The iPhone 16 Plus, unveiled in September 2024, is Apple’s latest offering in the non-Pro lineup. It’s designed for users who want a large-screen iPhone experience without the Pro price tag. With a 6.7-inch display, a powerful A17 chip, new AI capabilities via Apple Intelligence, and extended battery life, the iPhone 16 Plus is more than just a size upgrade—it’s a full-featured powerhouse that blends power, utility, and aesthetics.
🔍 Overview
- Launch Date: September 9, 2024
- Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- Processor: A17 Bionic
- Camera: Dual rear (48 MP + 12 MP ultra-wide)
- Battery Life: Up to 29 hours video playback
- New Features: Action button, Apple Intelligence
- Price in India: Starting at ₹89,900
📐 Design and Display: Elegant and Familiar
The iPhone 16 Plus retains Apple’s premium build quality with aerospace-grade aluminum edges and a Ceramic Shield front. It’s available in five color options: Black, Blue, Pink, Yellow, and Green, with a matte glass finish that resists fingerprints better than its predecessor.
6.7-inch Super Retina XDR Display
This is one of the biggest draws. With a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels, the 6.7-inch OLED screen supports HDR, True Tone, and wide color (P3). The display is bright (up to 2000 nits peak outdoor brightness) and perfect for watching content, gaming, or productivity.
Unlike the Pro series, it lacks ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate), so it sticks to 60Hz—but for many users, the visual smoothness is still satisfying.
⚙️ Performance: A17 Power with Intelligence
The iPhone 16 Plus is powered by the A17 Bionic chip, built on a 3nm process. While the Pro models get the more advanced A18 Pro chip, the A17 still delivers fast performance across the board—from gaming to photo editing.
Apple Intelligence Integration
Apple Intelligence, Apple’s proprietary on-device AI system, brings new features like:
- Smart Summarization in Messages and Mail
- Priority Notifications
- Context-aware Siri
- AI Image Generation & Editing
Apple has heavily optimized these features to work without compromising privacy, as most AI tasks run on-device.
📸 Camera System: Better Photos with Fewer Lenses
Unlike the Pro’s triple-lens setup, the iPhone 16 Plus features a dual-lens system:
- Main Sensor: 48 MP (f/1.6)
- Ultra-Wide: 12 MP (f/2.4)
This setup allows for 2x optical zoom using sensor cropping from the 48MP camera—offering Pro-level framing options at a mid-tier price.
New Camera Software Features
- Next-gen Smart HDR: Balanced tones in high-contrast environments
- Photonic Engine: Improved low-light performance
- Apple Intelligence in Photos: Remove background distractions, generate themed albums with AI
For most casual and enthusiast users, this camera system is more than enough for both social media and professional-style shots.
🔋 Battery Life: The True Marathon Runner
Thanks to its larger frame, the iPhone 16 Plus houses a larger battery than its standard counterpart.
- Video Playback: Up to 29 hours
- Audio Playback: Over 100 hours
- Charging:
- MagSafe: Up to 15W
- Wired (USB-C): Up to 20W
In real-world testing, this means 1.5 to 2 days of normal usage without needing a charge. Apple’s efficiency with the A17 chip and iOS 18’s optimizations also play a crucial role in this longevity.
🆕 Action Button & Camera Control Button
In addition to the Action Button (which replaces the mute switch and can now be customized for different tasks like launching the camera or activating Siri), Apple has introduced a Camera Control Button for the entire iPhone 16 series. Positioned on the side, it allows users to:
- Instantly launch the camera app
- Focus and shoot with a two-stage press (like a DSLR)
- Use haptic feedback for shutter precision
This makes the iPhone 16 Plus one of the most photography-friendly non-Pro iPhones ever made.
📶 Connectivity and Storage
- 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure seamless connectivity
- USB-C port replaces Lightning (finally), simplifying connections across Apple and non-Apple ecosystems
- Available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options
The base 128GB may feel limiting for users who shoot a lot of video or download offline content, so many may find the 256GB model to be the sweet spot.
🛡️ iOS 18: Personalized and Secure
Running iOS 18 out of the box, the iPhone 16 Plus gets:
- Customizable Home Screens and App Icons
- App Locking with Face ID
- Enhanced Privacy Reports
- Revamped Control Center with Widgets
The integration with Apple Intelligence brings a suite of personalized features tailored to your behavior and needs. Plus, Apple promises 6 years of software updates, which is still unmatched in the industry.
📊 Who Should Buy the iPhone 16 Plus?
✅ Ideal For:
- Users who want a large screen without paying for the Pro Max
- Casual photographers and videographers
- Power users who prioritize battery life
- Students and professionals who rely on multitasking
❌ Not Ideal For:
- Hardcore mobile gamers (better off with 120Hz Pro models)
- Users who want triple-camera versatility (like telephoto zoom)
- Budget-focused users (iPhone SE or older models may be better)
📦 Box Contents
Apple continues its minimalist packaging approach:
- iPhone 16 Plus
- USB-C to USB-C charging cable
- Documentation
- No charger or earphones (sold separately)
🔚 Final Verdict: Big, Smart, and Dependable
The iPhone 16 Plus may not have the Pro label, but it earns its spot with meaningful upgrades that matter. From the huge and beautiful display to the solid dual-camera system, all-day battery, and intelligent software features, it’s an excellent device for anyone who wants a powerful large-screen iPhone experience—without pushing ₹1,50,000.
Apple’s consistency in design, reliability in software, and now innovation in AI make the iPhone 16 Plus a compelling device in 2024–2025.
🧠 FAQ – iPhone 16 Plus
Q1: What is the price of the iPhone 16 Plus in India?
A1: Starts at ₹89,900 for the 128GB model. Prices increase for higher storage.
Q2: Does the iPhone 16 Plus support Apple Intelligence?
A2: Yes, it supports most Apple Intelligence features, though some may be exclusive to A18 chips in Pro models.
Q3: What is the refresh rate of the iPhone 16 Plus display?
A3: It has a 60Hz refresh rate. ProMotion (120Hz) is only available in the Pro models.
Q4: How good is the battery life?
A4: It offers up to 29 hours of video playback—among the best battery performance in any iPhone.
Q5: Does the iPhone 16 Plus have USB-C?
A5: Yes, Apple has transitioned to USB-C for all iPhone 16 models, including the Plus.
Q6: Can I use the Action Button for custom tasks?
A6: Absolutely. You can customize it to launch the camera, activate shortcuts, or open apps.
Q7: Is the Camera Control Button useful?
A7: Yes, it mimics DSLR-style two-step shutter functionality, making photography more precise.
Q8: What are the color options?
A8: Black, Blue, Pink, Yellow, and Green.
Q9: Does it support wireless charging?
A9: Yes, it supports MagSafe (15W) and Qi wireless charging.
Q10: How does it compare to the iPhone 16 Pro?
A10: The 16 Pro has a better display (120Hz), telephoto lens, titanium build, and A18 chip. But the 16 Plus beats it on battery life and price.