Should you buy the iPhone 16? Usually only if you find it substantially cheaper than the newer iPhone 17, or if you specifically need features missing from the less expensive iPhone 17e. The iPhone 16 still has a capable A18 chip, Apple Intelligence support, Camera Control, an ultrawide camera with macro photography, and a larger Plus version. But at Apple’s current direct price, the newer iPhone 17 offers more storage and a better display for roughly the same money.
For a personal-finance decision, compare the total cost—not just the advertised monthly payment or the “from” price tied to carrier activation.
The short answer
Buy the iPhone 16 when one of these is true:
- You find a meaningful retailer, trade-in, or carrier discount.
- You want a compact 6.1-inch iPhone with the iPhone 16’s particular features.
- You need the 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus at a reduced price.
- You want Camera Control, a dedicated ultrawide camera, or macro photography, none of which the iPhone 17e provides.
Skip it at full or near-full price if the iPhone 17 is close in cost. The iPhone 17 starts at $799 and includes 256GB of storage, a 6.3-inch display, Always-On functionality, and ProMotion up to 120Hz. Apple’s current U.S. store lists the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17e, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max alongside the iPhone 16, so the iPhone 16 is no longer the current standard model.
Current U.S. price: watch the carrier condition
Apple’s displayed iPhone 16 prices are not all equivalent. The lower advertised price requires activation with an eligible carrier.
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- 6.1" Screen size
- iOS Operating System
- 128 GB Flash Memory
| Model | Apple price shown | Storage currently shown | Important condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | From $699 | 128GB, 256GB | $699 requires eligible carrier activation; “Connect to any carrier later” is $829 |
| iPhone 16 Plus | From $799 | 128GB, 256GB | Carrier-activation pricing; unlocked/connect-later pricing is higher |
| iPhone 17 | From $799 | 256GB, 512GB | Newer model with Always-On and ProMotion |
| iPhone 17e | From $599 | 256GB, 512GB | Less expensive, but no Camera Control or dedicated ultrawide camera |
The $699 iPhone 16 price should not be compared directly with an unlocked $799 or $829 phone until you account for the carrier requirements, trade-in credits, financing terms, and any service plan you would not otherwise choose. A carrier deal can be worthwhile, but a larger phone bill or a forfeited discount elsewhere can erase the savings.
What you get with the iPhone 16
Performance and software life
The iPhone 16 uses Apple’s A18 chip, with a six-core CPU, five-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. It supports iOS 26.5 according to Apple’s current compatibility guide and supports Apple Intelligence, subject to language, region, and software requirements. That makes it a reasonable long-term phone for buyers who do not need the newest processor.
To check Apple Intelligence on the phone, open Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and turn it on, or tap Turn on Apple Intelligence if that option appears. On iPhone 16, Visual Intelligence starts by clicking and holding Camera Control. It can identify objects and plants, translate or summarize text, find visually similar items, and create calendar events from posters or flyers. Generative results should still be checked rather than treated as automatically accurate.
Display and size
The regular iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display. The iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7-inch display. Both include Dynamic Island, HDR, True Tone, and up to 2,000 nits of outdoor brightness.
Neither model has Always-On display or ProMotion. If smooth scrolling and a 120Hz refresh rate matter to you, the iPhone 17 is the more significant upgrade. If you prefer a smaller phone—or want the Plus screen without paying current-generation Plus pricing—the iPhone 16 remains relevant.
Rank #2
- 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.
Cameras
The rear camera system includes:
- A 48MP Fusion Main camera with a 2x telephoto option.
- A 12MP Ultra Wide camera with a 120-degree field of view.
- Macro photography through the Ultra Wide camera.
The front camera is a 12MP TrueDepth camera with autofocus and 4K Dolby Vision video recording. Camera Control can open the camera, take a photo, start video recording, and expose settings such as exposure, depth, zoom, camera selection, Photographic Styles, and tone.
This camera setup is the main reason to choose the iPhone 16 over the iPhone 17e. The 17e has a single 48MP Fusion rear-camera system and does not include Camera Control.
Battery, charging, and durability
Apple rates the iPhone 16 for up to 22 hours of video playback and the iPhone 16 Plus for up to 27 hours. Those are laboratory testing figures, not a promise of a particular workday’s battery life.
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The phones have IP68 water and dust resistance, rated by Apple for a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes under laboratory conditions. Water resistance can decline with wear and is not a guarantee against liquid damage. Do not treat the rating as a reason to skip a case or insurance decision.
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.
iPhone 16 versus iPhone 17 and 17e
| Choose | Why it may be the better financial decision | What you give up or pay for |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | Worth considering when discounted; has Camera Control, ultrawide, macro, and a Plus option | Older model; 128GB base storage; no Always-On or 120Hz display |
| iPhone 17 | Better value when priced near an iPhone 16; 256GB base storage and newer hardware | Higher price than the 17e; may be more phone than a basic user needs |
| iPhone 17e | Starts at $599 and includes 256GB, reducing the need to pay for a storage upgrade | Single rear-camera system; no Camera Control, ultrawide, macro, or 6.7-inch Plus model |
A useful comparison is storage-adjusted cost. Apple’s current iPhone 16 selection starts at 128GB, while the iPhone 17 and 17e start at 256GB. If you would need to upgrade the iPhone 16 to 256GB, compare that price with the 256GB price of the newer phone rather than comparing base models.
