Lo, the heralds have proclaimed the arrival of a new iPhone, a spectacle oft hard to ignore. Behold, Apple’s event on the ninth day of September unveiled a quartet of new iPhones: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Verily, as the names suggest, the greater the number of words in the title, the grander and more potent the device. Yet, let it not be forgotten that even the humble iPhone 16 stands as a juggernaut among mobiles, capable of matching the prowess of the mightiest Android flagships.
But who, I beseech, concerns themselves with Android? Nay, the burning query on the lips of every Apple enthusiast always remains, “How does the new iPhone surpass its predecessor?” Forsooth, it is logical to presume that the latest iPhone outshines the old — but to what extent, I ask? Should you, perchance, currently peruse this discourse upon yon iPhone 15 Plus, must you hasten to the market to procure an iPhone 16 Plus? Let us delve into the comparison between the Apple iPhone 16 Plus and the iPhone 15 Plus, and discern if the upgrade is truly worthwhile.
### iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 15 Plus: specs
Lo and behold, the iPhone 15 Plus, betwixt the siblings of its lineage, bore the mantle of a middle child in terms of cost, but in design, it shone resplendently. Aye, akin to its brethren in the iPhone 15 series, the Plus variant basked in the glory of a rejuvenated design. The capacious frame of the 15 Plus, swathed in curvaceous sides and balanced weight, bestows a comfortable grip and a sight to behold.
Now, has Apple eclipsed this beauty with the iPhone 16 Plus? Aye, the design of the iPhone 16 Plus remains akin to its forebearer, ensuring the virtues of yesteryear persist. Yet, changes abound. The configuration of the camera module underwent transformation. Instead of the beloved diagonal layout, Apple reverted to a dual-stack for the twin rear cameras. Furthermore, the module eschews extension into a squircle a la the iPhone 12, rendering the iPhone 16 Plus reminiscent of the ancient iPhone X from the rear. An eccentric nod to the past, yet a whimsical one.
Alas, the highlight of this renewal lies in the introduction of a novel button: Camera Control. This newly minted addition joins the venerable Action button, enabling the launch of the camera, zoom swiping, and discerning firm from gentle presses, all in service of refining your photographic ascendancy. Moreover, it serves as the catalyst for Apple’s Visual Intelligence AI. Perchance, it may fade into obscurity, but initial impressions paint a picture of a revolution in smartphone design.
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, though bereft of grander displays like the Pro models, revel in a diminution of bezel stature owing to recent advancements. Ergo, while the fresh iPhone’s display may not expand significantly, it imparts the sensation of encompassing more of the facade, for it does. Sadly, the cheaper models, in defiance of the majority trend in Android devices, maintain a 60Hz refresh rate.
### iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 15 Plus: performance, battery life, and charging
Behold, it comes not as a shock that Apple’s latest marvels bestow more potent processors than their predecessors, yet a caveat lingers. ‘Tis a melancholy tradition that the cheaper of Apple’s new wares receive the processors of yore — thus, whilst the iPhone 15 Pro embraced the novel A17 Pro chips, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus made do with the erstwhile A16 chip. Today, a different tale unfolds. The Pro models revel in the A18 Pro chip, whilst the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus regale in the embrace of the A18 chip. Aye, ’tis likely a repackaged A17 chip, but at least the descent feels marginal now.
Will this transition bear fruit in practical usage? Verily, sans further acquaintance with the devices, divining the answer proves a Sisyphean task — yet ’tis probable that the performance leap shan’t be monumental. Recent iPhones, by and large, exude slickness and expeditiousness, and with the current zenith of phone hardware potency, ’twill be long ere their efficiency wanes.
Alas, the fortunes of battery longevity remain uncertain. Whilst the trio of iPhone 16 models luxuriate in ampler batteries, the iPhone 16 Plus emerges a pariah, rumored to house a diminutive battery. Apple remains mum on the subject, shrouding the battery dimensions in mystery until the hour teardowns commence. Thus, vigilance pervades our scrutiny of the iPhone 16 Plus’ battery span in the hour of review.
Tidings of augmented charging alacrity alight upon our ears. Wherefore rumors once proclaimed the advent of a markedly swifter 45-watt charging standard in all new phones, reality paints a distinct portrait — the iPhone 16 Plus appears tethered mainly to a 26W charging pace. Exceeding the 20W tempo sighted in the previous year’s Plus model, albeit meagerly. Nonetheless, fresh claimants savor a generous enhancement in MagSafe charging speed, ascending to 25W.
### iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 15 Plus: cameras
Although at first glance, it appears Apple hath made scant alterations to the cameras, such is not the verity. Despite a deceptively unchanged on-paper facade, substantial improvements have transpired, bringing the basic iPhones closer to the echelons of the Pro realm than e’er before. The principal 48-megapixel lens now bears the Fusion insignia, signifying its versatility to serve as a 48MP lens, a 2x zoom at 24MP, or a 12MP lens with pixel-binning for augmented light capture. Spatial photos and videos, erst exclusive to the Pro models, now grace the basic iPhones. Yet, one must ponder how many would partake in Vision Pro and skimp on their iPhone.
