Is the iPhone 16 Plus Worth Buying in 2025? A Comprehensive Review

Hand holding an iphone 16 plus with a blurred

Introduction: The iPhone 16 Plus in the Spotlight

As we approach late 2025, the smartphone market is saturated with options, yet Apple's iPhone lineup continues to command attention. The iPhone 16 Plus, released in September 2024, sits as the larger sibling to the iPhone 16 and offers a compelling mix of performance, battery life, and features. But is it still worth buying in 2025? This blog dives deeply into what the iPhone 16 Plus brings to the table, how it stacks up against newer models, and whether it’s a smart purchase for different types of users.

Key Features of the iPhone 16 Plus

Powerful A18 Bionic Chip and Apple Intelligence

The heart of the iPhone 16 Plus is the A18 Bionic chip, fabricated using advanced 3nm technology. This chip provides a significant leap in processing power and energy efficiency compared to previous generations like the A16 or A17. Paired with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM, the phone handles multitasking and AI-driven tasks effortlessly, making it future-proof for at least a couple of years.

Apple Intelligence, integrated with iOS 18 and later updates up to iOS 26.0.1, uses this hardware to offer advanced features such as smarter Siri interactions, on-device machine learning for camera improvements, and personalized assistance that enhances daily usability.

Design and Display

The iPhone 16 Plus sports a sleek 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with rounded edges and a slightly curved glass back. Its design marks a return to a vertical dual-camera layout reminiscent of the iPhone 11 and 12, differing from the diagonal arrangement found in more recent models like the iPhone 15.

Available in attractive new colors such as Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black, the aluminum frame with color-infused glass offers both style and durability. The display supports a super dim mode, improving night-time usability without straining your eyes.

Camera System and Photography Features

The iPhone 16 Plus features a dual-lens camera system with an improved ultra-wide lens and macro photography capabilities. The new Camera Control button enhances ease of access for quick photo and video adjustments, making it a favorite among content creators who want flexibility on the go.

While it lacks some Pro-level camera features like the 48MP ultra-wide sensor or 5x telephoto zoom available on the Pro models, it still delivers excellent photo quality for everyday and professional use. Also, the phone supports spatial video capture aimed at compatibility with Apple Vision Pro.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout reasons to consider the iPhone 16 Plus is its improved battery life. It outperforms the iPhone 15 and many competitors in this regard, providing confident all-day usage even with demanding tasks like AAA gaming or 4K video recording. The energy efficiency of the A18 chip combined with the larger battery capacity makes this model particularly appealing for power users.

Pricing and Availability

At launch, the iPhone 16 Plus started at A$1,599 (inc. GST) in Australia, available in storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Trade-in offers from Apple and carriers can significantly reduce the upfront cost, especially for users upgrading from iPhone 11 or newer models, with credits ranging from A$255 to A$1,125.

Although newer models like the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air have entered the market in 2025, the iPhone 16 Plus remains competitively priced, offering premium features at a slightly lower cost compared to flagship Pro models.

Person holding an iphone 16 plus with a visible home

Who Should Consider the iPhone 16 Plus in 2025?

1. Users Upgrading from Older iPhones (iPhone 13 or Earlier)

If you're still using an iPhone 13 or older, the iPhone 16 Plus is an excellent upgrade. The leap in processing power with the A18 chip, enhanced battery life, and camera improvements make a tangible difference in everyday performance. Features like Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite, and the Action Button add layers of safety and convenience that older iPhones lack.

2. Those Prioritizing Battery Life and Screen Size

For users who consume a lot of media, play games, or work on their phone extensively, the large 6.7-inch display and long battery life of the iPhone 16 Plus are major plus points. While the Pro models offer 120Hz refresh rates and more advanced camera setups, the iPhone 16 Plus strikes a great balance between screen real estate and battery longevity without the premium price tag.

3. Budget-Conscious Buyers Wanting Premium Features

If you want many of the latest iPhone features without paying for the Pro or Ultra models, the iPhone 16 Plus delivers. It has the Action Button, Apple Intelligence, and a robust camera system that covers most users' needs at a lower price point. For those who want to avoid the highest price tier but still want a flagship feel, the 16 Plus is a compelling choice.

What Are the Drawbacks?

No ProMotion 120Hz Display: The iPhone 16 Plus lacks the smoother 120Hz refresh rate found in Pro models, which might be noticeable to gamers or users who prefer ultra-fluid scrolling.
Camera Limitations Compared to Pro Models: While its dual camera system is strong, it doesn't match the versatility or megapixel count of the iPhone 16 Pro's 48MP ultra-wide and 5x telephoto lens.
Competition from Newer Models: With the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air launching in 2025, some buyers might find newer features or designs more appealing despite the slightly higher prices.

iPhone 16 Plus vs. Alternatives in 2025

Feature	iPhone 16 Plus	iPhone 16 Pro	iPhone 17 Pro Max	iPhone Air (2025)
Display Size	6.7-inch Super Retina XDR	6.1-inch ProMotion 120Hz	6.9-inch Super Retina XDR	~6.1-inch (estimated)
Processor	A18 Bionic	A18 Pro	A19 or newer	A18 or A19 (varies)
RAM	8GB LPDDR5X	8-12GB	12GB+	8GB
Camera System	Dual 12MP + Ultra Wide	48MP Ultra Wide + 5x Zoom	Advanced multi-lens system	Dual or single, less advanced
Battery Life	Excellent	Very good	Best in lineup	Good
Price (Starting)	~$1,599 AUD	~$2,000 AUD+	~$2,200 AUD+	~$1,000 AUD

The iPhone 16 Plus holds its ground as a larger-screen option with excellent battery life while being more affordable than Pro models. It is ideal for those who prioritize size and battery over ultra-premium camera and display features.

Iphone 16 plus resting on a wooden surface with screen on

Final Thoughts: Is the iPhone 16 Plus Worth It in 2025?

The iPhone 16 Plus is definitely worth considering in 2025 if you want a phone that balances size, performance, camera quality, and battery life at a reasonable price. It offers many flagship features such as the powerful A18 chip and Apple Intelligence, while its large display and enhanced battery make it perfect for media lovers and power users.

While it misses some Pro-level upgrades like the 120Hz ProMotion display and the ultra-high-res camera array, these compromises help keep the price accessible, especially with trade-in deals. If you’re upgrading from iPhone 13 or older, or if you want a large-screen iPhone without the highest price tag, the iPhone 16 Plus remains a smart, future-proof choice in late 2025.

For those who demand cutting-edge camera tech or the absolute fastest display, the newer iPhone 17 Pro models might be worth the extra investment. But for most users, the iPhone 16 Plus offers an excellent balance of value and top-tier Apple features.

Ready to upgrade? Check out the latest deals and official purchase options for the iPhone 16 Plus on Apple Store or explore competitive prices on Amazon India and Flipkart.