IPhone 16 Plus Review: Detailed GSMArena Performance Testing

The Apple iPhone 16 Plus: A Refined Design and Powerful Hardware

The Apple iPhone 16 Plus has always been the odd one out in the iPhone portfolio, and this trend continues with the latest series. While it boasts a refined design, more powerful hardware, and advanced cameras, it’s also one of the most expensive iPhones on the market. However, its larger screen and battery make it an attractive option for those who value these features above all else.

A Refreshed Design and Improved Cameras

The iPhone 16 Plus features a sleek new design with slimmer bezels and a reimagined camera bump. The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display remains the same as its predecessor, offering high resolution, brightness, and HDR capabilities. The new Apple A18 chip powers the device, providing a more powerful processor, advanced graphics, and faster AI capabilities.

Camera Capabilities

The camera department has seen significant updates, even if they’re not immediately apparent. The 48MP primary camera features sensor-shift stabilization and Fusion capabilities, promising 2x optical quality zoom. The 12MP ultrawide camera has a brighter aperture lens and autofocus support, enabling macro photography.

Wireless Charging and Connectivity

The iPhone 16 Plus supports the next-generation MagSafe and Qi charging, allowing for up to 25W wireless charging with the new MagSafe charger and up to 15W with any Qi2 pad.

Key Specifications at a Glance

• Body: 160.9×77.8×7.8mm, 199g; Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame; IP68 dust/water resistant
• Display: 6.70" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM)
• Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm): Hexa-core; Apple GPU (5-core graphics)
• Memory: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM; NVMe
• OS/Software: iOS 18
• Rear camera: 48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm, 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS; 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚, 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF
• Front camera: 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm, 1/3.6", PDAF; SL 3D
• Video capture: 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps)
• Battery: XXXXmAh; Wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min (advertised), 25W wireless (MagSafe), 15W wireless (China only), 15W wireless (Qi2), 4.5W reverse wired
• Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Dual SIM; Wi-Fi 7; BT 5.3; NFC
• Misc: Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer; stereo speakers; Ultra Wideband (UWB) support (gen2 chip), Emergency SOS, Messages and Find My via satellite

The Verdict

While the iPhone 16 Plus offers a refined design and powerful hardware, its lack of a high refresh rate makes its screen feel dated. With the iPhone Pro inching closer to the Plus size, there may soon be no reason to buy the Plus.

Unboxing the iPhone 16 Plus

The iPhone 16 Plus ships in a thin paper box containing a braided USB-C cable and a SIM ejection tool. The paperwork is still present, but the Apple sticker is now gone.

iPhone 16 • iPhone 16 Pro • iPhone 16 Pro Max • iPhone 16 Plus