iPhone 16 review

iPhone 16 is still on sale new at Apple, listed from $799 with carrier activation or $829 unlocked for 128GB when we checked. Apple's spec page lists the A18 chip, a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with Dynamic Island and 2000 nits peak outdoor brightness, Camera Control, the Action button and IP68 water resistance. The rear camera pairs a 48MP Fusion Main with a 12MP Ultra Wide, which gives it a wider view than the single-camera iPhone 17e. MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging run up to 25W. The problem is value next to Apple's newer models. The iPhone 17e costs $130 less than the unlocked model, has the newer A19 chip and twice the storage at 256GB, and the iPhone 17 adds ProMotion and longer battery life for $100 more when both are bought unlocked. Apple rates the iPhone 16 at up to 22 hours of video playback, the lowest of the new phones on this list. We compared documented features and published prices only.

Who it is for

buyers who want a new iPhone with an Ultra Wide camera for less than the iPhone 17

Price

$829 for 128GB unlocked at Apple; $799 with carrier activation ($30 connectivity discount).

Black Verizon Black Connect to any carrier later $829.00
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• A18 chip with a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU
• 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with Dynamic Island
• 48MP Fusion Main and 12MP Ultra Wide cameras
• Camera Control and Action button
• MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging up to 25W

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Has an Ultra Wide camera and Dynamic Island, which the iPhone 17e lacks
• Strength: 25W MagSafe charging versus 15W on the iPhone 17e
• Strength: Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White and Black finishes
• Weakness: Only 128GB, and it costs $130 more unlocked than the 256GB iPhone 17e
• Weakness: No ProMotion 120Hz display
• Weakness: Up to 22 hours of video playback, the shortest of the new iPhones here

Key facts

• Price checked: $829 unlocked ($799 with carrier)
• Display: 6.1 inch OLED
• Chip: A18
• Video playback: Up to 22 hours
• Storage: 128GB

Where it ranks

iPhone 16 is No. 7 in our Best iPhones verdict.