Honestly, color is the new feature. People used to care about processors, but now? We care about how that slab of glass looks in our hands. The iPhone 16 Ultramarine Plus—which, let’s be clear, is the 6.7-inch standard model in that shockingly vibrant blue—is basically the loudest thing Apple has done in years. It’s not "Pacific Blue." It isn’t "Sierra Blue." It is a saturated, borderline electric hue that feels like a middle finger to the muted "Titanium" era we’ve been stuck in.
You see it across the room. It pops.
But there is a weird bit of confusion about the name "Plus." Some folks think it's a Pro model because of the size. It isn’t. The iPhone 16 Plus is the big-screen experience for people who don't want to spend $1,200 on a Pro Max just to get a decent battery. And the Ultramarine finish? It covers the back glass and the infused aluminum frame, creating this seamless, deep-sea vibe that looks different depending on the light hitting your kitchen counter.
Is Ultramarine Actually Durable?
Apple uses this dual-ion exchange process. Sounds like sci-fi, right? Basically, they bake the color into the glass rather than just painting the back. If you scratch it, you aren't peeling off a layer of blue; you're scratching blue glass. It’s tough.
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The iPhone 16 Ultramarine Plus also features the latest Ceramic Shield. Apple claims it’s 50% tougher than the first generation. I’ve seen drop tests from creators like JerryRigEverything and various tech labs where these things survive waist-high tumbles onto concrete. You shouldn't try it, obviously. But the peace of mind is there. The matte finish on the back also does a surprisingly good job of hiding those greasy fingerprints that usually ruin a dark phone's aesthetic within five minutes of unboxing.
Why the Plus Size Matters for This Specific Color
Big phones show off color better. That’s just physics.
When you have the 6.7-inch canvas of the iPhone 16 Ultramarine Plus, that blue is an accessory. It’s a statement. Beyond the looks, the Plus model is arguably the best value in the 16-series lineup because of the thermal headroom. Bigger body means more room for heat to dissipate. When you’re recording 4K Dolby Vision video or playing Genshin Impact, the A18 chip stays cooler for longer than it does in the smaller 6.1-inch chassis.
Apple’s A18 silicon is a beast. It’s built on 3-nanometer technology. It has a 6-core CPU that is about 30% faster than the iPhone 15's chip. But more importantly, it handles "Apple Intelligence." That’s the fancy name for their AI suite. You need 8GB of RAM for those features, and for the first time, the base and Plus models have it. You aren't getting a "lite" version of the software just because you didn't buy a Pro.
The Camera Control Button: A Learning Curve
There is a new button. Well, it's more of a sapphire crystal-covered sensor. It sits on the right side.
On the iPhone 16 Ultramarine Plus, this "Camera Control" allows you to slide your finger to zoom or toggle through photographic styles. It’s tactile. It clicks. It also responds to light presses versus deep presses. If I’m being honest, it’s a bit finicky at first. You’ll probably accidentally trigger it while just trying to hold the phone. But once you get the muscle memory down, it makes the phone feel more like a dedicated Fuji or Sony camera.
The main camera is 48MP. They call it a "Fusion" camera. It takes a 48MP high-res shot and a 12MP light-optimized shot and mashes them together into a 24MP file. The result? Detail that doesn't eat up your entire iCloud storage. Plus, you get a 2x optical-quality telephoto crop. You’re essentially getting two lenses in one.
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The Battery Life Nobody Talks About Enough
The Pro Max gets all the glory, but the iPhone 16 Ultramarine Plus is a battery king.
Because it lacks the ProMotion 120Hz always-on display found in the Pros, it sips power. The 60Hz screen is the one major "compromise," but it's the reason this phone can easily last two days for a light user. If you’re a power user—someone constantly on 5G, streaming Spotify, and scrolling TikTok—you’re still ending the day with 30% or 40%.
That is massive.
We’ve seen the teardowns. The internal design has been reworked to fit a larger battery and improve repairability. It’s easier to swap the battery now thanks to a new "ionic liquid" adhesive that releases with a low-voltage electrical current. No more sticky pull-tabs that snap half-way through.
Real-World Nuance: The Display Trade-off
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The 60Hz refresh rate.
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If you are coming from an iPhone 13 or 14, you won't notice. It looks great. The Super Retina XDR OLED is bright—hitting 2,000 nits in direct sunlight. You can read your texts on a beach in Florida without squinting. However, if you have ever used a Pro model or a high-end Android, the 60Hz on the iPhone 16 Ultramarine Plus might feel a bit "jittery" in comparison. It's a choice Apple makes to keep the price point at $899 and to push people toward the Pro.
Is it a dealbreaker? For 90% of people, no. The color accuracy is perfect. The blacks are deep. Watching a movie on this 6.7-inch screen is fantastic, especially with the improved spatial audio from the speakers.
Actionable Insights for Potential Buyers
If you’re staring at the Ultramarine at the Apple Store, here is how to actually decide:
- Check your case compatibility. Transparent cases are a must for this color. If you put a solid black silicone case on an iPhone 16 Ultramarine Plus, you just wasted the best part of the phone. Look for "optical grade" clear cases that have UV protection so they don't turn yellow in three months.
- Audit your storage needs. The base 128GB fills up fast if you take 48MP photos. If you plan to keep this phone for 4 years, spend the extra $100 for the 256GB version.
- Test the Camera Control. Before you leave the store, try the "light press" on the side button. If your fingers are small, the Plus size might make reaching that button a bit of a stretch. Make sure it feels natural.
- MagSafe is your friend. The Ultramarine color looks incredible with a color-matched MagSafe wallet or a simple metallic stand.
The iPhone 16 Ultramarine Plus is the sweet spot for someone who wants the big screen and the long battery life without the Pro Max weight. It’s lighter because it uses aluminum instead of titanium and stainless steel. Your wrists will thank you after an hour of YouTube. It’s a fun phone. It’s a fast phone. And in that blue, it’s probably the most "Apple" looking product they’ve released in the last decade.
Next Steps for Your Upgrade
- Compare your current trade-in value. iPhone 13 and 14 models are currently fetching peak prices on secondary markets like Gazelle or through Apple's own program.
- Verify your carrier's 5G bands. This phone supports the latest "standalone" 5G which can significantly improve speeds in congested cities.
- Prepare your Apple ID. Ensure your backup is current on iCloud; with the new A18 chip, the transfer process via "Quick Start" is incredibly fast, but only if your old phone is ready.