The 16plus 128@116,500 marks a significant entry point into Apple’s premium ecosystem for consumers in Kenya. This model, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB, combines a stunningly large display, class-leading battery life, and powerful performance into a package that offers exceptional value at a price of KSh 116,500. It is a testament to Apple’s strategy of making its most desirable features available to a broader audience. This comprehensive review will delve into every aspect of this device, from its new A18 chip and advanced camera system to its real-world performance and competitive advantages. It will highlight why this phone, with its spacious screen and more accessible price point, is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade to a modern, capable smartphone.
Table of Contents
- Design and Display: A Visual Feast on a Grand Scale
- A18 Chip: Power and Efficiency Redefined
- The Camera System: Upgraded Capabilities for Everyday Use
- 128GB Storage: The Ideal Starting Point for Most Users
- Battery Life and Charging: Unrivaled Endurance
- iOS 18 and the New Action Button: A More Intuitive Experience
- Real-World Performance: A Fluid and Responsive Daily Driver
- Value and Competition: Why the 16plus 128@116,500 Stands Out
- The Final Verdict: A Smart Investment
- Availability in Kenya: Where to Find the Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB
1. Design and Display: A Visual Feast on a Grand Scale
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is built with a refined and durable aluminum frame and a color-infused glass back, giving it a vibrant and premium feel. It is a significant device, and its large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display is its standout feature. The expansive screen provides an immersive and captivating viewing experience, perfect for streaming movies, playing games, or multitasking with two apps side-by-side. The display’s resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels at 460 ppi ensures that every image and text is rendered with remarkable clarity and sharpness.
The display also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, which translates to superior contrast and vivid colors for an unparalleled media consumption experience. With a peak brightness of 2000 nits, the screen remains clear and readable even under direct sunlight, a crucial feature in Kenya’s bright climate. While the iPhone 16 Plus does not feature the ProMotion technology of the Pro models, which offers a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, its standard 60Hz is more than sufficient for a smooth and fluid experience for the vast majority of users. The slimmer bezels and Dynamic Island further maximize the screen-to-body ratio, creating a sleek and modern look. The device is also protected by the robust Ceramic Shield front glass, which Apple claims is more durable than any other smartphone glass, providing peace of mind against accidental drops and scratches.
2. A18 Chip: Power and Efficiency Redefined
Under the hood, the iPhone 16 Plus is powered by the new A18 Bionic chip. This is not the A18 Pro, but it is a formidable processor in its own right, built on a highly efficient 3nm process. The A18 features a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, delivering a major boost in performance over its predecessor. It handles demanding applications, high-end mobile games, and seamless multitasking with remarkable speed and fluidity. The true star of the A18 chip, however, is its next-generation 16-core Neural Engine.
This dedicated hardware is designed to power Apple Intelligence, a suite of on-device AI features. These include advanced writing tools in apps, image generation from text prompts, and a more intuitive Siri that can perform actions across apps. The on-device processing ensures that these AI features are not only fast but also private and secure. This makes the iPhone 16 Plus a future-proof device, capable of handling the latest software innovations for years to come. The power efficiency of the A18 chip is also a key factor, contributing significantly to the phone’s exceptional battery life by intelligently managing power consumption.
3. The Camera System: Upgraded Capabilities for Everyday Use
The camera system on the iPhone 16 Plus has received a significant upgrade, making it a highly capable tool for capturing life’s moments. The new dual-camera system is headlined by a 48MP main sensor. This sensor uses a process called pixel binning to create beautiful 12MP photos that are rich in detail and have a wide dynamic range, perfect for capturing stunning images in both bright and low-light conditions.
A new feature is the “2x optical quality” telephoto zoom. This is not a dedicated telephoto lens but rather a smart crop from the high-resolution 48MP main sensor, which allows you to zoom in on your subject without losing image quality. This is a massive improvement for everyday photography and a key feature for a phone at this price point. The 12MP ultrawide lens with a 120-degree field of view is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and group photos. The phone also features the new Camera Control button, a physical two-stage shutter button that provides a tactile and responsive way to take photos and videos, just like a traditional camera. The video capabilities are equally impressive, with support for 4K recording up to 60fps and cinematic mode.
4. 128GB Storage: The Ideal Starting Point for Most Users
For the price of 16plus 128@116,500, the 128GB of internal storage is a crucial consideration. While it is the base storage model, it is perfectly sufficient for the vast majority of users. A 128GB phone can hold tens of thousands of photos, a substantial number of apps, a large music library, and hours of high-definition video. For someone who uses their phone for social media, casual photography, light video recording, and downloading a few games, 128GB is more than enough.
