| Launch |
| Announced | 2024, September 09 | ||
| Status | Coming soon. Exp. release 2024, September 20 | ||
| Pricing |
| 128 GB | 256 GB | 512 GB | |
| Flipkart | 89,900 | 99,900 | 1,19,900 |
| Amazon | 89,900 | 99,900 | 1,19,900 |
| Jio Mart | 89,900 | 99,900 | 1,19,900 |
| Reliance Digital | 89,900 | 99,900 | 1,19,900 |
| Vijay Sales | 89,900 | 99,900 | 1,19,900 |
| Croma | 89,900 | 99,900 | 1,19,900 |
| Display |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM) | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio) | ||
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density) | ||
| Protection | Ceramic Shield glass (2024 gen) | ||
| Platform |
| OS | iOS 18 | ||
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | ||
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core graphics) | ||
| Main Camera |
| Double | 48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF | ||
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama) | ||
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), stereo sound rec. | ||
| Front Camera |
| Single | 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6″, PDAF SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) | ||
| Features | HDR, Dolby Vision HDR, 3D (spatial) audio, stereo sound rec. | ||
| Video | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | ||
| Memory |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | ||
| Card slot | No | ||
| Body |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm (6.33 x 3.06 x 0.31 in) | ||
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | ||
| Build | Glass front (Corning-made glass), glass back (Corning-made glass), aluminum frame | ||
| SIM and Certifications | Nano-SIM and eSIM – International Dual eSIM with multiple numbers – USA Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) – China IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 min) Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified) | ||
| Network |
| Technology GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G 2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 – SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM) CDMA 800 / 1900 3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 4G bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53, 66 – A3290 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53, 66, 71 – A3082 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53, 66, 71 – A3289 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66 – A3291 5G bands 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 – A3290 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave – A3082 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 – A3289 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 – A3291 Speed HSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps |
| Sound |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | ||
| 3.5mm jack | No | ||
| Comms |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, hotspot | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | ||
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | ||
| NFC | Yes | ||
| Radio | No | ||
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort | ||
| Features |
| Sensors | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer Ultra Wideband (UWB) support (gen2 chip) Emergency SOS, Messages and Find My via satellite | ||
| Battery |
| Type | Li-Ion, non-removable | |||
| Charging | Wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min (advertised) 25W wireless (MagSafe), 15W wireless (China only) 15W wireless (Qi2) 4.5W reverse wired | |||
| Misc |
| Colors | Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine | ||
| Models | A3290, A3082, A3289, A3291 | ||
Reviews By Top Bloggers
1. Tom Guide
Update (September 13): iPhone 16 pre-orders are now open, letting you guarantee a phone ahead of release day. And don’t forget to get out our iPhone 16 pre-order live blog for ongoing coverage of different deals.
After months of rumors, the iPhone 16 has finally arrived. And though Apple may once again have showered its iPhone 16 Pro models with more upgrades, the entry-level flagship still can boast enough enhancements to attract would-be buyers — especially anyone intrigued by the prospect of Apple Intelligence features coming later this year.
The iPhone 16 features design changes in the form of new buttons on the side plus a redesigned camera layout. There’s a new chipset, too — and it isn’t one that’s already been used in last year’s Pro models. Apple also promises bigger batteries and an improved ultrawide camera. And these changes are coming with no change in price for either the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus. (In fact, all four iPhone 16 models will cost the same as their iPhone 15 predecessors.)
2. Tech Radar
The iPhone 16 Plus continues to maintain its big-screen appeal, with a 6.7-inch vibrant OLED display and Dynamic Island, resembling previous models like the iPhone 15 Plus or 14 Plus at first glance. However, subtle design changes, especially the addition of the Action Button on the side, set it apart. This customizable button allows users to assign tasks like opening the camera or setting a timer, a feature first introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro series.
