Let’s be real for a second. Most people aren't buying the iPhone 16 pink plus because they care about the "thermal efficiency of the A18 chip." They’re buying it because that specific shade of pink is arguably the most striking color Apple has released in years.
It's loud. It’s saturated. It’s a massive departure from the "did I leave this in the sun too long?" pastel pink of the iPhone 15.
If you’re looking at this phone in 2026, you've probably noticed that the market is flooded with "Pro" models and "Air" rumors. But the Plus stays in this weird, perfect middle ground. You get the massive screen without the heavy titanium price tag.
Honestly, after a year of these being out in the wild, the consensus is pretty clear: it’s a tank in a prom dress.
That Pink Isn't Just "Pink"
When Apple launched the iPhone 15, the pink was so light it basically looked white in a bright room. The iPhone 16 pink plus changed the game. Apple used a color-infused glass back that actually looks like bubblegum or a vibrant peony.
It’s bold.
One thing most reviewers, like the folks over at TechRadar, noted early on is how the aluminum rails are color-matched. It’s a seamless look. But here is the kicker: because it’s a "Plus" model, there is a lot of surface area for that color. It’s a statement piece.
If you’re worried about it looking "too much," it sorta depends on your case. A clear MagSafe case keeps that pop alive, but a silicone case usually hides the best part—that frosted glass texture that feels like a smooth stone.
The Big Screen Trade-off
You’ve got a 6.7-inch display here. It’s the same size as the Pro Max but feels way lighter. Specifically, it's 199 grams.
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Compare that to the beefy Pro Max models that feel like carrying a brick in your pocket. The Plus is the "big phone for people who hate heavy phones."
What You Lose
- ProMotion: This is the big one. It’s still stuck at 60Hz. If you’re coming from a Pro model, you’ll notice the scrolling feels a bit "ghosty."
- Always-On Display: The screen goes completely black when you’re not using it. No glancing at the time while it sits on your desk.
But does it actually matter? For most people, probably not. Unless you’re a tech enthusiast who spends all day comparing refresh rates, you’ll likely forget about it within 48 hours. The brightness, though, is legit. It hits 2,000 nits. You can actually see your notifications at the beach without squinting like a madman.
Why the A18 Chip Matters Now
Inside this pink shell is the A18 chip. Apple did something different this time. They didn't just give the base models last year's leftover Pro chips. They gave it a brand-new engine.
The reason? Apple Intelligence.
You need 8GB of RAM to run those AI features smoothly, and this phone has it. Whether you're using the "Clean Up" tool in photos to erase that random person in the background or asking Siri to actually be useful for once, the hardware keeps up.
Actually, in real-world use, the phone doesn't get nearly as hot as the older iPhone 15 did during heavy tasks. Apple redesigned the internal thermal structure. It’s basically a silent upgrade that keeps your battery from degrading as fast when you're marathon-gaming or editing TikToks.
The Camera Control Situation
There is a new button on the side. Well, it’s not really a button—it’s a sapphire-covered sensor called Camera Control.
It’s polarizing.
Some people love it because it feels like a real camera shutter. You can slide your finger across it to zoom or change the "Photographic Styles." Others find it a bit fiddly, especially if you have a thick case that makes it hard to swipe.
"It's the fastest way to launch the camera, but the swipe gesture takes some muscle memory to master." — Austin Mann, Travel Photographer.
The actual camera setup is a 48MP "Fusion" lens and a 12MP Ultra Wide. The vertical layout looks a bit like the old iPhone X, which is a vibe. More importantly, it lets you shoot Spatial Video. If you ever plan on getting an Apple Vision Pro (or whatever cheaper version comes out next), you can watch your home videos in 3D. It’s a niche feature, but it’s there.
Battery Life: The Undisputed King
If you ask anyone who owns a Plus model why they bought it, they’ll say the battery.
The iPhone 16 pink plus is a monster. Because it doesn’t have the power-hungry 120Hz screen of the Pro, but it has the massive battery capacity of a large phone, it lasts forever.
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We’re talking nearly 19 hours of video playback. In a normal "I have a job and a life" scenario, this is easily a two-day phone. You can leave the house at 8 AM, use GPS, take photos, scroll through Reels, and still have 30% when you wake up the next morning. It’s the ultimate "peace of mind" device.
The 2026 Perspective: Should You Buy It?
We are now deep into the lifecycle of this device. With the iPhone 17 rumors always swirling, the 16 Plus has actually become a better value.
Why it stays relevant:
- USB-C: Obviously. No more hunting for Lightning cables.
- Action Button: You can program it to open your garage door, start a Voice Memo, or just keep it as a mute switch.
- The Color: Seriously, the pink hasn't faded, and there isn't another color quite like it in the newer lineups.
The biggest competition isn't even the newer models; it's the 16 Pro. If you can find a Pro for $100 more, you get the better screen and the 5x zoom lens. But you lose that light weight and the specific pink aesthetic.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re currently holding an iPhone 13 or older, the jump is massive. You’re getting the Dynamic Island, the new buttons, and a battery that will make your old phone feel like a toy.
- Check your storage: Don’t settle for 128GB if you take a lot of 4K video. The 256GB is the "Goldilocks" zone.
- Look at the "Teal" too: If the pink is a bit too much, the Teal is the other standout of this generation.
- Skip the official cases: They’re expensive. Get a high-quality clear case from a brand like Spigen or ESR to show off that color while actually protecting the edges.
This phone was built for people who want the "Big iPhone Experience" without the "Pro" complexity. It’s simple, it’s fast, and in that pink finish, it’s impossible to ignore.
Make sure to check if your carrier is still offering the trade-in credits for the 16 series; since it's a bit older now, you can often find "on the house" deals that weren't available at launch.