The iPhone 16 Plus lands in the middle of Apple’s lineup with a big screen and strong battery, but its €989 price tag demands careful consideration against the €100 cheaper iPhone 16 and the rumoured iPhone 17. This guide compares real Irish prices and trade-offs to help you decide.
Starting price in Ireland: €989 (128GB) ·
Display size: 6.7″ Super Retina XDR ·
Chip: A18 ·
Camera: 48MP Fusion dual-camera ·
Battery life: Up to 27 hours video playback
Quick snapshot
- iPhone 16 Plus launched September 2024 Apple Ireland
- 128GB model starts at €989 in Ireland Apple Ireland
- Available from Apple, carriers, and retailers across Ireland Vodafone Ireland
- iPhone 17 release date and exact specs — not yet announced
- Future price drops or promotions on iPhone 16 Plus after iPhone 17 launch
- Exact trade-in values from carriers and retailers
- Current iPhone 16 Plus is the latest large-screen model available now
- Next generation (iPhone 17) expected but no official date from Apple
- If you need a phone today, iPhone 16 Plus is the best large-screen option
- If you can wait, the iPhone 17 may bring upgrades — but no guarantees
Six key specs define the iPhone 16 Plus at a glance. The pattern is clear: a large display and long battery life are the main draws over the smaller iPhone 16.
| Display | 6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED |
|---|---|
| Processor | A18 chip |
| Rear Camera | 48MP Fusion + 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Battery | Up to 27 hours video playback |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Starting Price (Ireland) | €989 (128GB) |
When choosing between the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, and the upcoming iPhone 17, the key differences are clear.
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 17 (rumoured) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (128GB) | €889 | €989 | Likely €1,099+ |
| Display | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR | 6.7″ Super Retina XDR | Unknown (rumoured larger) |
| Battery (video playback) | Up to 22 hours | Up to 27 hours | Unknown |
| Chip | A18 | A18 | A19 (rumoured) |
| Camera | 48MP Fusion | 48MP Fusion | Improved (rumoured) |
Is it better to buy iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus?
Size and display differences
- The iPhone 16 Plus has a larger 6.7-inch display compared to the 6.1-inch screen on the iPhone 16 Apple Ireland.
- Both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels, but the Plus gives more real estate for video and multitasking.
Battery life comparison
- iPhone 16 Plus offers up to 27 hours of video playback versus 22 hours on the standard iPhone 16 Apple Ireland.
- For heavy users, the extra five hours can mean a full day of use without recharging.
Price difference
- iPhone 16 Plus starts at €989 (128GB), while the iPhone 16 starts at €889 — a €100 gap Apple Ireland.
- Both share the same A18 chip and 48MP Fusion camera, so the extra cost buys only screen and battery.
Which one to choose?
The trade-off: If you watch a lot of video or need all-day battery, the Plus justifies the premium. If you prefer a more pocketable phone and don’t mind charging once a day, the iPhone 16 saves €100 and feels nearly identical.
The €100 difference boils down to five hours of extra battery and 0.6 inches of screen. For most buyers, that’s a fair trade — but only if you actually use the extra size.
The pattern: choosing between the two comes down to whether you prioritize screen size and battery over portability and savings.
Should you buy an iPhone 16 Plus or iPhone 17?
Expected iPhone 17 upgrades
- Apple has not announced the iPhone 17. Industry speculation points to a redesigned chassis, a faster chip, and improved cameras — but nothing is confirmed.
- The iPhone 16 Plus is available now with confirmed specs and pricing.
Price and availability
- iPhone 16 Plus can be bought today from Apple Ireland at €989, with discounts already appearing at retailers like Kelkoo Ireland showing offers as low as €865.87.
- iPhone 17, when it arrives, will likely carry a higher starting price — possibly €1,099 or more by precedent.
When to buy: timing decision
The pattern: If you need a phone now, the iPhone 16 Plus is a solid, proven choice. If you can wait six months, the iPhone 17 may bring meaningful upgrades — but you’ll pay a premium and face stock shortages at launch.
Price drops on the iPhone 16 Plus are already happening. Waiting for the iPhone 17 means missing those discounts — and risking a higher price for features you may not need.
The implication: if you need a phone now, the iPhone 16 Plus is the pragmatic choice.
How much is the iPhone 16 Plus right now?
Official Apple price in Ireland
- Apple Ireland sells the iPhone 16 Plus from €989 for the 128GB model Apple Ireland.
- The 256GB model is €1,109 new, but the refurbished store offers a 256GB Teal unit for €939 Apple Refurbished Ireland.
Carrier pricing (Vodafone, Three, Tesco Mobile, Sky)
- Vodafone Ireland offers bill pay plans from €0 upfront on 24-month contracts, but the total cost can exceed €1,600 on higher data allowances Vodafone Ireland.
- Tesco Mobile Ireland starts at €479.99 on a pay-monthly plan Tesco Mobile Ireland.
- Sky Ireland offers a 36-month credit-sale agreement: €19 pay today, €30 a month, plus €20 for unlimited data Sky Ireland.
