iPhone 16 review 2026: Still worth buying or skip for the iPhone 17?

TL;DR

✨ The iPhone 16 is still an excellent smartphone, even when considering the release of the iPhone 17. The standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus deliver solid everyday performance with the A18 chip, dependable cameras, and useful hardware additions. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max go further with the more powerful A18 Pro chip, advanced camera systems, and ProMotion displays.

So, even though the 16’s are older, they still deliver the core Apple experience without making you dig extra change out of your pocket. The base model does, however, have a less-than-favorable 60Hz display, but most users can look past this, given that it benefits from Apple’s long software support window.

Why you can trust this review

Can you believe the iPhone 16’s release date (2024) is already almost 2 years behind us? Given that the Apple iPhone 16 has been on the market for more than a year, we have intimate knowledge of its components, software, and real-world performance because our techs have had their hands on them day in and day out.

At Back Market, our tech professionals have spent countless hours evaluating this model to understand what makes it tick. We know what matters most for long-term ownership, and keep this at the forefront of our minds when cleaning them, repairing them, evaluating their condition, and completing the refurbishing process.

Instead of focusing solely on specs, our reviews share what really matters: long-term performance, durability, battery health, and resale and refurbishment value. We share this knowledge so that ultimately, the power is in your hands to decide how you feel about the iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16, and which is best for you.

What are the Apple iPhone 16 pros and cons?

✨The Apple iPhone 16 is an excellent device that delivers the brand's typical good performance with a great camera system, decent battery life, and customizable features, but it still has its limitations.

Below, you’ll find an insider’s look into the positives and negatives of the Apple iPhone 16. It's always helpful to have a quick look to determine whether the phone still deserves to be on your tech radar:

Apple iPhone 16 specs

✨Compared to more modern phones like the iPhone 17, Samsung S26 Ultra, and Pixel 10a, the iPhone 16, Pro, and Pro Max might not be as razzle-dazzle, but they can hold their own, especially when it comes to specs that still matter.

Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect to see spec-wise in the iPhone 16:

• Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2556 × 1179 resolution, 60Hz screen refresh rate

• Processor: Apple A18 chip

• RAM: 8GB

• Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB

• Rear cameras: 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide

• Front camera: 12MP TrueDepth camera

• Battery: Up to 22 hours of video playback

• Charging: USB-C wired charging, MagSafe wireless charging

• Operating system: iOS 18 (upgradeable through future iOS versions)

• Durability: Ceramic Shield front, IP68 water and dust resistance

• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

• Special features: Action Button, Camera Control button, Apple Intelligence support

These specifications apply to the standard iPhone 16 model, while the Pro and Pro Max variants feature higher-end components, including ProMotion displays and additional camera hardware.

What are the standout features of the iPhone 16 in 2026?

The iPhone 16's standout features in 2026 are the A18 chip, the Camera Control button, Apple Intelligence support, and genuine all-day battery life: a meaningful combination for anyone upgrading from an iPhone 12 or older.

Admittedly, Apple's iPhone 16 wasn’t a huge improvement for those coming from newer iPhone models like the iPhone 14 or iPhone 15. One Redditor even said:

“Either get an iPhone 15 if you're budgeting, or get the iPhone 17 because it is a huuuuge leap from the 15/16. iPhone 16 has 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence, but AI is utterly useless, so you're not missing out on anything.”

It also might not be the best move for anyone with a newer phone than the iPhone 16, as it could feel like a downgrade. But if you’re on a budget and looking for all-round value, it’s worth considering. As another Redditor said:

“This phone brought all the features I ever wanted in a smaller package, and I genuinely love it. I’ve always gone for the top-end models since the XS Max, but the iPhone 16 has really surprised me in the best way. For $200 after trade-in, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. If you’re considering a smaller, simpler phone without sacrificing too much power, the iPhone 16 is worth a look.”

With this in mind, let’s look at the features and benefits you might want to know about to help you with your purchasing decision.

How is the battery life of the iPhone 16?

✨The iPhone 16’s battery life is impressive overall and on par with other iPhones. The performance is relatively good, but not top-of-the-line.