New to the iPhone 16 Plus is the “Camera Control” feature. This recessed sapphire glass button lets users easily access camera options, zoom, and capture shots even when the phone is locked. Powered by the A18 chip, it offers smooth performance for photography, gaming (supporting AAA titles and ray tracing), and upcoming Apple Intelligence features. The iPhone 16 Plus also sports a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide lens.
Battery life remains solid, with Apple promising all-day usage. Available in a striking color palette, including Ultra Marine and Pink, the iPhone 16 Plus is set to deliver big value, especially for users who don’t need Pro-level features like a 120Hz screen or a telephoto lens. However, its price is yet to be confirmed.
3. What HiFi
The iPhone 16 lineup brings a few notable upgrades compared to the iPhone 15 models, especially in terms of features and design. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the new iPhone 16 series:
Pros:
- Larger Displays on iPhone 16 Pro Models: The Pro versions of the iPhone 16 have bigger displays, offering more screen space for users who prioritize size and immersive viewing experiences.
- All Models Get the Camera Control Button: A significant improvement is that the new “Camera Control” button, initially exclusive to Pro models in past versions, is now available across the entire iPhone 16 lineup. This feature allows users to access the camera and control zoom or other settings with a simple press or swipe, enhancing the photography experience.
- Audio Mix Feature for Video: The “Audio Mix” feature is particularly useful for video creators, as it provides better control over sound mixing when recording video, allowing for a more professional-quality sound experience.
Cons:
- 60Hz Refresh Rate on iPhone 16 Models: Despite the improvements, the standard iPhone 16 models are still limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which might feel less smooth compared to the 120Hz ProMotion displays available on the Pro models. This could be disappointing for users who prefer smoother scrolling and animations.
- No Always-On Display for iPhone 16: Another drawback for standard iPhone 16 users is the absence of the “Always-On Display” feature, which keeps essential information (like time and notifications) visible even when the phone is in standby mode. This feature remains exclusive to the Pro models.
- iPhone 16 Pro Starts with 128GB Base Storage: While many expect higher storage for Pro models, the iPhone 16 Pro still starts at 128GB, which might not be enough for users who require more storage, especially with higher-quality photos, videos, and apps demanding more space. This could push users to upgrade to higher storage options at an extra cost.
Overall, while the iPhone 16 introduces exciting features, there are a few limitations in the base and Pro models that users should consider before making a purchase.
Reviews By Top Youtubers
2. Unbox Therapy
3. MrWhoseTheBoss
Detailed Review of Apple Iphone 16 Plus
The iPhone 16 Plus continues Apple’s legacy of delivering powerful devices, with noticeable upgrades over its predecessor. While not a full leap forward in some areas, it offers some compelling features for those looking for a big-screen iPhone at a more affordable price than the Pro models. Below is a detailed review based on various aspects of the phone:
Display
- Type: OLED
- Size: 6.7 inches
- Resolution: 1290 x 2796 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Max Brightness: 2000 nits (1600 nits in HDR)
- Protection: Ceramic Shield
Pros:
- OLED Panel: The vibrant OLED display offers deep blacks, rich contrast, and accurate colors, thanks to the DCI-P3 color profile. This makes watching content a visually immersive experience.
- Bright Display: With a max brightness of 2000 nits, the iPhone 16 Plus excels in outdoor visibility, even in direct sunlight.
- HDR Support: Dolby Vision ensures that HDR content looks stunning, providing great highlights and detailed shadows.
Cons:
- 60Hz Refresh Rate: Sticking to a 60Hz refresh rate, the iPhone 16 Plus feels less fluid compared to Pro models or Android competitors offering 120Hz. This is a notable drawback for users accustomed to smoother scrolling and animations.
- No Adaptive Refresh Rate: Without the ability to adjust the refresh rate, power efficiency during static content display could be lower compared to models with adaptive tech.