Which iPhone 16 capacity and size should you buy?
Choose 128GB only if your current usage is modest and you regularly use cloud storage or stream most media. Photos, 4K video, downloaded movies, games, and offline music can consume 128GB faster than expected. A phone that runs out of space may push you into an earlier upgrade, which is a larger cost than the initial storage difference.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Choose 256GB if you plan to keep the phone for several years, take lots of video, store media offline, or want to avoid managing storage. At the same price as a newer 256GB iPhone 17 or 17e, however, the iPhone 16’s storage advantage disappears and its age matters more.
The 6.1-inch iPhone 16 is easier to carry and use one-handed. The 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus provides more screen space and a longer Apple-rated video-playback figure, but it costs more and is physically larger. Do not buy the Plus solely for its battery rating; real-world battery life depends on signal strength, brightness, apps, and usage.
How to order an iPhone 16 from Apple
- Open Apple’s iPhone purchase page and select iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus.
- Under Model. Which is best for you?, choose the display size.
- Under Finish. Pick your favorite., choose Black, White, Pink, Teal, or Ultramarine.
- Under Storage. How much space do you need?, select 128GB or 256GB where available.
- Under Connectivity. Choose a carrier., select an eligible carrier or Connect to any carrier later.
- Choose your payment method and decide whether AppleCare fits your budget and risk tolerance.
- Select delivery or Apple Store pickup, choose Add to Bag, and complete checkout.
For store pickup, Apple says the purchaser or designated pickup contact should bring the order number or payment card and valid photo identification. Pickup depends on inventory at the selected store.
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 or higher 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 1 year of receipt if you are not satisfied.
Unlocked, carrier-financed, and eSIM details
In the United States, iPhone 16 models purchased from Apple do not have a physical SIM tray. They use eSIM only. International models can differ by region.
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Selecting Connect to any carrier later gives you an unlocked phone. However, a phone purchased through the AT&T Installment Plan, T-Mobile Equipment Installment Plan, or Verizon Device Payment Program may remain carrier-locked until it is paid in full. “Bought from Apple” does not automatically mean “unlocked immediately” when carrier financing is involved.
After purchase, eSIM setup is found at Settings > Cellular > Set Up Cellular or Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. A supported previous iPhone can use Transfer From Nearby iPhone. Android-to-iPhone eSIM transfers depend on the carrier and device; otherwise, the carrier may activate the line or provide a QR code. eSIM setup requires Wi-Fi or another internet connection.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Costs and ordering traps to avoid
- Do not treat $699 as the universal unlocked price. It requires eligible carrier activation; the current connect-later price for the regular iPhone 16 is $829.
- Calculate the service-plan cost. A phone discount tied to a new or expensive plan may cost more than buying the phone outright and keeping a cheaper plan.
- Read trade-in terms. Carrier credits are often spread over many months and may stop if you leave the carrier or pay off the device early.
- Check the storage before checkout. Apple’s current U.S. purchase selections show 128GB and 256GB for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus; the 512GB capacity announced at launch is not currently shown there.
- Do not assume a return cancels service. Apple says wireless-service cancellation and related fees remain the customer’s responsibility.
- Know the return deadline. Apple’s standard U.S. return period is 14 calendar days from receipt, generally with included parts, accessories, and packaging.
- Use price protection carefully. If Apple lowers the price of an Apple-branded product within 14 calendar days of receipt, you may request a credit or refund for the difference, subject to exclusions and conditions.
Colors and included features
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are available in Black, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine. Color should not drive a financing decision, but it can affect resale appeal and case choices. The more important financial variables are the final purchase price, storage, carrier obligations, AppleCare, trade-in value, and how long you expect to keep the phone.
FAQ
Is the iPhone 16 still worth buying?
Yes, but mainly when it is meaningfully discounted or when you specifically want Camera Control, the ultrawide and macro camera system, or the 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus. At a price close to the iPhone 17, the newer model is generally the better value.
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 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.
Is the iPhone 16 unlocked?
Choosing Apple’s “Connect to any carrier later” option provides an unlocked iPhone. Carrier-financed devices through AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon may remain locked until paid in full, so check the financing terms before ordering.
Does the iPhone 16 support Apple Intelligence?
Yes. The iPhone 16 supports Apple Intelligence on current compatible software, subject to language and regional availability. Enable it through Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri.
Does the U.S. iPhone 16 have a SIM card slot?
No. U.S.-purchased iPhone 16 models use eSIM only. Physical SIM availability can differ on models purchased outside the United States.
The Bottom Line
The iPhone 16 is no longer the automatic choice it was at launch. Buy it if a discount makes its total cost clearly lower than the iPhone 17, or if its Camera Control, ultrawide and macro cameras, smaller 6.1-inch design, or Plus size solves a need. Choose the iPhone 17 when prices are close, and choose the iPhone 17e when low cost and 256GB storage matter more than camera flexibility.
Before paying, compare the unlocked price, required carrier plan, storage, trade-in credits, financing lock, AppleCare, and return terms. That calculation—not the headline “from” price—determines whether the iPhone 16 is a good purchase.
Quick Recap
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.
