The Apple iPhone 16 and the 16 Plus, launched alongside other iPhone 16 series, have generated constant buzz as one of the top releases in the smartphone market. Apple Inc. is known for its unique technology and amazing user experience, which is also evident in its latest release. The iPhone 16 series has excellent performance, sleek design, Apple intelligence, and innovative software. iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Plus. What's the difference? Let's see why they are constantly making a show in the phone market. In this head-to-head comparison, we will explore every detail, from the design to the display, speaker system, price, and many more.
Design and Built
One thing about the Apple brand is that they always prioritize premium design. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are built with aerospace-grade aluminum design and the latest-generation ceramic shield front that is tougher than previous models. How much luxury could that be? The phone is just a perfect blend of elegance and durability. If you want a luxurious yet durable iPhone, then these iPhone 16 models are the way to go. The sleek, flat-edge design is quite similar to that of the iPhone 12 but a more refined version.
The 16 Plus features a slightly larger display than the iPhone 16's 6.1-inch display, with a whopping 6.7-inch display. The 16 Plus and the iPhone 16 also introduce a redesigned camera bump with the back panel for a sleeker profile. Both iPhones come in different vibrant colors that you can pick from. Both feature ultramarine, teal, black, white, and pink colors. Not only are these iPhones built to be sturdy, but they are also built to be water-resistant, as they have an IP68 rating. This means they can resist water for 30 minutes when submerged up to 6 meters of water. Both have rectangular shapes with a curved design at the edge. Although the iPhone 16 and the 16 plus have similar aluminum designs with the back infused with similar colors, they are pretty different from the iPhone 16 pro max, which comes in black titanium, white titanium, natural titanium, and desert titanium.
Mobile Display and Screen Size
The display is no doubt the first thing any user notices. For the iPhone 16 series, Apple delivered just right. The mobile display of both the iPhone 16 vs the iPhone 16 Plus features a Super Retina XDR display. This retina display is super clear and offers unparalleled brightness. The 16 Plus, however, comes in an ultra-wide 6.7-inch screen size that is perfect for gaming, streaming, and multitasking, while the iPhone 16 being a compact phone, comes in a 6.1-inch display diagonal, which is also great. Both come with an OLED technology that gives it a deep black and other vibrant colors. Likewise, they both have a true tone, a dynamic island that can help you easily view notifications pop-ups. The entire display of both phones comes with a haptic touch, a wide P3 color display, and a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating.
Now to the display resolution, the 16 Plus has 2796 x 1290 pixels with a 460 PPI density, which gives extremely sharp visuals. The iPhone 16, on the other hand, has 2556 x 1179 pixels with a 460 PPI. The refresh rate for these phones is 60Hz, which might not be as sleek as the 120Hz displays of the 16 Pro and Pro Max. Whether streaming content online or scrolling through your social media feed, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus delivers a top-notch viewing experience.
Phone Performance
Beyond what you can see on the outside, the iPhone 16 and the 16 Plus are powered by Apple’s latest A18 Bionic chip, which sets a new standard for smartphone performance. Both latest additions have a 6-core CPU (two high-performance CPU cores and four efficiency cores). Likewise, they have a 5-core GPU, which is great for advanced gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. Both phones also have a 16-core neural engine, perfect for real-time photo and video editing tasks.
Speaker System
Both the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come with Apple's advanced stereo speaker system. This speaker system offers a great audio experience that improves your media consumption. Talk of listening to music, playing games, or watching a movie. A standout feature of the Apple speaker is the spatial audio and Dolby Atmos support that gives a surround effect. Let's talk about how each of these phones delivers this advanced speaker system. Although both models offer clear audio at maximum volume, the 16 Plus offers a better sound experience due to its larger build that prioritizes audio clarity and volume. In addition to the amazing speaker system, both iPhones feature an advanced noise cancellation feature duting calls. With this feature, you can make calls easily without having to struggle in noisy environments, as your voice remains clear during your calls.