The iPhone 16 comes with a faster A18 chipset than its predecessors, undeniably enhancing its performance. Even so, not everyone was impressed. In fact, one Redditor said: “Performance-wise? I almost can’t tell the difference between this and the 13 Pro Max. Same UI, same experience, same everything.” Yikes.

However, while the standard iPhone 16 uses the A18 chip, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max feature the A18 Pro, which provides additional graphics performance for demanding apps and games.

Additionally, though some believe otherwise, the A18 chip is in fact about 30% faster than the A16 chip models, with graphics performance about 40% faster. So, there is a difference, even if it is not immediately apparent. In addition, the phone feels snappier than many others in operation and is still fairly fast compared to other phones on the market.

When it comes to battery size and life capabilities, the iPhone 16 doesn’t disappoint. The phone has around a 3,561 mAh battery that can often last more than 22 hours on a single charge. This is even the case with both 5G and Wi-Fi on, thanks to the more power-efficient A18 chip.

And compared to the iPhone 17, it holds its own battery-wise, considering the iPhone 17 has about a 3,692 mAh cell. Just know, though, that Apple doesn’t release official battery sizing information, so this is based on what people have said about the models. Take that with a grain of salt.

A note for refurbished buyers: Battery anxiety is the most common concern we hear from people considering a refurbished iPhone, and it's a fair one. Every iPhone 16 sold on Back Market passes a battery health check as part of our quality verification process. Devices listed in Good condition or above deliver battery performance that holds up for everyday use without needing a mid-day charge. If you want more clarity, the condition description for each listing tells you what to expect before you buy.

What are the camera upgrades for the iPhone 16?

✨The camera on the iPhone 16 is better than that of past iPhone models and many lower-tier phones on the market, but its improvements may not be what everyone is looking for if they want the best of the best.

There's no denying that many people stick to the Apple iPhone brand like glue because of the stunning photos it takes, and the iPhone 16 still impresses camera-wise.

This phone features a dual-camera system on the back and is broadly the same as the iPhone 15, with a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The latter can be controlled using the new physical Camera Control button found next to the power button, or by using touch.

Additionally, even though the camera can struggle a little in dim conditions (don’t come for us), the 2x in-sensor zoom more than makes up for it in good lighting. The ultrawide lens, with its autofocus and somewhat faster performance, also helps in dimmer environments.

The iPhone 16's camera also has a macro photography mode that lets you capture crisp close-up images at up to 2 cm (about 0.79 in). It's a fun feature, although admittedly a little useless to most people. It also comes with a few interesting photographic style features found on the iPhone 16 Pro and base model, with which you can adjust the tone, color, and palette of photos either when taking them or after the fact.

The biggest letdown with the camera system, however, is that it doesn’t include a telephoto lens, which holds it back against similarly priced Android rivals, especially in 2026. And some, like this Redditor, feel that the camera isn’t much to write home about:

“Maybe technically better, but in real-world use, I honestly can’t see it. Speed? Basically the same. The whole thing just feels like a rebranded 13 Pro Max with a higher price tag.”

But there is light at the end of the tunnel. For those who want more advanced photography capabilities, should note that the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max include a triple-camera system with a telephoto lens, which allows for improved optical zoom and more professional shooting options.

You'll have to think carefully about buying one if the camera is a deciding factor. If photography is your priority, our guide to the best iPhone for photos will help you compare across the whole lineup

Is the 60Hz display of the iPhone 16 good enough?

✨The iPhone 16’s base model display is still good enough. A 60Hz refresh rate is disappointing but bearable if you aren't too concerned about this feature. If you are the Pro and Pro Max models offer better refresh rates.

60Hz…GASP. We know, we know. A 60Hz refresh rate isn't it, but for many it's still good enough, especially those upgrading from older iPhone models. One Redditor said:

“120Hz to 60Hz: This was a concern, but surprisingly, the downgrade hasn’t been a big deal. Sure, 120Hz is nice, and all my other devices are 120Hz, but the 60Hz display doesn’t feel bad to me. I don’t use my phone heavily, so it hasn’t been an issue.”

The iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with a stunning resolution of 2,556 × 1,179 and a density of 460 pixels per inch. See… good enough, especially when you take into account the 1-nit minimum-brightness mode. This allows the display to dim to an incredibly low level for comfortable nighttime phone use.

