I’ve been team Apple since the iPhone 5C—yep, the neon pink one my mom proudly rocked, which was…quite the statement. Over the years, Apple has stacked up some serious features—Face ID, Dynamic Island, telephoto cameras—but I’ve always wondered how the other iPhones hold up. We all know the Pro Max models are the royalty of the lineup, and you’re probably thinking, “Why downgrade from the throne?” But not everyone wants to drop a fortune on an upgrade. So, I decided to shake things up and see if a non-Pro, like the iPhone 16 Plus, could actually keep up. Here’s what I think.
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What Caught My Eye?
The iPhone 16 Plus brings back a bit of that iPhone X charm, and honestly, I’m all for it. Sure, the camera module isn’t identical, but the resemblance is hard to miss. Compared to the odd diagonal camera layouts of recent years, this one feels way more polished.
iPhone 16 Plus Design
Apple usually plays it safe with design changes, but this time, they’ve actually elevated things. We can already see that in the results—a clean, minimal look that feels refreshingly new. Despite its Plus-sized stature, it’s surprisingly light—which is a win for my wrists after dealing with an iPhone that felt like a mini brick.
I have to admit, the Action Button grew on me. There’s something oddly satisfying about muting the phone with a simple press—no need for that old-school flick like on the iPhone 14 Pro Max. It’s not just for silencing calls, though. You can use it to toggle the flashlight, launch the camera, record voice memos, or—wait for it—do absolutely nothing. Seriously, who chooses no action for the Action Button? Not me. For the most part, I stuck to using it to switch between silent and ringer mode quickly. And thankfully, it was always easy to find, even when I was fumbling around half-awake.
iPhone 16 Plus Action Button
I’m really impressed with the inclusion of Apple Intelligence features in the base models. The Clean Up feature does wonders in erasing unwanted people or objects from pictures. And Siri is no longer just a helpful assistant; it’s like chatting with a real person now. Plus, the Writing Tools are a game changer—whether it’s proofreading, adjusting the tone, or just giving my text a makeover with some AI magic.
iPhone 16 Plus Siri
The best upgrade from the iPhone 14 Pro Max to the iPhone 16 Plus is honestly the freedom to use the phone without a case. It fits perfectly in my hand, and being so light, I don’t stress about dropping it and the frames are way too comfortable; they don’t hurt my palms. Not going to lie, this phone has taken quite a few tumbles, but it has survived every single one like a champ.
What Left Me Underwhelmed
Apple’s new Camera Control button is a neat touch—if you’re into horizontal photography. For me, though, it’s more of an awkward stretch than a useful feature. In vertical mode, my thumb just doesn’t land there naturally, making quick snaps feel more like a finger gymnastics routine.
iPhone 16 Plus Camera Control Button
What I really miss about the iPhone 14 Pro Max is that glorious 120Hz refresh rate. If you’re used to 60Hz, swapping to another 60Hz phone doesn’t really make a difference. But if you’ve been spoiled by 120Hz, going back to 60Hz feels like a cruel joke—everything just feels sluggish. It’s like stepping down from a luxury car to a bicycle. I definitely miss that buttery smoothness, and honestly, the 120Hz and the telephoto camera are the only things making me think about switching back.
Is the iPhone 14 Pro Max Calling Me Back?
I’ve had a blast using the iPhone 16 Plus for the past six months. The Action Button is like the magic trick of convenience—I can switch between ringer and silent mode without thinking about it. Plus, the slim form factor and comfortable frame make it feel like I’m holding a well-cushioned pillow.
Still, I can’t stop thinking about my iPhone 14 Pro Max. It’s the phone version of that toxic ex you know you should move on from, but it still pulls you back. It’s a bit bulky, but the 120Hz refresh rate, the telephoto camera, and the triple-camera setup make it impossible to forget. It’s like a beast of a phone that never goes out of style, and I’m tempted to make the switch back just to have those features in my life again. So, the iPhone 16 Plus is the shining star of the lineup, and it’s a strong contender, but it’s not the one I’m rooting for.
