The iPhone 16 Plus is the previous-generation large standard iPhone — 6.7 inches, excellent battery life, USB-C, and the Action button that arrived on the non-Pro line with this generation.
Being one generation back is the point. Previous-generation models are where networks run their better promotions, and on the Plus line the year-on-year changes are modest. You get close to current capability at a lower monthly figure.
If a big screen and long battery are what you want, this is usually the sensible place in the range to look — the Plus is consistently the least-discussed iPhone and often the best value in it.
Brand or model deal overview
| Consideration | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch OLED, 60Hz with the Dynamic Island |
| Battery | Among the longest-lasting in the iPhone range |
| Chip | A18 |
| Cameras | 48MP main plus ultra-wide; no telephoto lens |
| Action button | Arrived on the standard line this generation — configurable |
| Camera Control | Introduced on the 16 series |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Storage | 128GB up to 512GB, not expandable |
Previous-generation flagships are promoted more heavily, and offers expire. Verify the deal is current before applying.
Compare by network
Network options
Plus models are stocked less deeply than standard and Pro variants, so availability varies more than you might expect. Compare across networks on:
- whether a promotion is running, and when it ends;
- the monthly instalment and the plan tier assumed;
- the data allocation and how much is anytime data;
- storage size on the specific listing;
- upgrade pricing if you are an existing customer;
- the gap to the current-generation Plus, calculated over the full term;
- coverage at your usual locations.
Because the Plus sells in lower volumes than the standard model, discounting on it can be less predictable — worth checking more than one network rather than assuming the first quote is representative.
Compare by budget
Budget options
The large-screen value position. Pro Max size and battery, previous-generation pricing, without Pro Max cost.
Compare against the current Plus. If the monthly gap is small, the newer model extends your useful life. If not, this is the better buy.
Compare against the 15 Plus. One generation back again, cheaper, without the Action button or Camera Control. See iPhone 15 Plus contract deals.
Compare against the 16 Pro Max. Adds a telephoto lens, 120Hz always-on display and titanium at a considerably higher cost. See iPhone 16 Pro Max contract deals.
Storage. 256GB is worth costing if you shoot much video; capacity cannot be added later.
Current and older alternatives
Alternative models
iPhone 15 Plus. One generation back, cheaper, same size and battery strength. See iPhone 15 Plus contract deals.
iPhone 14 Plus. Two generations back, with Lightning. See iPhone 14 Plus contract deals.
iPhone 16 Pro Max. The premium large model. See iPhone 16 Pro Max contract deals.
iPhone 16. The 6.1-inch version, cheaper, with less battery life. See MTN iPhone 16 contract deals or Vodacom iPhone 16 contract deals.
Across Plus generations the changes are incremental. Price and remaining support should decide, not the model number.
What to check before applying
- Whether a promotion applies, and when it ends.
- Total contract cost — monthly × term, plus upfront.
- The gap to the current-generation Plus, over the full term.
- Storage capacity — not expandable.
- Which plan tier the advertised price assumes.
- Data allocation and out-of-bundle rates.
- That you want a 6.7-inch phone — handle one first.
- Insurance, given the handset value.
- What the plan reverts to at the end of the term.
- Coverage at your home and work addresses.
Contract applications are subject to the provider’s own checks — identification, proof of address, banking details, RICA registration, and generally a credit and affordability assessment. Approval is not guaranteed.
FAQs
Is the iPhone 16 Plus still worth buying?
Often, yes. As the previous-generation large standard model it typically costs less monthly than the current one while keeping years of software support and the same excellent battery life.
What is the difference between the 16 Plus and 16 Pro Max?
Both are large. The Pro Max adds a telephoto lens, a 120Hz always-on display and a titanium frame at a much higher price. The Plus is lighter and considerably cheaper.
What is the Action button?
A configurable button that replaced the mute switch, arriving on the standard iPhone line with this generation. It can trigger the camera, torch, focus modes or shortcuts.
How is the battery life?
Excellent — the Plus line’s defining strength. Standard-model internals in a large body means less power draw across a bigger battery.
Does it have a 120Hz display?
No. The Plus uses a 60Hz panel; 120Hz ProMotion remains a Pro feature. It is the clearest gap between the two lines.
Is a charger included?
No. Apple has not included a power adapter for several generations, only a cable. If you do not own a USB-C adapter, factor one into the cost.
What happens at the end of the contract?
The handset is paid off and becomes yours, but the plan commonly continues month-to-month at the same price unless you act. Diarise the end date and move to SIM-only or upgrade.
Is the Plus or the standard iPhone 16 better value?
They share the same chip and cameras, so you are paying purely for screen size and battery. If you watch a lot of video or want a phone that comfortably lasts a full day of heavy use, the Plus earns the difference. If you use your phone one-handed, the standard model is easier to live with.
Compare your options: see all iPhone contract deals, or browse contract deals South Africa.
Last updated: August 2026 — pricing, stock and availability can change.