There’s no two ways around it, though. When you compare the iPhone 16 to newer phones, including midrange Android devices like the Pixel 10a, which offer 120Hz OLED panels, the divide is clear. Even the newer iPhone 17 generation offers higher refresh rates (more so on its Pro models), so it can leave the iPhone 16 feeling conservative in this area.

Yet, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention that the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models feature ProMotion displays with refresh rates up to 120Hz, making animations and scrolling noticeably better.

What are the performance improvements of the iPhone 16?

✨Better performance is what you would expect from the A18 chipset in the iPhone 16, and it's always nice to have a boost in RAM for day-to-day usability.

When the iPhone 16 came out, it leapfrogged an entire generation of Apple silicon, with the iPhone 15 relying on the A16 chip and the iPhone 16 releasing with the A18 chip. It effectively skipped the A17 generation used in the iPhone 15 Pro models.

With the A18 chipset, there are intelligent performance improvements thanks to its two performance cores and four efficiency cores. It also houses five GPU cores and a 16-core Neural Engine.

It's also worth knowing that the iPhone 16 jumps from 6GB of RAM to 8GB, which allows more memory for processes and apps, which is why it's far faster. But it’s not as fast as the iPhone 17, which houses the A19 chip, offering slightly better power efficiency.

Even so, the iPhone 16 delivers similar day-to-day performance, making it a more practical buy, especially when refurbished pricing comes into the picture, and you consider the software support.

Is Apple Intelligence actually useful on the iPhone 16?

✨Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16 is functional and improving, but it's still not the reason to buy this phone. For most users, it's a useful extra, not the main event.

Even with the newer iPhone 17 models that offer a broader selection of Apple Intelligence features, the core Siri experience and ChatGPT-style integrations behave much the same on the iPhone 16. This means that the day-to-day usefulness doesn’t change dramatically from the iPhone 16 to the iPhone 17. Unfortunately, when the iPhone 16 launched, many expected great things from its integrations and AI capabilities, but it's not really worth boasting about… at least not much.

Many expected Siri to be smarter and to possess better language understanding, but this isn’t the case. If you want to use Siri and its OpenAI integrations, you need to ask specific questions, and the answers it gives often aren’t seamless. In fact, it's more like a plug-in than a true integration, which, for many, means Siri has a new tool they never actually need to use.

However, it doesn’t mean that all its AI feature integrations are useless. Many will likely find the iPhone 16’s notification summaries and the integration with an Apple Watch useful. The AI-based emojis, image analysis, and writing tools are also handy to have if these are important to you.

As of 2026, Apple has rolled out several Apple Intelligence updates since the iPhone 16's launch, including expanded Writing Tools, Genmoji, a redesigned Siri with on-screen awareness, and deeper ChatGPT integration. The experience is meaningfully better than at launch, though it's still more assistant than AI companion.

What does the iPhone 16 design look like, and what changed?

✨The iPhone 16 design is quite beautiful, with more vivid color saturation and advanced protection from aerospace-grade aluminum.

New hardware buttons: Action Button and Camera Control

The design of the Apple iPhone 16 looks better. We may get some hate for saying that, but it's not a lie in our books. It's also not just our opinion. One Redditor, when commenting on other features, agreed with us. They said:

“I upgraded from an iPhone 13 128 GB to an iPhone 16 256 GB. I think it’s worth the upgrade. Better processor, better sound, better camera. I like the dynamic island, the action button, and the camera control feature. And the design feels prettier.”

The Action Button, first introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro, was expanded to all four iPhone 16 models for the first time. It replaces the traditional mute switch and can be configured to trigger a shortcut of your choice. The Camera Control button is new to the entire lineup: it sits on the right side of the frame and gives you a physical shutter button for faster photo and video capture.

iPhone 16 colors available in 2026

With the iPhone 16, even if you buy refurbished, you can expect brighter, far more saturated color finishes than in predecessors. The available colors of the iPhone 16, which include Black, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine, stand out more and are bolder than the muted tones of earlier generations.

Build quality and durability

Color aside, the iPhone 16 also features aerospace-grade aluminum in its design, making it far more durable than you might expect. This is great for all of you who often drop your phones and need a durable Ceramic Shield on the front.

