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The standard iPhone 16 is a capable, relatively compact everyday iPhone, with a versatile main and ultra-wide camera system, Apple’s A18 chip, and useful Camera Control and Action buttons. Its biggest drawback is the 60Hz display: it is a bright OLED panel, but scrolling is less fluid than on the iPhone 17, which also adds an always-on display and camera upgrades. Choose the iPhone 16 if you prefer its 6.1-inch size and find it at a meaningful discount; compare prices and configurations before treating it as the better value.
At a glance: iPhone 16 pros and cons
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What is good about the iPhone 16?
Compact size without a basic camera setup
Apple specifies a 6.1-inch display and a 170-gram body, making the standard iPhone 16 smaller and lighter than many large-screen phones. The rear system combines a 48MP Fusion main camera with sensor-shift optical image stabilization and a 12MP ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view. Apple also lists macro photography and a 2x optical-quality framing option from the main camera. That 2x option is not a separate telephoto lens.
For video, Apple lists Dolby Vision 4K recording at up to 60 frames per second from both the rear cameras and the 12MP TrueDepth front camera. These are manufacturer specifications, not a claim of independently tested image quality. Apple’s iPhone 16 specifications detail the camera and recording modes.
Capable hardware and useful controls
The A18 platform includes a six-core CPU, five-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. Macworld’s October 2, 2024 review praised processing and graphics performance, though that dated assessment is not a current benchmark. The phone also supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB-C.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
The Action button provides a customizable physical shortcut, while Camera Control gives quick access to camera functions. Macworld’s reviewer found Camera Control useful for frequent photography but noted that getting the most from it takes practice. It may be a benefit if you often use the camera; it is not automatically an improvement for everyone. Macworld’s review discusses those controls.
Bright OLED screen and water-resistance rating
Apple lists a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 2556-by-1179 resolution, 460 pixels per inch, and peak outdoor brightness of up to 2,000 nits. The panel is bright and sharp on paper, but those figures do not change its 60Hz refresh-rate limitation.
Rank #2
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
Apple rates the iPhone 16 IP68 under IEC standard 60529, specifying a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes. This is a laboratory rating, not a guarantee against water damage in every circumstance. Apple Support’s iPhone 16 technical specifications provide the rating and related qualifications.
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The display is limited to 60Hz
The OLED panel is bright, but its 60Hz refresh rate can make scrolling and animation feel less fluid than on a higher-refresh-rate phone. Macworld also lists the lack of an always-on display as a con. If smooth motion or glanceable always-on information matters to you, this is the most consequential trade-off to consider.
Rank #3
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Camera Control and zoom have limits
Camera Control adds a new interaction to learn, and its usefulness depends on whether you want a physical way to adjust camera functions. The rear system has two cameras; Apple’s 2x optical-quality framing comes from the main camera rather than a dedicated telephoto lens. Buyers who specifically want a separate telephoto camera should not mistake that framing option for one.
The newer generation changes the value calculation
In its iPhone 16 versus iPhone 17 comparison, TechRadar identifies a 120Hz screen, an always-on display, upgraded ultra-wide and front cameras, an A19 chip, and more starting storage on the newer model. The iPhone 16 remains smaller and lighter. The right choice therefore depends on how much you value those upgrades, your preferred size, and the actual price gap in your market. TechRadar’s iPhone 17 comparison outlines the generational differences.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
How good are the iPhone 16’s battery and charging?
Apple rates the iPhone 16 for up to 22 hours of local video playback, up to 18 hours of streamed video playback, and up to 80 hours of audio playback. These are Apple’s estimates, not guaranteed everyday runtimes or independent battery-test results. Actual endurance varies with usage, network conditions, settings, software, and battery condition.
Apple says the phone can reach 50% charge in up to 30 minutes using a 20W-or-higher adapter and USB-C cable, or using a 30W-or-higher adapter with a MagSafe Charger. Charging accessories are sold separately. The specified charging time is a manufacturer claim under those accessory conditions. See Apple’s specifications and Apple Support for the stated figures and requirements.
Best Value
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
Should you buy the iPhone 16 or compare the iPhone 17?
| Choose the iPhone 16 if… | Compare the iPhone 17 if… |
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Prices and stock vary by country, retailer, storage, and whether a device is new or refurbished. A Tom’s Guide buying guide showed a US price of $699 for the iPhone 16 when accessed in 2026; that page figure may not represent every retailer, configuration, or condition, and can change. Check the live local price rather than relying on an old launch price or a single listing. Tom’s Guide’s iPhone buying guide provides its buying context.
Apple’s official specifications list a 128GB capacity option, but availability and pricing should be checked in the market where you plan to buy. For any listing, confirm storage, condition, network compatibility, and return terms before comparing it with a new iPhone 17.
What does Apple say about repair and packaging?
Apple’s June 2025 Product Environmental Report says battery removal is 75% faster than on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, and that packaging volume was reduced by 8% compared with packaging for those models. These are manufacturer-reported comparisons, not independent repair testing or a general measure of repair cost. Apple’s iPhone 16 Product Environmental Report provides the figures.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