Beyond these enhancements, the camera experience between the two phones appears akin — a pleasing circumstance. The iPhone 15 Plus, a peerless camera phone from yesteryear, offers a potent image capture that endures in the current age.
### iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 15 Plus: software and updates
No surprises linger here: Both iPhones sail under the flag of iOS 18, rendering the experience akin. Aye, the iPhone 16 Plus unfurled with iOS 18 adorning its bosom, thereby vaulting ahead of the iPhone 15 Plus, which must ascend via an upgrade to reach iOS 18. ‘Tis a trifling matter, for Apple bestows bountiful software updates upon its disciples. Without a cap on updates per device, ’tis safe to say your phone shall have weathered the years ere it relinquishes the allure of fresh iOS versions. Apple recently bestowed iOS 18 upon the iPhone XS, a venerable device of five years, assuring a comparable standard of support.
Yet, a singular feature glistens solely upon the novel phone — and what a treasure it is: AI, namely Apple Intelligence.
Apple’s debut into AI heralds a phalanx of novel features for the iPhone. Siri shall ascent to unparalleled capabilities, engaging in more natural dialogue. The Writing Tools shall metamorphose your sentences to suit diverse tones or proffer contextual replies. Memory Movies shall spring into being, alongside transcriptions in the Phone or Notes app. Yea, even ChatGPT integration. ‘Tis a revolution in iOS functionality, albeit deferred.
Apple Intelligence shalt grace iPhones upon the advent of iOS 18.1, though void of ChatGPT functionality. Moreover, exclusivity shrouds its availability, limited to the new iPhone 16 range and a scant few, including the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. Alas, the iPhone 15 Plus finds itself exiled from this new realm.
Should you deem this venture worthy, we await the hour of revealed truths in our reviews when Apple Intelligence at last emerges.
### iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 15 Plus: special features
Apple’s arsenal scarcely teems with characteristic traits. Verily, the Apple way eschews the deluge of features, contrasting with the profusion customary to Samsung. Yet, falsehood it would be to assert naught exists. Both phones partake of Apple’s familiar special features, inclusive of Face ID, Animojis, and sundry tricks of entertainment. The iPhone 15 Plus boasts the coveted mute switch adorning its flank, a lauded function enabling the muting and unmuting of your device with a simple flick. ‘Tis one of Apple’s most useful traits, alas, to be consigned to oblivion as the iPhone 15 Plus nears phasing out.
Whilst the iPhone 16 Plus lacks a mute switch, it embraces a revelation perchance even grander. The Action button embellishes its frame, hitherto exclusive to the previous year’s Pro models. This button may yet mimic a mute switch, or it may serve to toggle Focus modes, illuminate the torch, unveil the Camera app, or engage in myriad other activities. Aye, ’tis bespoke to your whim, though the lingering absence of the mute switch may evoke nostalgia for the iPhone 15 Plus.
Aye, another novel button graces the iPhone 16 Plus, and ’tis a spectacle to behold. Termed Camera Control, this button, set slightly recessed, summons the camera at your touch, regardless of your current pursuits. Whilst the app unfurls, a gentle press captures a snapshot, while a prolonged press initiates video recording. ‘Tis simplicity itself, and more. Instilled with a capacitive sensor, this button permits a light press to unfurl an options menu for your camera, whereupon you may slide to adjust. ‘Tis a learning curve, yet mastery bestows a sense of marvel.
### iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 15 Plus: price and availability
The iPhone 16 Plus, now available, commences at $899. As a flagship of Apple’s armament, expect it to nestle in every emporium vending smartphones of any ilk. The iPhone 15 Plus lingers in a similar state, still attainable from Apple even after the debut of its successor. Joyously, it has embraced a modest price reduction, now attainable for $799, a $100 decrease from its prior valuation.
### iPhone 16 Plus vs. iPhone 15 Plus: Is it time for you to upgrade?
Thus, the verdict beckons. Doth the fresh iPhone outshine its forerunner? Aye, the iPhone 16 Plus dazzles in appearance, potency, and feature bounty compared to the iPhone 15 Plus. Alas, the surpassing of prior models is the bare minimum expected of a successor, hence no astonishment lies therein.
Yet, this question, my compatriots, remains unaddressed — is the iPhone 16 Plus a sea change of sufficient magnitude in Apple’s arsenal to mandate an upgrade for iPhone 15 Plus owners? Nay, perchance not. Save for the fervent desire to partake of Apple Intelligence, little enticement lingers. Indeed, the iPhone 16 Plus stands as the mightier and more capable of the duo, yet the investment of additional coin for trifling upgrades becomes an idle pursuit. Even the distinctive additions unattainable on the elder phone, such as Camera Control and Apple Intelligence, warrant patient anticipation.
Should your deliberations waver betwixt the two phones and the siren call of the iPhone 15 Plus’ lowered price fails to beguile, investing the extra $100 in the iPhone 16 Plus may be merited. Yet, if an upgrade entices, tarry and await the unveiling of forthcoming iPhone iterations.