It's also safe to say that the iPhone 16’s design doesn't differ much from the iPhone 17 generation, with just a few minor differences. The 16 introduced most of the more modern elements, so it won't feel visually behind the latest models. The overall design language is also shared across the lineup, including the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, although these models still feature titanium material designs instead of aluminum.

What do Back Market customers think of the iPhone 16?

Our past clients have a lot to say about the iPhone 16s they have bought from us. Here’s a look at how they felt buying our refurbished tech:

“I am very pleased with my iPhone 16 purchase. I have been passing on this news to friends and family. I would definitely shop here again.” - Devin D.

“It came in VERY GOOD condition, and I am in love, basically new for real. But I will say that it is quick to overheat while on the charger, but that may be because I leave it up under the cover or up under the pillow. other than that, no complaints!!!” - Ashleigh B.

“Everything works amazingly. This was my first time getting a phone from here, but now I know this is where I will be getting them from now on.” - Dekayla P.

Which iPhone 16 model should you buy?

There are four models in the iPhone 16 lineup, and the right one depends on what you're looking for. Here's the breakdown:

Coming from an iPhone 11 or 12? Any model in the iPhone 16 lineup is a significant upgrade. The A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, and Camera Control are a meaningful leap forward. The base iPhone 16 at $525 refurbished is the most sensible starting point.

Already on an iPhone 15? Upgrading new is hard to justify: the differences are real but incremental. Refurbished changes the calculation. At $525, the iPhone 16 gives you Camera Control, the Action Button across all models, and Apple Intelligence at a price that makes the step forward worthwhile.

Considering the iPhone 17? The iPhone 17 brings a thinner design, a better front camera, and further Apple Intelligence improvements. If those matter to you, wait. If your priority is Apple's core experience at the lowest possible price, the refurbished iPhone 16 is the smarter buy right now.

Want the best camera on a budget? Go for the iPhone 16 Pro refurbished. The triple-camera system, 3x optical zoom, and ProMotion display are a significant step up from the base model, and at $627.99 refurbished, you're getting a phone that launched at $999.

Should I buy a refurbished iPhone 16 or a refurbished iPhone 15?

The refurbished iPhone 16 is the better buy for most people in 2026. Here's why.

The gap between the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 is larger than it looks on paper. The iPhone 16 uses the A18 chip, while the iPhone 15 runs on the A16: effectively two chip generations behind. That matters for Apple Intelligence support, long-term iOS compatibility, and future-proofing. Apple typically supports iPhones for around six years of major iOS updates, which means the iPhone 16 will receive updates through approximately 2030, while the iPhone 15's runway is shorter.

Beyond the chip, the iPhone 16 added:

• Camera Control button: a physical shortcut for faster photo and video capture

• Action Button across all models: not just the Pro

• 22 hours video playback vs. 20 hours on the iPhone 15, a small but real battery improvement

• Better spatial video capability for those in the Apple Vision ecosystem

The refurbished price gap between the two has also narrowed since the iPhone 17 launched. A refurbished iPhone 15 starts around $340 on Back Market, while a refurbished iPhone 16 starts around $530. For roughly $190 more, you're getting a meaningfully newer device with a longer useful life.

The one exception: the iPhone 15 Pro. If you specifically want ProMotion 120Hz, a proper telephoto camera, and titanium build quality, a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro at a similar price to the base iPhone 16 can still be a smart trade-off. Our full iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 breakdown covers the spec-by-spec comparison.

How much does a refurbished iPhone 16 cost in 2026?

✨With the launch of the new iPhone 17 in 2025, the iPhone 16 becomes even better value for money, especially if you shop smart.

With the iPhone 17 released in 2025 towards the end of the year, the iPhone 16 is sitting comfortably in the more affordable price bracket. Since its release, iPhone 16 prices have dropped across retailers, carriers, and even refurbished marketplaces like Back Market. What this signals is that it may be time to capitalize on price savings and secure a new model.

