at 460 ppi
• Up to 2000 nits peak brightness outdoors
• While it doesn’t support ProMotion (120Hz), the screen remains bright, sharp and perfect for video, reading and general media use.

Camera 📸

The camera system mirrors the iPhone 16’s. It’s more than capable for everyday photography and video.

• Main: 48 MP with support for 24MP/48MP shots and 2x digital zoom
• Ultra-Wide: 12 MP
• Front: 12 MP with autofocus and 4K video
• There’s no telephoto lens, but image quality is impressive for a non-Pro device.

iOS updates 🔄

The 16 Plus runs iOS 18 with full support for Apple Intelligence and new AI-powered features. Expect at least 5 years of software updates, keeping the phone current well into the 2030s.

Battery 🔋

This is one of the longest-lasting iPhones at its time of release.

• Up to 27 hours of video playback
• USB-C fast charging
• Supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging
• Its larger body allows for a bigger battery, making it a great choice for heavy users.

Differences between iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Plus ⚙️

Model	Display	Chip	Charging	Battery
iPhone 15 Plus	6.7″	A16	Lightning	Great
iPhone 16	6.1″	A18	USB-C	Good
iPhone 16 Plus	6.7″	A18	USB-C	Excellent

The upgrade from the iPhone 15 Plus is moderate but meaningful, especially the move to USB-C, a faster chip and longer software support.

Accessory compatibility and ecosystem 🔗

The iPhone 16 Plus fits neatly into the Apple ecosystem.

• Compatible with MagSafe accessories
• USB-C enables use of external drives and displays
• Works seamlessly with AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac
• Thanks to Dynamic Island and USB-C, it gains many features previously limited to the Pro line.

Pros and cons ⚖️

Pros

• Large, immersive display
• Outstanding battery life
• USB-C and Dynamic Island
• Strong performance with A18 chip
• Solid photo and video quality

Cons

• No 120Hz refresh rate
• No telephoto zoom
• Price close to older Pro models

If you’re after screen size and battery life without needing triple cameras or ProMotion, this is the ideal balance.

Refurbished option benefits ♻️

Swappie offers the iPhone 16 Plus refurbished from €799.

• 52-step technical inspection
• 12-month warranty
• 14-day free return
• Sustainable packaging and delivery

Refurbished is a smart way to get a nearly new iPhone with full coverage and lower environmental impact.

Conclusion and final verdict ✅

The iPhone 16 Plus delivers excellent value for users who want a large screen, long battery life and strong performance, without paying for Pro-level features. If you don’t need telephoto zoom or 120Hz refresh, this is one of the most practical models in the 2024 lineup. Refurbished, it becomes even more accessible without compromising quality.