Design and Build
- Height: 160.9 mm
- Weight: 199 g
- Materials: Glass back, Metal frame
- Waterproof: IP68
Pros:
- Premium Build: The combination of a metal frame and glass back gives the iPhone 16 Plus a high-end feel.
- IP68 Rating: Water and dust resistance are great for durability, allowing the phone to survive in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
- Color Options: The variety of colors (White, Black, Blue, Green, Pink) adds a personal touch to the design.
Cons:
- No Fingerprint Scanner: With only Face ID available, users miss out on the convenience of a fingerprint scanner, especially in situations where face recognition isn’t ideal (e.g., mask-wearing).
- Weight: At 199 grams, it’s slightly on the heavier side, which may lead to some fatigue during prolonged use.
Performance
- Chipset: Apple A18
- RAM: 8 GB
- Benchmarks: Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: 8136, AnTuTu: 1,556,748
Pros:
- Fast Performance: Powered by the A18 chipset and 8GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 Plus performs incredibly well, handling tasks smoothly, from gaming to multitasking.
- Future-Proofing: With a 3nm manufacturing process, the A18 is not only powerful but also more power-efficient, ensuring longevity in terms of performance.
- Great Benchmarks: The impressive benchmark scores, especially on AnTuTu, reflect the raw performance capability for heavy tasks and demanding apps.
Cons:
- Base Model Storage: Starting at 128GB, the base storage might feel limiting for users with extensive photo and app collections, especially given the lack of expandable storage.
Gaming
- GPU: Apple A18 GPU
- FLOPS: ~1789.4 GFLOPS
Pros:
- AAA Gaming Ready: The A18 GPU delivers excellent gaming performance, with smooth frame rates and detailed visuals, even on graphically demanding titles.
- Ray Tracing Support: Hardware-accelerated ray tracing adds a level of realism to lighting and reflections in games, a feature typically found in consoles or high-end PCs.
Cons:
- 60Hz Display: Gaming at 60Hz may not feel as fluid as on devices with higher refresh rates, limiting the experience for those used to 120Hz or higher.
Battery
- Capacity: 4489 mAh
- Max Charge Power: 45W
- Wireless Charging: Yes, 15W
- Reverse Charging: Yes
Pros:
- All-Day Battery Life: The large 4489 mAh battery, combined with Apple’s efficiency optimizations, delivers excellent endurance, often lasting well over a day with normal use.
- Fast Charging: The 45W fast charging is a huge plus, allowing the phone to reach 50% in just 30 minutes, a great convenience for users on the go.
- Wireless Charging: Support for 15W wireless charging and reverse charging adds versatility.
Cons:
- No Charger Included: Like recent iPhones, no charger is included in the box, requiring users to buy one separately for fast charging.
Camera
- Main Camera: 48 MP, f/1.6
- Ultrawide Camera: 12 MP, f/2.2
- Selfie Camera: 12 MP, f/1.9
Pros:
- Excellent Photography: The 48MP main sensor delivers sharp, detailed images with great color accuracy and low-light performance, thanks to its large aperture and optical stabilization.
- Bokeh and Pro Modes: Features like Bokeh mode and Pro mode give photographers more control, allowing for professional-quality shots.
- Stabilization: Optical image stabilization on the main camera ensures smooth video recording, even in 4K at 60FPS.
- Selfie Camera: The 12MP front camera with autofocus and 4K recording capability is great for sharp selfies and vlogging.
Cons:
- No 8K Video: While 4K recording is excellent, some competitors now offer 8K, which may appeal to users looking for the absolute best in video resolution.
- Digital Zoom Only: The lack of a telephoto lens means users are limited to digital zoom, which can degrade image quality at higher zoom levels.
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth: 5.3
- USB: USB-C
Pros:
- Future-Ready Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 provide the latest in wireless technology, offering faster, more reliable connections.
- USB-C Port: The transition to USB-C is a welcome change, allowing for faster data transfer and charging, as well as compatibility with a wide range of accessories.