However, it is important to understand the limitations of 128GB for a select group of users. Professional content creators who frequently shoot in high-resolution formats like 4K ProRes will find the storage fills up quickly. For them, a higher storage tier would be more suitable. But for the average consumer, the 16plus 128@116,500 offers an excellent balance of functionality and affordability. It provides a way to get the latest Apple technology without paying for storage you do not need, making it a very economical choice in the long run.
5. Battery Life and Charging: Unrivaled Endurance
The iPhone 16 Plus is a true battery champion. It boasts a massive 4674mAh battery, which, combined with the power-efficient A18 chip and software optimizations in iOS 18, delivers one of the best battery performances on the market. In real-world usage, this phone can easily last for a day and a half on a single charge, even with heavy use. Apple rates it for up to 27 hours of video playback, a testament to its incredible endurance.
When it’s time to recharge, the iPhone 16 Plus supports faster wired charging, getting you up to a 50% charge in about 35 minutes with a compatible 20W or higher USB-C power adapter. It also supports faster 25W MagSafe wireless charging, which is a significant improvement over the previous generation, making it quicker and more convenient to charge wirelessly. This exceptional battery life and improved charging speed make the iPhone 16 Plus a reliable device for anyone who is constantly on the move and cannot afford to be tethered to a power outlet.
6. iOS 18 and the New Action Button: A More Intuitive Experience
The hardware of the iPhone 16 Plus is perfectly complemented by the latest iOS 18 software. The operating system brings a host of new features that are tightly integrated with the phone’s new hardware. A major new physical feature is the Action button, which is now standard on all iPhone 16 models. This customizable button can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks, from launching the camera to starting a voice memo, providing a new level of convenience and personalization.
The software itself introduces a redesigned Home Screen with more customization options, allowing you to tint app icons and place them anywhere on the screen. The new Control Center is also more intuitive and can be customized with controls from third-party apps. Apple Intelligence, powered by the A18 chip, brings powerful on-device AI features that make everyday tasks simpler and more intuitive, all while maintaining a strong focus on user privacy. This seamless integration of hardware and software is what makes the iPhone experience so fluid and user-friendly.
7. Real-World Performance: A Fluid and Responsive Daily Driver
In daily use, the iPhone 16 Plus is a performance powerhouse. The A18 chip handles everything from social media browsing to demanding games without a hitch. The 128GB storage, while being the base model, provides a fast and responsive experience for the average user, with app loading times being instant and multitasking feeling seamless. The phone’s large display is a joy for all kinds of media, and the new camera system is a pleasure to use, with the new physical camera control button making it even more intuitive.
The long-lasting battery is a game-changer, eliminating the constant need to look for a power outlet. The 16plus 128@116,500 proves that a base model can still deliver a top-tier user experience. It offers a perfect balance of performance and functionality, making it a device you can rely on for years to come.
8. Value and Competition: Why the 16plus 128@116,500 Stands Out
At a price point of KSh 116,500, the 16plus 128@116,500 presents an excellent value proposition. It is a premium device, but it is the most affordable way to get a large-screen iPhone 16 with the latest chipset and camera technology. This makes it a very attractive option for anyone who wants the benefits of a larger display and longer battery life without paying the extra premium for the Pro and Pro Max features they may not need.
When compared to its direct competitors in the same price range, such as flagship Android phones, the iPhone 16 Plus holds its own with its superior A18 chip performance and a more cohesive and user-friendly ecosystem. While some Android phones may offer features like a high refresh rate or more versatile camera systems, the iPhone offers unmatched software support, a premium build, and a superior privacy framework. The iPhone’s high resale value also makes it a smarter long-term investment.
9. The Final Verdict: A Smart Investment
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB is an outstanding smartphone that hits the sweet spot between premium features and affordability. It is the perfect device for anyone who wants a large, beautiful screen, exceptional battery life, and powerful performance for everyday tasks. The 16plus 128@116,500 is a great investment for users who are content with a base storage model and want to enjoy all the core innovations of the iPhone 16 lineup.
10. Availability in Kenya: Where to Find the Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB
To guarantee you receive a genuine device with a valid warranty, it is crucial to purchase from a trusted and authorized retailer. The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB is available at Mobihub Electronics, a leading tech dealer in Kenya. They ensure product authenticity and provide excellent customer service, ensuring a seamless and reliable purchasing experience.
