Why I Returned the iPhone 16 Plus for the iPhone 14 Pro

After nearly two months with the iPhone 16 Plus, the decision was made to return the device and switch back to the older iPhone 14 Pro. While the newer iPhone 16 Plus impressed in many areas, the familiarity and practicality of the 2022 flagship model ultimately won out. Here’s an exploration of why the iPhone 16 Plus became such an appealing choice initially, and why it was missed once it was set aside.

The iPhone 16 Plus offers several standout features, beginning with its stunning 6.7-inch display. Prior to the iPhone 14 Pro, the iPhone mini was the preferred option, but the 14 Pro’s 6.1-inch screen soon felt smaller than ideal. As a result, the iPhone 16 Plus, with its larger screen, quickly became the preferred choice for more immersive use. The screen size, while admittedly harder to manage with one hand, made a considerable difference in day-to-day use, especially for browsing, watching content, and gaming. In contrast, after returning to the iPhone 14 Pro’s 6.1-inch display, the difference was immediately noticeable, even if the smaller screen was easier to handle in one hand.

Beyond the size, the iPhone 16 Plus offers a lower minimum brightness of 1 nit, a feature that greatly enhances the experience of using the phone at night, making it far more comfortable than the iPhone 14 Pro, which doesn’t dip as low in brightness. While the iPhone 14 Pro offers the Always-On display and ProMotion, the lack of these features was not a significant setback for the user, who had turned off these functions from the start.

The iPhone 16 Plus also boasted exceptional battery life, a standout feature compared to the iPhone 14 Pro. The device’s battery life was impressive enough to allow for charging every other day, reducing any concerns about battery anxiety. Over the course of nearly two months of usage, the iPhone 16 Plus went through 32 recharge cycles, maintaining 100% battery health—impressive considering the short duration of use.

One of the most convenient updates introduced in the iPhone 16 models was the addition of a USB-C port. With a single charging cable compatible with both the MacBook and iPhone 16 Plus, the change was particularly welcome for those who travel frequently, simplifying the charging process. While the USB-C port might not be groundbreaking, its convenience cannot be overstated.

In terms of weight, the iPhone 16 Plus surprised in its lightness. Weighing in at 199 grams, it felt noticeably lighter than the iPhone 14 Pro’s 206 grams, even if the seven-gram difference seems minimal. The lighter weight made the 16 Plus more comfortable to carry around and use for extended periods, though the smaller, heavier iPhone 14 Pro is still easier to handle with one hand.

The camera on the iPhone 16 Plus, while not as advanced as the flagship iPhone 16 Pro’s setup, is still a significant upgrade over the iPhone 14 Pro. Featuring the same 48-megapixel Fusion main camera as the Pro models, the 16 Plus performs well, particularly in low-light situations where it outperforms the 14 Pro. Improvements in Night Mode allowed for clearer shots of challenging scenes, such as the full moon at night. The macro mode also seemed quicker and easier to activate, thanks to its integration with the ultra-wide camera.

While the iPhone 16 Plus doesn’t include the telephoto lens or the advanced camera controls found in the Pro models, it was clear that a single-lens camera could be sufficient for most casual users. The absence of extra sensors was hardly missed, and the experience of shooting photos with the 16 Plus provided a satisfying overall result.

Ultimately, the decision to downgrade back to the iPhone 14 Pro was driven by personal preference for the smaller, more pocket-friendly size and the familiar design, but it was clear that the iPhone 16 Plus remains an incredible device, particularly for those who prioritize battery life, display size, and usability. As Apple continues to refine its designs, there may soon be a perfect blend of form, function, and simplicity in future models.