Cons:
- USB 2.0 Speed: Despite having a USB-C port, it still operates at USB 2.0 speeds, which may be disappointing for those expecting faster data transfer capabilities.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Vibrant OLED display with high brightness
- Great performance thanks to the A18 chip
- Solid battery life with fast charging
- Camera delivers excellent photos and videos
- Future-ready Wi-Fi 7 and USB-C
Cons:
- Limited to a 60Hz refresh rate
- No Always-On Display
- Base storage starts at 128GB
- No telephoto lens or 8K video recording
- USB-C operates at USB 2.0 speeds
Conclusion
The iPhone 16 Plus is a well-rounded flagship device offering impressive performance, great cameras, and excellent battery life. While it brings some meaningful updates, especially in terms of design and performance, limitations like the 60Hz display and lack of Always-On Display prevent it from being a true game-changer. However, if you’re looking for a big-screen iPhone with solid all-around performance, the iPhone 16 Plus delivers great value.
Apple A18 Chipset Details
The Apple A18 chipset, introduced in 2024, powers the latest iPhone lineup with notable advancements in CPU and GPU architecture, memory, and AI capabilities. Built using a cutting-edge 3nm process by TSMC, the A18 offers significant efficiency improvements and raw power. Below is a breakdown of the chipset’s components and performance, along with the pros and cons of each.
CPU
- Cores: 6-core architecture (2 performance cores at 3.78 GHz, 4 efficiency cores at 2 GHz)
- Architecture: ARMv9.2-A
- Process: 3nm technology
Pros:
- Efficient Design: The 6-core architecture balances power and efficiency. The 2 high-performance cores clocked at 3.78 GHz ensure fast processing for demanding tasks, while the 4 efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz manage less intense workloads to save battery life.
- Advanced Architecture: Built on ARMv9.2-A, this architecture improves performance and security over its predecessors, making the A18 future-proof for upcoming software optimizations.
- 3nm Process: The 3nm process technology increases transistor density, resulting in better energy efficiency, enhanced performance, and lower heat generation compared to previous-generation chipsets.
Cons:
- Limited Performance Cores: While efficient, the 2 high-performance cores might not be enough for ultra-heavy tasks that benefit from a higher number of powerful cores, particularly compared to some competing Android chipsets.
GPU
- Name: Apple A18 GPU
- Architecture: Apple Bionic GPU
- Frequency: 1398 MHz
- Pipelines: 5 pipelines, 640 shading units
- Performance: 1789.4 Gigaflops
Pros:
- Powerful Graphics: The A18 GPU, with its 5 pipelines and 640 shading units, is well-optimized for high-end gaming and graphics rendering, ensuring smooth visuals and high frame rates in even the most demanding applications.
- High Compute Power: With 1789.4 Gigaflops of performance, the A18 GPU is capable of handling complex graphical computations, making it ideal for tasks like augmented reality (AR), advanced image processing, and even console-level gaming.
- Efficient Clock Speed: At 1398 MHz, the GPU offers strong performance while maintaining energy efficiency.
Cons:
- Limited by 5 Pipelines: Though powerful, the GPU’s 5 pipelines might not match the multi-core GPUs in some flagship Android phones, potentially limiting its advantage in tasks requiring parallel processing.
Benchmarks
- AnTuTu 10: 1,520,555 (CPU: 410,781, GPU: 489,012)
- GeekBench 6: Single-Core: 3018, Multi-Core: 7751
Pros:
- Top-Tier Benchmark Scores: The A18 consistently ranks high in synthetic benchmarks, reflecting its outstanding real-world performance. It delivers top-class numbers on both GeekBench and AnTuTu, showcasing its balance between raw power and efficiency.
- Great for Multitasking: The multi-core score of 7751 shows the A18 excels at multitasking, which is ideal for users switching between apps, gaming, and productivity tools.
