You’ve probably seen the headlines. The iPhone 16 Pro Max usually steals the spotlight with its massive 6.9-inch screen and that fancy titanium frame. But honestly, if you're looking to buy iPhone 16 Plus right now, you're actually making the smarter play for your wallet. It's the "sleeper hit" of the lineup.
Most people assume the Plus is just a bigger version of the base model. While technically true, that extra real estate changes everything about how you actually use the device. It’s light. It’s huge. And the battery? It basically refuses to die.
The Big Screen Reality Check
Let’s talk about that 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display. Is it 120Hz? No. Apple is still sticking with 60Hz on the non-Pro models, which—kinda annoying, I know. But here’s the thing: unless you’re coming directly from a Pro model or a high-end gaming phone, you barely notice. The OLED panel is still gorgeous. The colors pop, and it hits 2,000 nits in direct sunlight. You can actually see your maps while walking down a bright street in West Odessa without squinting like a maniac.
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The weight is the real shocker. The iPhone 16 Plus weighs about 199 grams. Compare that to the Pro Max, which feels like a brick in your pocket. Because it’s made of aluminum rather than titanium and extra lens glass, it’s much easier to hold for long YouTube marathons.
Why the A18 Chip Matters More Than You Think
You aren't just getting an old processor here. The A18 chip inside the 16 Plus was built specifically for Apple Intelligence. It’s got 8GB of RAM, which is the magic number for running local AI models.
If you decide to buy iPhone 16 Plus, you're getting the same "brains" for AI tasks as the more expensive models. We’re talking about:
- Siri 2.0: Which is actually helpful now thanks to the Google Gemini integration.
- Visual Intelligence: You point the camera at a restaurant, and it pulls up the menu and hours.
- Clean Up Tool: Deleting that random person in the background of your vacation photos.
It’s snappy. It doesn’t lag when you’re swapping between 15 open apps. Basically, it’s future-proofed for the next five or six years of iOS updates.
That New Camera Control Button
Apple added a physical button on the right side. It’s not just a clicker; it’s a capacitive surface. You slide your finger to zoom or swap filters. Honestly, it takes a week to get used to. At first, you’ll accidentally open the camera in your pocket, but once the muscle memory kicks in, it’s great for one-handed shooting.
The vertical camera layout looks a bit like the old iPhone 12, but it serves a purpose. It lets you shoot Spatial Video. If you ever get an Apple Vision Pro (or know someone who has one), you can watch your videos in 3D. The 48MP Fusion main camera is the workhorse here. It gives you a "virtual" 2x telephoto zoom by cropping into the sensor. It’s not a real zoom lens, but for 90% of your Instagram shots, it’s indistinguishable from the real thing.
The Battery King Status
If there is one single reason to buy iPhone 16 Plus, it is the endurance. In real-world testing, this thing outlasts the regular iPhone 16 by a long shot. Some reviewers, like the folks at The Guardian, found it can last up to three days on a single charge if you aren't glued to it. Even with heavy 5G use, you’re looking at a solid two-day phone.
The MagSafe charging also got a boost. If you get the new 25W MagSafe puck, it charges way faster than the old 15W versions. You still have to buy the 30W wall adapter separately, though. Classic Apple.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common myth is that the Plus is "low end." It’s not. It has the Action Button now (goodbye, mute switch). It has Wi-Fi 7. It has the same Ceramic Shield that's 50% tougher than the previous generation.
The trade-off is really just the 60Hz screen and the lack of a dedicated 5x zoom lens. If you aren't a professional mobile photographer or a hardcore competitive gamer, those "missing" features are basically invisible. You save $300 compared to the Pro Max. That’s enough to buy a pair of AirPods Pro 2 and a decent case.
Actionable Buying Tips
- Check the Colors: The Ultramarine and Teal are stunning in person. The Pro colors are boring "natural" tones; the Plus actually has some personality.
- Storage Choice: Start at 128GB if you use iCloud. If you record a lot of 4K video, jump to 256GB. There is no 1TB option for the Plus, so keep that in mind.
- Trade-ins: In 2026, carriers are still offering massive credits for iPhone 13 or 14 models. You can often get the 16 Plus for nearly $0 a month with a qualifying plan.
- Case Up: Even with the tougher glass, a 6.7-inch screen is a lot of surface area to crack. Grab a MagSafe-compatible case so you don't lose that 25W wireless charging speed.
If you want the big-screen experience without the "Pro" tax, this is the one to get. It’s the most balanced iPhone Apple has made in years.
To get started with your upgrade, check your current trade-in value on the Apple Store app or through your carrier's website to see if you qualify for the $800+ credit deals often running this season. Using a 30W USB-C power adapter is also highly recommended to make use of the faster charging speeds available on this specific model.