Hands-on review: Apple's iPhone 16 provides bigger, better experience in every way

Hands-on review: Apple's iPhone 16 Plus delivers a phone experience that I find both premium and practical, balancing advanced tech with everyday functionality.

For me, as someone who values a big-screen, long-lasting phone, the iPhone 16 Plus shines as one of Apple's most impressive and user-focused releases yet.

Everything about it makes it the right choice. It offers incredible battery life, a large display, and one of the best camera experiences I've ever seen.

From its sleek aluminium frame to its vibrant colour offerings, the iPhone 16 Plus feels like a finely crafted product that I can't help but admire.

In particular, I'm absolutely in love with the new pink finish.

The delicate yet luxurious shade adds such unique personality to the phone that I can't stop looking at it. For someone like me, who appreciates a playful yet sophisticated style, it's an easy favourite.

It's a pink that feels fresh and refined, and I think it will appeal to both fashion-forward users and anyone who simply wants a phone that looks as good as it performs.

This release continues Apple's legacy of combining beautiful design with robust features.

The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display is bright, sharp, and perfectly sized for what I use it for—whether I'm watching a film, browsing social media, or editing photos.

With vibrant colours and deep contrast, I feel like every interaction is immersive and enjoyable. Apple has stuck to a 60Hz refresh rate, which I notice isn't as smooth as the Pro models, but the display quality more than makes up for it.

When I watch videos, the colours pop, and the experience is rich and satisfying, especially since I rely on my phone for media consumption.

In terms of performance, I've found that the iPhone 16 Plus, with its powerful A18 chip, ensures everything runs smooth and fast - from opening apps to playing the latest games.

This processor, combined with 8GB of RAM, means I never have to worry about lag or inefficiency.

Day-to-day tasks like multitasking, video calls, and social media browsing are seamless for me, and even when I'm using heavier applications like photo editing software, the phone handles it all impressively well.

What stands out most for me is the incredible battery life. Apple has really outdone itself here, and I've experienced the iPhone 16 Plus easily lasting up to 72 hours on a single charge with moderate use.

For someone like me, who relies heavily on my phone, it's a dream come true. Even with constant 5G and Wi-Fi activity, I've managed to get up to two full days of power without needing to recharge. I love that I don't have to worry about plugging it in every night. And when I do need to recharge, the USB-C fast charging is a lifesaver.

I've found that a quick top-up can bring the battery up to 75% in just 50 minutes—perfect for when I'm on the go.

Another aspect I appreciate is the new buttons Apple has introduced. The Action Button, which replaces the mute switch, is something I've quickly come to love.

I've customised it to launch my camera, but I also see its potential for other functions like initiating a focus mode or activating the flashlight.

It's these small details that make the phone feel so personal to me.

The new Camera Control Button is another feature I've enjoyed using. It makes one-handed access to camera settings incredibly easy, letting me adjust zoom, depth, and even take a photo with just a press. As someone who loves taking photos, this addition has made my experience so much more intuitive.

Speaking of photography, I think the dual-camera setup on the iPhone 16 Plus is one of the best in its class.

With a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens, I've captured some truly stunning shots.

The new macrophotography mode has been a big win, letting me take beautiful close-ups with amazing detail.

Even in low-light conditions, I've noticed a huge improvement - those night-time shots look clear and natural, which I've found incredibly satisfying.

The Photographic Styles feature is another personal favourite. I love being able to adjust the tone and colour of my images to match my aesthetic.

It's a creative touch that's made photography feel more tailored to my preferences.

For video, I've been blown away by the iPhone 16 Plus's spatial photo and video capabilities. Being able to shoot immersive content for devices like the Vision Pro headset is something I find absolutely fascinating. It's a whole new way to preserve memories, and I'm excited about exploring its potential further.

Another area where I've been impressed is sustainability.

I appreciate that Apple has incorporated over 30% recycled materials into this model. For me, knowing that my phone is contributing to reducing environmental impact makes it an even better purchase.

The repairability of the device is another plus. I've always been wary of how expensive repairs can be, but the iPhone 16 Plus is designed to be highly repairable. Its battery, which maintains at least 80% capacity for over 1,000 full-charge cycles, is a testament to Apple's commitment to longevity, and I find that reassuring.

With support for the latest connectivity standards, including 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3, I feel like I'm always well-connected. The addition of USB-C charging has been a welcome change for me, as it's made it so much easier to use the same cable for multiple devices.

To me, the iPhone 16 Plus isn't just a big phone; it's an incredibly well-rounded device that ticks nearly every box I could ask for. With its brilliant display, powerful performance, reliable battery life, and a camera system that's both fun and functional, I can confidently say it's one of the best phones Apple has ever made.

The new pink colour is the icing on the cake for me. It's not just a phone; it's a fashion statement and a tech powerhouse all in one.

For someone like me, who values both aesthetics and functionality, the iPhone 16 Plus is a clear standout in Apple's 2024 lineup.