Cons:
- Single-Core Performance Could Be Higher: While strong, the 3018 single-core score indicates that there is room for further optimization, especially compared to more specialized processors in certain Android devices that excel in single-threaded tasks.
AI Accelerator
- Neural Processor: Apple Neural Engine
Pros:
- Powerful Neural Engine: Apple’s Neural Engine significantly boosts machine learning tasks, such as photo processing, voice recognition, and real-time translation. It offers fast AI-based computations, improving both user experience and the efficiency of complex applications.
- Enhanced AI Capabilities: The Neural Engine enables features like improved computational photography, enhanced voice assistants, and real-time AR enhancements, offering cutting-edge functionality.
Cons:
- Limited AI Applications: Although the AI engine is powerful, Apple limits its access to proprietary software and APIs. Developers and users can’t fully exploit its potential without more open tools for third-party apps.
Memory
- Type: LPDDR5X
- Frequency: 7500 MHz
- Max Size: 8 GB
Pros:
- High-Speed RAM: LPDDR5X memory at 7500 MHz allows for quicker data access and lower latency, which translates to better performance in memory-intensive tasks such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Power Efficiency: The LPDDR5X standard not only boosts speed but also reduces power consumption, contributing to the overall battery life of the device.
Cons:
- 8 GB Limit: For heavy users, particularly those working with resource-intensive applications like video editing or high-end gaming, the 8GB RAM limit may feel restrictive compared to Android devices offering 12GB or more.
Multimedia
- Max Camera Resolution: 48 MP
- Video Capture: 8K at 24 FPS, 4K at 120 FPS
- Supported Codecs: H.264, H.265, AV1, VP8, VP9, Motion JPEG
Pros:
- High-Resolution Support: The A18 supports a 48 MP camera sensor and 8K video capture at 24 FPS, delivering stunning image and video quality. Additionally, 4K recording at 120 FPS ensures super-smooth high-definition content.
- Codec Variety: With support for modern codecs like H.265 and AV1, the chipset ensures compatibility with a wide range of media, reducing file sizes without sacrificing quality.
Cons:
- 8K Limitations: While 8K video is supported, the 24 FPS frame rate feels restrictive. Some users might prefer higher frame rates (like 30 or 60 FPS) for a smoother experience when shooting in ultra-high resolution.
Storage
- Type: NVMe
Pros:
- Fast Storage: NVMe storage allows for ultra-fast data transfer rates, ensuring quick access to apps, files, and media. This is particularly useful for loading large games or exporting high-definition video files.
- App and OS Performance: The NVMe standard ensures that both iOS and apps perform smoothly, with reduced lag during read/write operations.
Cons:
- No Expandable Storage: As with other iPhones, the lack of a microSD slot means users are limited to internal storage, which could feel restrictive for those who shoot a lot of high-res videos or store large apps.
Connectivity
- 5G Support: Yes
- Wi-Fi: 7
- Bluetooth: 5.4
Pros:
- Future-Proof Connectivity: With support for 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4, the A18 chipset ensures cutting-edge wireless connectivity. This provides faster download and upload speeds, better signal reliability, and lower latency.
- Faster Download/Upload Speeds: Download speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps and upload speeds of 3500 Mbps will benefit users who regularly stream high-definition content, game online, or upload large files.
Cons:
- Network Limitations: Although capable of supporting ultra-fast speeds, real-world performance can depend on carrier infrastructure and geographic location, meaning that not all users will be able to enjoy the full benefits.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Efficient 3nm Process: Leading-edge manufacturing process results in greater efficiency and lower power consumption.
- Strong GPU Performance: Ideal for gaming, AR, and graphical tasks with 1789.4 Gigaflops of power.
- Neural Engine for AI: Excellent for machine learning and computational photography.
- High-Speed LPDDR5X Memory: Fast RAM ensures smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Supports 8K Video: Future-proof multimedia capabilities.
