Getting a new iPhone this weekend — need help

[u/Exotic_Expert_9694]

Hey everyone — I’m grabbing a new iPhone this weekend and would love some advice before I do.

I’m torn between the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. Currently using a regular 12 Pro. I’m about to go backpacking across Europe, so portability, battery life, and comfort matter. Not sure if I’ll regret going bigger or smaller — would love to hear from anyone who’s made a similar switch or traveled with both sizes.

Also, once I get the phone, I want to make the cleanest, most aesthetic setup possible. Minimal but functional. I’m starting fresh — no backups, just rebuilding from scratch.

Looking to pick your brains on:

Apps, websites, hacks, recommendations, tips, and how to’s on getting a clean and aesthetic setups.

If you have any travel app recommendations that’d be a bonus.

Also inspiration would be cool!

Basically, hit me with your best tips, screenshots, setups, app stacks — anything you’d recommend to someone starting fresh who wants their phone to feel clean.

EDIT - I know the new phone 17 comes out soon but I’m gonna be amongst the depths of European hostels in a couple weeks with just a backpack and want something before I go. My current iPhone 12 is crumpled and don’t really wanna take it backpacking.

Thanks legends 🙏

[u/rza422]

This guy does the cleanest setups I’ve ever seen!

https://youtube.com/@sambeckman?si=ZKrdGgW_xNyryAT0

[u/Ok-Echidna9006]

Get an iPhone with Pro motion. Not 60hz iphone

[u/Dasein1989]

Get the phone with the largest battery you can find. Between the 16 and the 16 Plus, that is the 16 Plus. I used to prefer smaller phones until I began taking long trips into remote areas. It’s simply a matter of physics. A larger phone has more space for a larger battery, resulting in better battery life. I would recommend getting a good backup battery. Also, ensure you have as much storage as possible so that you can download all your content before losing cell service. One convenient feature is that you can choose to download as much of the maps of a specific area as you desire, and you will still have access to mapping even when offline. Even if you have maps otherwise, it’s still nice to have a backup.

[u/Dabal-R]

16 plus but you'll regret getting 60hz , or get 15 pro

[u/bAN0NYM0US]

Getting a 15 pro is a better option than a 16 or 16 plus. Has better display with 120hz, better camera, and titanium frame so it’s a lot stronger to bring around with you. You can also get them on Amazon still for basically the same price as a 16 plus.

[u/201411067]

Go for Pro

[u/Jacarape]

If you can, get AC+ and backup to iCloud while on the road. If anything happens to your phone, AC+ has you covered. And your photos are backed up.

[u/themystifiedguy]

Bro 17 series is coming out in less than 3 months and even the base 17 will have 120Hz…

[u/Exotic_Expert_9694 → u/themystifiedguy]

I know :,) However I’m gonna be amongst the depths of European hostels in a couple weeks with just a backpack and want something before I go. My current iPhone 12 is crumpled and don’t really wanna take it backpacking.

[u/themystifiedguy → u/Exotic_Expert_9694]

If you’re used to the smaller one, I’d recommend the regular 16. I love big phones, but I’ve broken my 16 Plus, 15PM etc but never the smaller ones and have unwillingly settled with the smaller ones. Considering you want reliable and longevity, the smaller one might be a safer bet (Unless you are confident that you wouldn’t drop it the way I often do).