Is the iPhone 16 Plus worth it over the 16?

If you want a bigger screen and longer battery life, yes. The 16 Plus costs more but adds screen size and endurance; the cameras and chip are the same.

How is it different from the iPhone 15 Plus?

It adds the A18 chip, 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence, the Camera Control button and Action button, and a brighter display. The 15 Plus lacks Apple Intelligence support.

What is the battery life like?

Apple rates it at up to 27 hours of video playback, the best of any non-Pro iPhone. Most owners get through a full day of heavy use.

Does it support physical SIM cards?

US models are eSIM only. Models sold in most other countries have a physical SIM tray.

What comes in the box?

The phone and a USB-C cable. There is no charger or case included.

Prices tend to drop during Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day and back-to-school sales, and again when the next iPhone launches.

Apple

iPhone 16 Plus 256GB Black

Last price we saw

$1,278.00last seen Oct 29

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Our take on the iPhone 16 Plus 256GB Black

The iPhone 16 Plus is Apple's large-screen phone: a 6.7-inch display, the A18 chip, 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence, and a 48MP main camera with a 12MP ultrawide. It adds the Camera Control button and Action button, and Apple rates battery life at up to 27 hours of video playback. The 256GB model sits mid-range in Apple's storage lineup; watch for discounts below Apple's $999 list price during sales events.

Best forPeople who want a big screen without Pro pricingHeavy video and social media usersiPhone owners upgrading from an 11, 12 or 13Buyers who keep a phone for four or more years

Pros

Large 6.7-inch screen is easy to read and type on
A18 chip handles games and Apple Intelligence features
Up to 27 hours of video playback per Apple
48MP main camera with 2x optical-quality zoom
USB-C, MagSafe wireless charging and the Action button

Cons

iPhone 16 Plus 256GB Black price history

Lowest price we've seen: $1,278.00 on Oct 29. Tracked across 1 store since Oct 29.

What reviewers say

Reviewers call the 16 Plus a solid big-screen phone with strong battery life and a good main camera. Most criticism centers on the 60Hz screen and the lack of a telephoto lens at this price.

Pros

Long battery life
Bright, large display
Fast A18 performance
Useful Camera Control button

Cons

60Hz refresh rate feels dated
No dedicated zoom lens
Large size is awkward for small hands
Slow charging speeds

Specifications

cell_phone_service_provider: T-MobileSource

Questions and answers

Is the iPhone 16 Plus worth it over the 16?: If you want a bigger screen and longer battery life, yes. The 16 Plus costs more but adds screen size and endurance; the cameras and chip are the same.
How is it different from the iPhone 15 Plus?: It adds the A18 chip, 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence, the Camera Control button and Action button, and a brighter display. The 15 Plus lacks Apple Intelligence support.
What is the battery life like?: Apple rates it at up to 27 hours of video playback, the best of any non-Pro iPhone. Most owners get through a full day of heavy use.
Does it support physical SIM cards?: US models are eSIM only. Models sold in most other countries have a physical SIM tray.
What comes in the box?: The phone and a USB-C cable. There is no charger or case included.
When is it cheapest?: Prices tend to drop during Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day and back-to-school sales, and again when the next iPhone launches.