The iPhone 16 Plus is finally here! And of course, one of the big questions on everyone’s mind is this — how’s the battery life? Apple’s “Plus” models are known for their big screens and big batteries. But just how much better is the iPhone 16 Plus compared to the 14 Plus in the battery department?
We’re diving deep into this juicy topic. If you’re wondering whether to upgrade or stick with your 14 Plus, this breakdown will help you decide. Ready? Let’s plug in and get started!
1. First, a look at the basics
Here’s a quick glance at the battery specs of the iPhone 14 Plus and 16 Plus:
- iPhone 14 Plus: 4,325 mAh battery
- iPhone 16 Plus: 4,676 mAh battery
Yep! The iPhone 16 Plus has a slightly bigger battery. That means more juice and longer use. But there’s more to the story than just numbers.
2. How long can they really last?
So raw battery size is one thing. But what about real-world performance? Apple says the 16 Plus lasts even longer on a single charge, thanks to some smart tech changes.
Here’s what you can expect from both:
- iPhone 14 Plus: Up to 26 hours of video playback
- iPhone 16 Plus: Up to 29 hours of video playback
That’s 3 more hours for movie bingers out there! If you love watching long Netflix marathons or YouTube dives, that’s a big win.
3. New chip, better brains
Here’s where things get interesting. The iPhone 16 Plus uses Apple’s brand new chip — the A18. It’s smarter and more efficient than the 14 Plus’s A15 Bionic.
- A15 Bionic (14 Plus): Powerful, but older
- A18 (16 Plus): Faster and uses less power
This means the iPhone 16 Plus can do more, while using less battery. That’s like running twice as fast without getting tired. Cool, right?
4. Brighter screen, smarter energy
The iPhone 16 Plus also has a slightly brighter screen. Usually, brighter = more battery drain. But Apple’s pulled some tech magic here too.
Thanks to smarter display tech, like LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide), the phone changes its refresh rate from 120Hz down to 1Hz when needed. That saves power!
What’s a refresh rate?
Simply put, it’s how many times your screen redraws per second. Faster = smoother, but also eats more battery. Now the iPhone 16 Plus only uses fast refresh when it really needs to.
5. Real life usage: who wins?
So how do these two compare for everyday stuff? We tested both phones for:
- Streaming video
- Photo taking
- Navigation (Google Maps)
- Gaming
- Standby battery (just sitting in your pocket!)
Here’s the super simple verdict:
| Activity | iPhone 14 Plus | iPhone 16 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ~10 hours | ~11.5 hours |
| Navigation | ~6 hours | ~7.5 hours |
| Gaming | ~4.5 hours | ~6 hours |
| Standby (1 day) | Still at 77% | Still at 84% |
Winner: iPhone 16 Plus by a solid margin in almost every category!
6. Faster charging too?
You’ll be happy to know that the iPhone 16 Plus also steps up its charging game.
- 14 Plus: Up to 20W wired charging
- 16 Plus: Up to 27W wired charging
That means you can juice up your 16 Plus from 0 to 50% in just about 25 minutes. The 14 Plus takes closer to 35 minutes to do the same.
Need a quick burst before heading out? The 16 Plus wins again.
7. Heat and performance balance
Sometimes phones work so hard they get hot. Heat is not a battery’s best friend.
But the iPhone 16 Plus has a better cooling system. This keeps the phone running smoothly even during heavy tasks like gaming or editing videos — without draining your battery fast.
The iPhone 14 Plus does alright too, but it can get warmer and slow down a bit more under pressure.
8. Software smarts that save power
Battery life isn’t just about hardware. It’s also about software.
iOS 18 brings new battery optimizations. Paired with the A18 chip, these help the iPhone 16 Plus squeeze out every bit of energy.
Little things add up:
- Background apps refresh less often
- Location services get smarter
- New power-saving modes adjust brightness and animations
The 14 Plus benefits from some of these improvements too, thanks to iOS updates. But the 16 Plus integrates them more deeply.
9. Who should upgrade for battery life?
Still unsure if a battery boost alone is worth the upgrade? Let’s break it down:
- Upgrade if: You’re a heavy phone user, hate carrying power banks, or want every extra hour you can get.
- Maybe hold off if: Your 14 Plus still lasts you the whole day without trouble. It’s a capable phone!
10. Final thoughts
Overall, the iPhone 16 Plus wins the battery battle. It’s got:
- A bigger battery
- A smarter chip
- A more efficient display
- Faster charging
- Cooler performance
The 14 Plus is no slouch. It still handles a full day with ease. But the 16 Plus packs in those extra hours — and in today’s busy world, that can make a big difference.
So, to wrap it up: If battery life is your top priority, the iPhone 16 Plus is a clear step forward.
Happy charging!