Retailer deals (Harvey Norman, Very, Gomibo, Viking Direct)
- Very Ireland prices the 128GB model at €965 and 256GB at €1,090 Very Ireland.
- Gomibo Ireland lists the 256GB White at €1,061 with next-day delivery Gomibo Ireland.
- Viking Direct Ireland sells the 256GB Black at €1,142.67 including VAT Viking Direct Ireland.
The catch: Retailer prices vary by up to €100 on the same model. Always check comparison tools like Kelkoo or Klarna before buying.
A €989 Apple price tag looks clean, but third-party retailers and carrier contracts can shave off €50–€120 — or add hidden costs through longer contract terms.
The catch: the cheapest upfront price may not be the cheapest overall, especially with contracts.
What’s the best place to buy an iPhone 16?
Apple official store
- Apple.com/ie offers trade-in discounts, free shipping, and a 14-day return policy Apple Ireland.
- The refurbished store is an official option with full warranty — currently €939 for 256GB Apple Refurbished Ireland.
Authorized retailers in Ireland
- Harvey Norman, Very Ireland, Select Online, and Gomibo are authorized sellers with competitive pricing.
- Kelkoo Ireland tracks six stores and shows the lowest offer at €865.87 Kelkoo Ireland.
Carrier stores
- Vodafone, Three, Tesco Mobile, and Sky offer bill pay and prepaid options — often with €0 upfront but higher total cost over 24–36 months.
- Vodafone Ireland notes that the monthly price of its plans increases by €3.50 each April Vodafone Ireland.
Online vs in-store
The pattern: Online gives you price comparison tools and wider choice; in-store lets you see the phone and walk out with it. For the best deal, check both: retailers like Harvey Norman often have exclusive trade-in offers in-store.
Is the iPhone 16 Plus worth it?
Upsides
- Excellent battery life — up to 27 hours video playback Apple Ireland
- Large 6.7-inch display perfect for media consumption
- Same A18 chip and 48MP camera as the smaller iPhone 16 at a modest premium
- Already seeing price discounts from retailers and comparison engines
Downsides
- Camera system is identical to iPhone 16 — no telephoto or Pro-level features
- Price premium over iPhone 16 may not be justified if you don’t need the larger screen
- iPhone 17 expected later in 2025 may offer significant upgrades
- Contract plans can inflate total cost far beyond retail price
The trade-off: The iPhone 16 Plus is worth it if you value screen size and battery over everything else. If you’re after the best camera or the latest design, waiting for iPhone 17 or stepping up to a Pro model might make more sense.
Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- iPhone 16 Plus released September 2024 Apple Ireland
- Price €989 as of April 2025, with discounts available Kelkoo Ireland
- Available in Ireland from Apple, carriers, and retailers Vodafone Ireland
What’s unclear
- iPhone 17 release date and exact specifications (not yet announced)
- Future price drops or promotions after iPhone 17 launch
- Exact trade-in values from carriers and retailers
What experts and sellers say
“iPhone 16 Plus features a stunning 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, the powerful A18 chip, and the 48MP Fusion camera system — all built for a giant leap in battery life.”
— Apple Ireland product page
“Trade in your old device and save even more on the iPhone 16 Plus. Our price match guarantee ensures you get the best deal in Ireland.”
— Harvey Norman Ireland
“Get the iPhone 16 Plus from €0 upfront on our RED Unlimited plans. Go with 5G and never worry about data limits.”
— Vodafone Ireland
Bottom line
For Irish buyers, the iPhone 16 Plus is a strong value today — especially with discounts already pulling the price below €900 from comparison sites. The phone is what it says on the box: a larger, longer-lasting iPhone 16. Those who want the absolute latest should wait for the iPhone 17, but they’ll pay more and miss out on current deals. For everyone else, the choice is clear: buy the iPhone 16 Plus now from a retailer that beats Apple’s price, or pair it with a short-term carrier plan that doesn’t lock you in for three years.
Frequently asked questions
What storage options are available for iPhone 16 Plus?
Apple offers the iPhone 16 Plus in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations Apple Ireland.
Is the iPhone 16 Plus waterproof?
It has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance — meaning it can survive up to 6 metres of water for 30 minutes Apple Ireland.
Does the iPhone 16 Plus come with a charger?
No, Apple no longer includes a power adapter in the box. You get a USB‑C charging cable Apple Ireland.
Can I use my current SIM card with iPhone 16 Plus?
The iPhone 16 Plus sold in Ireland uses a nano‑SIM and eSIM. You can transfer your existing SIM, or activate an eSIM with your carrier.
How long does the iPhone 16 Plus battery last?
Up to 27 hours of video playback — the best battery life in the iPhone 16 lineup Apple Ireland.
Is the iPhone 16 Plus compatible with 5G in Ireland?
Yes, it supports 5G on all Irish networks including Vodafone, Three, and Eir.
What colors is the iPhone 16 Plus available in?
It comes in five colours: Pink, White, Black, Teal, and Ultramarine Very Ireland.
Does the iPhone 16 Plus have a headphone jack?
No, Apple removed the headphone jack starting with the iPhone 7. Use Lightning or USB‑C headphones, or Bluetooth.