RAM Capacity
The iPhone 16 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM, an upgrade from the iPhone 15 Plus 6GB of RAM. The iPhone 16 also comes with 8GB of RAM. Due to this larger memory capacity, users can easily multitask and switch between apps without lag on these iPhones. Whatever you’re doing on these smartphones, whether video editing or managing multiple apps interchangeably, you’re sure to get the best performance with this enhanced RAM capacity.
Connectivity
Good connectivity can't be overemphasized in smartphones, and trust Apple to deliver on that. Both the 16 and 16 Plus offer top-notch connectivity that keeps you connected at light speed. These smartphones are designed with the latest wireless technologies, so you don't have to worry about wires and cords when trying to get the simplest of things done. For smooth performance and navigation, both offer 5G support that ensures fast downloads and a lag-free online experience. These iPhones also come with Bluetooth 5.3, which improves audio quality with wireless earbuds and also offers a stable connection with accessories like smartwatches. The inclusion of a second-generation ultra-wideband provides an advance and precise location tracking feature, making it easy for navigation. If you have a smart home ecosystem, then the 16 and 16 plus thread networking technology will interest you as it can help with connectivity between compatible devices.
Battery Life
There’s nothing more an iPhone user wants than a phone that can last longer. It seems Apple has heard the plea for a long-lasting battery, as the iPhone 16 Plus comes with a chart-topping battery life. The battery is a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion 4,600mAh battery, and the iPhone 16 has a 3,561mAh battery. Which is better? iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Plus? Well, the difference in battery capacity is quite different. The 16 Plus battery capacity is the second largest in the iPhone lineup. Even with heavy use, the 16 Plus battery can last for a full day without you having to reach out for your charger or power bank. It can go for up to 27 hours of video playback, 24 hours of streamed video playback, and up to 100 hours of audio playback, which is super impressive.
Although both iPhones have strong battery claims, the iPhone 16, on the other hand, provides up to 22 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 16 Plus boasts a larger battery that supports up to 27 hours of video playback. For streamed video playback, the iPhone 16 can go to 18 hours of video playback without you reaching for a charger. The Plus model offers a better choice for users who need extended battery life. In addition to the durable battery, both iPhones come with a power management feature that helps conserve the battery. Also, with features like Low Power Mode and adaptive charging, these new iPhones set a new standard for battery life.
Camera
It’s no longer news that the iPhone camera is one of its best-selling points. This record has been maintained over the years without the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus being an exception. The camera system on both iPhones is the same and revolutionary with its optical image stabilization and spatial photo option. Their camera features a dual-lens setup consisting of the main camera, a 48MP fusion camera with a 26mm lens and f/1.6 aperture, producing super-high-resolution photos. The 12 MP ultra-wide camera has a 13mm lens, f/2.2 aperture, and a 120-degree field view, perfect for landscape and group shots. Both have the 0.5x, 1x, and the 2x optical zoom options.
They come with amazing camera options and photographic styles. Likewise, they also come with a photonics engine that ensures that any shot taken on the iPhone 16 or the 16 Plus is clear and detailed, irrespective of the lighting condition. Both also feature the Smart HDR 6, Night Mode, and Deep Fusion, perfect for mobile photography. Great videography and cinematic video stabilization are other features these two iPhone models offer. Also, it supports a $4k Dolby Vision video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, and 60 fps, which is the same for the 1080p Dolby Vision.
Image Processing Quality
Apple has top-notch image processing technology, which is evident in the iPhone lineup, but the iPhone 16 lineup raises the bar further. These phones can power real-time image enhancements and digital zoom thanks to the 16 lineup's A18 Bionic neural engine. This ensures that the beautiful photos you capture have accurate colors and distinct details. The iPhone 16 and the 16 Plus feature a new adaptive HDR mode, giving an intelligent balance between the image highlight and shadow. The image processing quality is great, and the video quality and cinematic mode are equally impressive. The iPhone 16 lineup supports the 4K ProsRes recording and action mode stabilization, which could pass for cinematic footage. Overall, the image quality for both phones is amazing.