The best tips we can give you for cost savings are to consider trade-ins for store credit or cash back, bundled options for better value, and buying refurbished to benefit from significantly reduced pricing. Just bear in mind that buying bundled promotions or trading in with a carrier could lead to long-term installment commitments, and these can… suck. Additionally, if you want the cheapest option, the iPhone 16e is worth considering, as it starts at $599 compared to $799 for the iPhone 16. However, a refurbished iPhone 16 can still offer better overall value for money if you want impressive features without paying full retail. You may even get one refurbished for cheaper than the 16e model.

Is buying a refurbished iPhone 16 a good idea?

According to Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, the “iPhone 17 is a fantastic choice for customers looking for the latest features and the confidence in knowing their iPhone is built to last.” This may be true, but it doesn’t mean the iPhone 16 isn’t worth considering, especially if you buy refurbished.

A refurbished iPhone 16 offers you an easier way to access the Apple experience without paying full price or feeling forced to upgrade straight to the iPhone 17 series. When you buy refurbished, you often get a pretty nice discount that can see you saving upwards of 20%, depending on the model’s condition and where you buy it, especially when you purchase from Back Market.

We sell quality refurbished iPhones that are professionally cleaned and repaired before we grade them for cosmetics. In addition, our devices come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty, giving you the peace of mind you deserve, especially in this economy.

Common questions about buying refurbished

If you're new to buying refurbished, here's what you actually get on Back Market:

• Battery health: Every iPhone 16 on Back Market passes a battery health check before listing. Devices in Good condition and above are verified to hold a reliable charge for everyday use.

• Condition grading: Our grading system (Fair, Good, Excellent, and Premium) sets clear cosmetic expectations upfront. Functional performance is the same regardless of grade.

• Warranty: Every device comes with a 1-year Back Market commercial warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. That's our promise, not a terms-and-conditions footnote.

Beyond the financial savings, buying refurbished also means you're extending the life of existing electronics, which in turn reduces electronic waste because you’re keeping an older device in circulation.

Trade-in and upgrade smarter

No one these days wants to pay the full retail price for brand new when it comes to tech, and who can blame them? Not us. At Back Market, we understand the value of a good deal. That’s why we offer a simple trade-in program.

When you trade in your old device with us, you only need to submit information about your device's model and condition. We then offer an instant quote, you ship your device to us for free, and we verify its condition and make payment or issue you a credit. You can then put these funds towards a refurbished iPhone 16 or any other device you might have your eye on.

This approach allows you to upgrade without paying the full price of a new phone up front. It’s a win-win situation, if you ask us.

Price comparison table

Those considering buying the iPhone 16 may want to compare its pricing with a few other models in Apple’s lineup, particularly now that the iPhone 17 is available.

*Back Market prices taken at the date of publication — these are subject to change.

Not sure when the best time to buy is? Our guide on the best time to buy a refurbished iPhone walks through price trends throughout the year.

Is the iPhone 16 worth buying in 2026? Our verdict

The iPhone 16 is a dependable, well-rounded smartphone that earns its place in 2026, especially at refurbished prices. The base model starts from around $530 on Back Market, saving you roughly $170 compared to buying new. For anyone upgrading from an iPhone 11 or older, the jump in performance, camera quality, and hardware is significant. For iPhone 15 owners, the case is less obvious at full price, but refurbished makes the numbers work. If you want the best of the lineup, the iPhone 16 Pro is available from around $627.99 refurbished and adds ProMotion 120Hz, a triple-camera system with 3x optical zoom, and the A18 Pro chip. The 60Hz display on the base model is the most legitimate complaint, but it won't bother you if you're upgrading from an older iPhone or if refresh rate isn't something you notice in daily use. The A18 chip means software support through 2030 at minimum, Apple Intelligence is already onboard and improving, and the Camera Control button is genuinely useful once it becomes habit. For a phone that's no longer new, the refurbished iPhone 16 is one of the most sensible tech purchases you can make right now. Browse refurbished iPhone 16 series on Back Market to see current prices from verified sellers.

If refurbished is the route you want to take, we’re the company for you. Our iPhone 16s are thoroughly checked over, any software and hardware issues fixed, and sold with guarantees. So, if you’re looking for the modern iPhone experience at an accessible price point, you might want to check out our offers. And if you don’t want the iPhone 16, we offer a wide range of other phone brands, like Samsung and Google, to name a few.