Cons:
- Limited High-Performance Cores: Just two performance cores could be restrictive for extremely demanding applications.
- 8GB RAM Max: Limited memory could be a bottleneck for power users.
- No Expandable Storage: Lack of microSD card slot limits storage options.
Conclusion
The Apple A18 chipset is a significant advancement, offering a balanced combination of power, efficiency, and cutting-edge features. Whether it’s for gaming, photography, or everyday multitasking, the A18 delivers strong performance. While some limitations remain, particularly with regard to RAM and storage expansion, the chipset is a top contender in the mobile space and ensures the iPhone 16 series remains competitive in 2024 and beyond.
Apple Iphone 16 Plus New Features
The iPhone 16 Plus introduces several key upgrades, both internally and externally. While it may look similar to last year’s iPhone 15 Plus, new additions such as Apple Intelligence, a more powerful A18 chipset, and innovative camera features distinguish it. Let’s explore these new features in detail, starting with the most exciting software enhancements and working through the hardware upgrades.
Apple Intelligence and Visual Intelligence
One of the biggest software additions is Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features set to arrive in October (beta) and fully release by December. This includes a ChatGPT-based Siri that can execute cross-app commands, perform text summarization, and even generate images. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Plus introduces Visual Intelligence, which uses the camera to identify and provide contextual information about objects in your environment, similar to Google Lens.
Pros:
- Advanced AI Features: Apple Intelligence will greatly enhance Siri’s capabilities, allowing for more complex and efficient app control, content creation, and smart interactions.
- Visual Intelligence: With the new Camera Control button, users can leverage AI to analyze objects through the camera and gather information in real-time, making the camera more than just a photography tool.
- Future-Proof: The AI-driven advancements set the iPhone 16 Plus up to compete with AI platforms like Google Gemini and Samsung Galaxy AI.
Cons:
- Delayed Launch: Apple Intelligence won’t be available at launch, meaning early adopters will have to wait until October for beta access and December for full functionality.
- Heavy Competition: Apple Intelligence will need to differentiate itself from existing AI platforms in a market already led by competitors.
A18 Chipset
The A18 chipset is a major internal upgrade, replacing the A16 Bionic chip. Apple claims it delivers a 30% boost in CPU performance and a 40% increase in GPU power. The A18 SoC is designed on a 3-nanometer process, offering enhanced efficiency and graphics capabilities.
Pros:
- Boosted Performance: A substantial improvement in processing power, ideal for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Improved Graphics: The 40% GPU boost benefits users who engage in graphics-intensive applications, including augmented reality (AR) and gaming.
- Efficient Power Usage: Built on a 3nm process, the A18 is more power-efficient, potentially extending battery life.
Cons:
- Modest Real-World Gains: While the performance numbers are impressive, early benchmarks suggest the actual performance gains might not be as dramatic as claimed.
- Battery Drain in High Performance: Increased performance could lead to faster battery depletion in intensive use cases, such as gaming.
Camera Control Button
A standout feature of the iPhone 16 Plus is the all-new Camera Control button, which acts as a physical shutter button and integrates capacitive touch for added functionality. It offers enhanced control over the camera app, allowing users to perform actions such as swiping to zoom or half-pressing to focus.
Pros:
- Tactile Control: The physical button offers a more intuitive way to take photos and control the camera, similar to a DSLR camera.
- Capacitive Gestures: Users can perform a variety of gestures, such as swiping to zoom or half-pressing to bring up additional options, making the camera experience more fluid.
- Taptic Feedback: The button is complemented by haptic feedback, enhancing the physical interaction experience.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: Users may need time to adjust to this new feature, especially if they are used to tapping the screen to capture photos.
- Limited Use Case: The button is solely focused on camera operations, limiting its versatility outside of photography.
Vertically-Aligned Cameras for Spatial Capture
The iPhone 16 Plus features a new vertically-aligned camera system, departing from the diagonal alignment seen in past models. This change allows for Spatial Capture, enabling 3D photos and videos for use with the Apple Vision Pro headset.