Charging Speed
Nothing feels good like plugging in your phone, and your phone is done charging in a jiffy; that’s what the 16 Plus offers. With the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, you don’t have to spend hours trying to boost your phone. These non-Pro iPhones support USB-C and USB-2 for charging. While the iPhone 16 can charge up to 50% in under 30 minutes with a 20W USB charging adapter or a 30W Magsafe wireless charger, the I6 Plus can reach 50% in under 35 minutes under the same conditions. Both models are compatible with Magsafe cases, wallets, and wireless chargers. Also, you can use the 16 Plus to charge other Apple devices like the AirPod and the Apple watch, which is mind-blowing.
Security and Privacy
Security is one of the outstanding features of any iPhone. This is evident in the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16 Plus, which have a couple of privacy protections. The main and vital safety feature is the Face Biometric System. It includes the Face ID 2.0 enabled by the TrueDepth front camera for facial recognition. The Face ID is reliable and can be used in low light, even when wearing accessories like glasses. These iPhones feature a secure biometric option and the Secure Enclave, which protects sensitive user data and prevents unauthorized access while keeping it safe and private. Since Apple is keen on user safety and peace of mind, both smartphones feature an emergency SOS and crash detection. With all of these in place, you and your data are safe, regardless of what model you’re going for.
Assistive Features
One of the things Apple never compromises on in their products is the assistive features. Both the 16 and 16 Plus come with an array of assistive features that can help users with special needs or any needs at all. In a bid to make the iPhone accessible to everyone, the assistive features have been more refined. One of the eye-catching features is the voice control feature that gives complete control of an iPhone to one person just by using their voice. Another one is the Vision features that allow users to zoom in on the screen and adjust text, display colors, and more. Other assistive features include sound recognition, personal voice, magnifier, and live captions.
Software and Updates
Since both iPhones come with the iOS 18, they have all of Apple’s latest software and updates. This software includes interactive widgets that can adapt to your habits. It’s also built for Apple intelligence that can help you as a user write, express yourself, and get things done, of course, with the help of your personal intelligence—a more natural interaction with Siri, with offline usability. Likewise, the seamless integration with other Apple iPhones and devices like the macOS and the iPad iOS is just amazing. Apple has a track record of being committed to software longevity. This means that regardless of whether a newer model comes in, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will remain relevant and will continue to receive updates for at least five years, ensuring your phone is up to date.
Price
The 16 series phones are high-end tech devices, so it’s normal for them to be a bit pricey. Normally, iPhone pricing varies with storage type. The base model of the iPhone 16 costs $799 and is perfect for those who want the best of the iPhone lineup but at a cheaper cost. The 16 Plus, however, starts at $899, which is great for all its qualities. Both models are also available in 256 GB and 512 GB. While they are quite pricey, the phone storage and other features justify the price, making it a good buy. To confirm current prices, you can check with Apple Payment Services LLC.
Size and Weight
Regarding weight, the iPhone 16 is a compact model with thinner bezels, which are lighter as it weighs 170g, making it sleeker and more comfortable to hold. However, the 16 Plus is much heavier due to the larger size and battery, as it weighs 199g. For the depth, both smartphones come in 7.80 mm; however, there’s a difference in the width. The iPhone 16 has a width of 71.6 mm, while the 16 Plus has 77.8 mm. The phone height also varies, with the iPhone 16 having 147.6 mm and the 16 Plus 160.9 mm.
Our Verdict
The iPhone 16 vs 16 Plus is evidence of Apple’s dedication to innovative technology and user satisfaction. This is obvious in the stunning design, performance, fast charge time, user experience, and other industry-leading features of these smartphones. iPhone 16 is an excellent choice if you want a compact phone while still enjoying a high-quality display and premium features. 16 Plus, on the other hand, is a better option for people who are big on media features. While the 16 Plus battery might be durable, it's much heavier than the base model. Whether you’re switching from Andriod phones to the Apple ecosystem or you want to upgrade from previous models, these excellent premium phones are worthy devices. Although they might not be in the “affordable phones” category, you'll definitely get value for your money.
