Is the iPhone 16 worth buying in 2026? Yes, a refurbished iPhone 16 is one of the best-value ways to get Apple Intelligence, Camera Control and current iOS support in a standard-sized iPhone. Apple lists it as compatible with iOS 27.
Apple released the iPhone 16 in the UK on 20 September 2024, and it is still on Apple's own UK line-up alongside the iPhone 17. Buying refurbished lets you choose from the original colours and storage sizes. The question is whether its features are enough for you, or whether the iPhone 17's upgrades justify paying more.
iPhone 16 at a glance
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with Dynamic Island (iPhone 16 Plus: 6.7-inch)
- A18 chip with 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine
- 48MP Fusion and 12MP Ultra Wide cameras; Camera Control and Action button
- 128GB, 256GB or 512GB storage
- Black, White, Pink, Teal or Ultramarine
- Up to 22 hours video playback; MagSafe up to 25W
- Supports iOS 27 and Apple Intelligence
1. Software support: iOS 27 and Apple Intelligence
Apple's iOS 27 page lists the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus as compatible. Apple's Apple Intelligence page names "iPhone 16 models or later" as supported, so unlike the standard iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 gets those features. Apple notes they use up to 8GB of storage on this generation and that some features vary by language and region.
That is the main reason to choose an iPhone 16 over an iPhone 15. For the full list of supported models, see which refurbished iPhones support Apple Intelligence.
2. Performance: the A18 chip
The A18 has a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine. At launch Apple said its GPU was up to 40% faster than the A16 Bionic in the iPhone 15. In practice that means comfortable everyday use, capable gaming and headroom for on-device features. As with any phone, leaving some storage free keeps it feeling responsive.
3. Cameras, Camera Control and the Action button
The iPhone 16 has a 48MP Fusion main camera that also provides a 2x optical-quality telephoto, and a 12MP Ultra Wide with autofocus for macro photography. That gives a 4x optical zoom range (0.5x to 2x) and up to 10x digital zoom. Video records 4K Dolby Vision at up to 60 fps, and the phone can capture spatial photos and videos for Apple Vision Pro.
Camera Control on the side launches the camera and adjusts exposure, depth, zoom and styles. The Action button replaces the old Ring/Silent switch and can be set to Silent mode, Torch, Visual Intelligence, Translate, a shortcut and more.
4. Colours: Pink, Ultramarine, Teal, White and Black
Apple sold the iPhone 16 in Black, White, Pink, Teal and Ultramarine, with colour-infused glass on the back. These five are specific to this generation: the iPhone 15 came in Black, Blue, Green, Yellow and Pink, and the iPhone 17 in Black, White, Mist Blue, Sage and Lavender. Because Pink appears on both the 15 and 16, check the model name on the listing rather than going by colour alone.
5. Battery life and battery health
Apple rates the iPhone 16 at up to 22 hours of video playback and up to 18 hours streamed, ahead of the iPhone 15's 20 hours. These are new-battery figures; a refurbished unit depends on its current condition.
Apple says iPhone 15 models and later are designed to retain 80 percent of their original capacity at 1,000 complete charge cycles under ideal conditions. Settings → Battery → Battery Health shows maximum capacity, cycle count, manufacture date and first-use date. Battery health varies by unit, and cosmetic grades describe appearance only. Our best iPhone battery life guide compares models.
6. Storage: is iPhone 16 128GB or 256GB better?
The iPhone 16 came in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. Because Apple Intelligence can use up to 8GB, and 4K video fills space quickly, 256GB is the safer choice if you plan to keep the phone for several years or take a lot of video. 128GB still works for people who store photos in iCloud and use mostly streaming apps. Check your current usage in Settings → General → iPhone Storage.
7. iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15 and iPhone 17
Over the iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 adds the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, Camera Control, the Action button, Wi-Fi 7 instead of Wi-Fi 6, MagSafe charging up to 25W instead of 15W, and longer rated battery life. Both have a 6.1-inch display, Dynamic Island, a 48MP main camera and USB-C.
The iPhone 17 moves to a larger 6.3-inch display with ProMotion up to 120Hz and an Always-On mode, the A19 chip, a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide, an 18MP Centre Stage front camera, Ceramic Shield 2 and up to 30 hours of video playback. It starts at 256GB. Apple's iPhone 16 spec page does not list ProMotion or Always-On, so if a smoother, always-visible screen matters, the 17 is the step up.
The cheaper iPhone 16e also uses an A18 chip (with a 4-core GPU) but has a single rear camera, no Camera Control and no MagSafe listed in its specs. If you are weighing it against an older model, see iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15.
8. USB-C, charging and connectivity
The iPhone 16 uses USB-C at USB 2 speeds (up to 480Mb/s) and supports DisplayPort output. Wired fast charging reaches 50% in about 30 minutes with a 20W adapter; MagSafe charges at up to 25W with a 30W or higher adapter, and Apple lists Qi2 up to 25W. It takes a nano-SIM and eSIM, or two eSIMs, and has Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. It is rated IP68 (6 metres for up to 30 minutes, IEC 60529), though resistance reduces with wear and repairs.
9. What to check when your iPhone 16 arrives
- Confirm model, colour and storage in Settings → General → About.
- Set up with your own Apple Account and make sure no Activation Lock remains.
- Check Battery Health, cycle count and Parts and Service History.
- Test both rear cameras, Camera Control, the Action button and Face ID.
- Check SIM or eSIM, Wi-Fi, speakers, microphones and charging.
- Compare condition and accessories with the listing.
Every Tech Market phone carries a cosmetic grade (Pristine, Very Good, Good or Acceptable). Qualifying refurbished devices include a 12-month warranty and free UK delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Is the iPhone 16 worth it in 2026?
Yes, particularly refurbished. It runs iOS 27, supports Apple Intelligence and has Camera Control and the Action button.
Is iPhone 16 256GB worth it over 128GB?
For most people keeping the phone several years, yes. Choose 128GB only if you rely on iCloud and record little video.
What colours does the iPhone 16 come in?
Black, White, Pink, Teal and Ultramarine.
Does the iPhone 16 have USB-C?
Yes, at USB 2 speeds. The Pro models have faster USB 3.
Final verdict
A refurbished iPhone 16 is the sweet spot for most people wanting Apple Intelligence in 2026. Choose 256GB if you can, pick your colour, and judge each unit on battery and grade. Browse iPhone 16 series listings or all iPhones at Tech Market.
Related buying guides
- iPhone 15 in 2026: Still Worth Buying? UK Refurbished Guide
- iPhone 16e in 2026: Worth Buying? How It Compares With iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Pro in 2026: Worth Buying Refurbished? UK Guide
- iPhone 17 in 2026: Worth Buying Refurbished? UK Guide
Official sources: iPhone 16 tech specs · Apple Newsroom: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus · iPhone 15 tech specs · iPhone 17 tech specs · iOS 27 compatibility · Apple Intelligence requirements · iPhone battery and performance · Compare iPhone models.
Reviewed 8 November 2026. Confirm current software, compatibility, product condition and availability before ordering.