Pros:
- Spatial Capture: A new feature designed for immersive content creation, allowing users to record 3D photos and videos that are compatible with AR/VR experiences.
- Unique Camera Design: The vertical orientation adds a fresh aesthetic to the device.
- Augmented Reality Ready: This new arrangement is aligned with Apple’s long-term strategy for augmented and virtual reality.
Cons:
- Limited Appeal: While groundbreaking, the Spatial Capture feature will mainly benefit users invested in the Vision Pro headset, limiting its value for the average iPhone user.
- No Major Sensor Upgrade: The camera’s image quality remains similar to previous models, with no significant improvements beyond the orientation change.
Action Button
The Action Button replaces the traditional mute switch that has been present on base-model iPhones since 2007. It offers a customizable control that allows users to assign it to perform various functions, like opening the camera or changing focus modes.
Pros:
- Customizable Features: Users can assign the Action Button to a wide range of functions, enhancing the phone’s usability.
- Multi-Functionality: The button can serve as a camera trigger, flashlight activator, or even remain as a mute switch, depending on user preference.
- Convenient Access: A one-touch solution to commonly used features, reducing the need to navigate menus.
Cons:
- Redundant Features: Some functions, like opening the camera, feel unnecessary given the easy access to the app already available through the lock screen.
- Adjusting to the Change: Long-time iPhone users who rely on the mute switch might take time to adapt to the new button’s customization options.
Battery Life and Storage Options
While Apple hasn’t officially increased the battery size, the efficient A18 chipset and LPDDR5X RAM could lead to improved battery performance. The iPhone 16 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage configurations.
Pros:
- Expected Battery Efficiency: The iPhone 15 Plus had exceptional battery life, and the A18 chipset’s efficiency suggests the iPhone 16 Plus will continue this trend.
- Flexible Storage Options: A range of storage capacities allows users to choose what best fits their needs, from casual users to power users.
Cons:
- No Mention of Battery Increase: There’s no confirmed boost to battery capacity, so improvements may be marginal compared to the previous model.
- No 1TB Option: Power users who require more storage for apps, media, and files may find the lack of a 1TB option limiting.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Apple Intelligence: A promising AI suite that adds ChatGPT-powered Siri and Visual Intelligence, improving productivity and usability.
- A18 Chipset: Significant performance and graphics boosts, future-proofing the device for high-demand tasks and updates.
- Camera Control Button: A tactile, intuitive way to interact with the camera, enhancing the photography experience.
- Spatial Capture: Innovative feature for AR/VR content, compatible with the Vision Pro headset.
- Action Button: Customizable and multifunctional, allowing for personalization of the iPhone experience.
- Strong Battery Life: Continued efficiency from the A18 chipset and excellent battery performance from previous models.
Cons:
- Delayed Apple Intelligence: AI features won’t be available until later in the year, delaying the full potential of the device.
- Modest Real-World Gains: The A18 chipset may not deliver as dramatic performance improvements as suggested.
- Spatial Capture’s Niche Use: While innovative, it’s mainly useful for Vision Pro users, limiting its appeal to the general iPhone audience.
- Limited Storage Options: No 1TB variant for users who require significant storage capacity.
Conclusion
The iPhone 16 Plus offers meaningful upgrades, from AI-driven features like Apple Intelligence to powerful hardware changes with the A18 chipset and new camera controls. While the external design remains familiar, the improvements inside make this device a future-proof choice for users looking for enhanced performance, innovative photography tools, and upcoming AI functionalities. Despite some delayed features and modest real-world performance gains, the iPhone 16 Plus stands out as a compelling option in Apple’s lineup.
Pingback: Apple iPhone 15 Price, Specs and Best Reviews: What You Should Know | Easy To Understand | Everything You Need To Know - Compare Lala