Apple’s latest iPhone 16 Plus was announced on 9th September and now it is the time to ask the inevitable question that is it really worth upgrading from the iPhone 15 Plus? While the iPhone 16 Plus introduces several new advancements where many users wonders that whether those upgrades justify 100$ more on new purchase. So, in this article, we’ll dive deep into the key differences between these two models to help you decide whether the iPhone 16 Plus is the right choice for you.
iPhone 16 Plus Design & Display: Subtle Refinements
In first look, Apple iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus shares alot of similarity in their design language. Both models come with the iconic flat-edged aluminum frame and Ceramic Shield front cover that Apple fans have grown very common in their flagships. However, the iPhone 16 Plus introduces slight refinements especially their rear camera designs and also improved durability with enhance user experience.
One of the most noticeable change in iPhone 16 Plus is bezel size reduction. While the overall screen size is same like iPhone 15 Plus that is 6.7 inches. Smaller bezels have made more immersive feel.
However there is one disappointment that Apple has stuck with the 60Hz refresh rate for their iPhone 16 Plus model unlike many Android devices that now offer higher refresh rates even at mid-range price points but still apple is only providing 120 Hz in their pro models.
Game-Changing Camera Control Button
Perhaps the most exciting feature is the addition of Camera Control button, which is a major game changer in Apple 16 Series.
This new Camera Control Button can also help users to trigger Apple’s Visual Intelligence AI that promises to improve camera experience like never before which might sound like a feature but some people may not like it due to the placement on lower right of phone hence it can be used in landscape mode but difficult to use in portrait mode.
iPhone 16 Plus Performance: With A18 Bionic Chip
iPhone 16 Plus features the new A18 Bionic chip which have significantly better performance as compared to A16 Bionic chip found in iPhone 15 Plus. A18 chip is built upon 3nm architecture which not only enhances the overall device performance but also improves battery efficiency. Some of the critics on social media platforms are not satisfied with A18 and saying that Apple in likelihood the A17 Chip and they only replaced the name.
Overall Antutu score of A18 Bionic is 1539646 that is amazingly fast as compared to A16 Bionic 1445672 scores. Apple added two performance cores that have 4040 MHz clock speed and 4 efficiency cores having 2000 MHz of speed.
Significant Gains in Battery Life & Charging
iPhone 16 Plus delivers a video playback of almost 27 hours whereas in iPhone 15 Plus we can experience max 26 hours. This is just a minor improvement but the increased efficiency of the A18 Bionic chip contributes to better power management.
Both models support USB-C charging and MagSafe, but there is a twist that iPhone 16 Plus supports faster wireless charging at 25W with the latest MagSafe charger which is still 20W for iPhone 15 Plus.
Also Read: Which is Best M4 iPad Pro or M2 iPad Air (2025)
Apple, at many places highlights on Apple Artificial Intelligence integration with A18 Bionic supported devices. So now Siri will be more advanced after iOS 18.1 Update, that is around the corner. Many of people don’t care about AI in their smartphones but still it is a massive blow for tech enthusisats as there will be more gateways that are not yet unlocked.
My Verdict: Is It Worth Upgrading?
Is the iPhone 16 Plus a worth investment than iPhone 15 Plus? Well Yes because iPhone 16 Plus comes with elegant design with eye-catching colour variations and blazing fast A18 Bionic chipset that is a clear winner.
But If you are iPhone 15 Plus owner and very desperate to use AI capabilities releasing from iOS 18.1 update, then can opt 16 Plus, otherwise there are not major additions to invest extra $100 USD to buy $899 USD iPhone 16 Plus. If you want longer run support and want to experience new Camera Control Button then it totally worths to be bought
Editor’s Recommendation:
