The iPhone 16 series of devices are the eighteenth generation of iPhones. They are succeeding the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro devices, which were first revealed on September 9, 2024, at the Apple Event in California.
The iPhone 16 series includes a range of world-firsts, including being the first smartphones to use Apple’s new A18 system chips. These chips are optimised for generative artificial intelligence and feature a neural engine that is twice as fast as its predecessor, the A17.
Along with a range of other upgrades, from the camera to the battery, they also come with the action button. The action button was first featured in the iPhone 15 Pro line up, making a return this generation after a positive reception.
The iPhone 16 series is being met with positive reviews from tech outlets, including Tom’s Guide. The reviewers highlight Apple’s new phone as “a compelling flagship phone”, noting that it’s fantastic value. They also outline the huge performance leap, Apple Intelligence features, battery life, and camera.
In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about the new iPhone 16 series. This includes exploring the base model, the Plus, Pro, and Pro Max, and comparing it to the previous 15 series and other flagship smartphones on the market.
The iPhone 16 Series Line-Up
The iPhone 16 series consists of four models: the iPhone 16 (base model), the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max—similar to the previous generation. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus models are available in the following colours.
- Ultramarine
- Teal
- Pink
- White
- Black
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max phones are available in Desert Titanium, Natural Titanium, and White Titanium. All the iPhone 16 series phones come pre-installed with Apple’s latest iOS 18 operating system. They also all come with 8GB RAM.
iPhone 16
The iPhone 16 is the base model for the new series, being the most cost-effective while still coming with all the latest features. This includes being paired with the new A18 chip, Apple’s latest iOS 18 operating system, and generative artificial intelligence.
The iPhone 16 also comes with Apple’s new two-in-one fusion camera, allowing users to take stunning photos up close and far away. Although it doesn’t match the fidelity of the 16 Pro phones, it’s almost like having four different lenses in your pocket. Below, we’ve listed the specs for the base model.
- Display: Super Retina XDR Display, 6.1-inch, 2556-by-1179 pixel resolution at 460ppi
- Capacity: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Chip: A18, New 6-Core CPU, 5-Core GPU, 16-Core Neural Engine
- Camera: 48MP Fusion Camera
iPhone 16 Pro
The iPhone 16 Pro is a great choice if you’re looking for an enhanced version of the base 16 model with better performance and cameras. It is smaller than the 16 Plus and Pro Max, at 6.3 inches.
While the 16 Pro features 8GB RAM, it comes with the A18 Pro chip instead of the base A18 chip. The A18 Pro is more efficient and offers better performance, which is important to consider if you’re a heavy gamer or use intensive apps.
Aside from the performance boost, the Pro model also features an enhanced camera system. Along with the fusion camera, it also has extra lenses and higher megapixels. This allows for higher-resolution photography and frame rate that the base 16 model can’t achieve.
iPhone 16 Plus
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are almost identical, with only a few differences. The 16 Plus premium option has a bigger screen size and battery capacity. It’s ideal if you want an upgrade but don’t like the size of the 16 Pro/Pro Max phones.
The iPhone 16 Plus still features the base model’s A16 chip but has a screen size of 6.69 inches. It also has a 4674 mAh capacity battery, which can last up to an hour or two longer than the base 16 models under standard use.
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is ideal if you want the specifications of the Pro device but a larger screen. It has a massive display at 6.9 inches versus the Pro’s 6.3-inch screen. It also has a bigger battery capacity of 4685 mAh, so it lasts longer.
The performance of the Pro Max model is the same as the Pro model, featuring the upgraded A18 Pro chip. This model also features the same upgraded camera and lens setup as the iPhone 16 Pro.
How the iPhone 16 Line-up Compares To Other Phones
Apple’s latest iPhone 16 handsets are an improvement over its predecessors in every way. This includes its processor, display, screen size, and cameras. While the iPhone 14 and 15 series are amazing phones, if you want the latest cutting-edge technology and Apple’s AI features, the iPhone 16 is the way to go.
The iPhone 16’s main competitors in the smartphone market are Google’s Pixel 9 series and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 devices from the Android ecosystem. Below, we’ve outlined the main differences between the phones. For comparisons, we are using the base model of each phone generation.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the iPhone 16 beats out Google’s Pixel 9 but slightly falls short of the S24. The iPhone 16 has better RAM performance at 4800 MHz and GPU clock speeds than both phones but has worse CPU speeds.
The iPhone 16’s A18 chip is still the best Apple has to offer, though, and when it comes to multitasking and heavy gaming, it is still viable. Apps and games tend to be better optimised for Apple hardware, so even though the A18 chip is slightly worse than the S24, apps and games are still more likely to perform better.
Display
The iPhone 16 base model offers the smallest display out of all three, at 6.1 inches. If you’re looking for size, it’d be worth upgrading to the Pro series or looking at the Pixel 9 or S24, which are a few inches bigger.
When it comes to the quality of the screen itself, the iPhone 16 rivals the Android flagship devices with its own OLED/AMOLED. It also boasts a higher pixel density and resolution, so it's ideal if you want crisper images and picture quality.
Camera
The iPhone 16, Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24 cameras all rate similarly with their cameras on comparison websites like GSM Arena and Versus. They all feature similar megapixels, software (like built-in stabilisation), and multiple lenses. So, the camera comes down to personal preference.
Battery life
When it comes to battery life, the Pixel 9 is the clear winner with a massive 4700 mAh battery. In comparison, the iPhone 16 only has a 3477 mAh battery, and the S24 has a 4000 mAh battery. The two Android phones squeeze out a few hours more battery life under ideal conditions.
While the iPhone 16 has a smaller battery capacity, it supports fast charging speeds and is the highest for wireless charging at 25W. All the devices have specialised power-saving modes, too.
Is The iPhone 16 Available Refurbished?
The time it takes for a phone to become available refurbished will depend on its release date and the phone’s popularity. For flagship phones and recent releases, it usually only takes a few weeks to a few months for refurbished models to become available.
The iPhone 16 series is currently available refurbished at a few specialised retailers, like OzMobiles. It usually takes 6-9 months for more widely available refurbished models.
If you’re interested in buying an iPhone 16 device refurbished, we recommend considering the following factors:
- Always consider the certification and warranty. Any reputable reseller should provide a warranty, ideally for 12 months.
- Refurbished phones may have a reduced battery life. If possible, get a guarantee or check that the phone has at least 80% total battery health.
- Reputable retailers will always grade their refurbished phones. Refurbished phones should always be 100% functional. The grading just refers to physical condition, e.g., Like New, Excellent, Good.
- Check if the phone is unlocked or if it is locked to a specific carrier. The last thing you want is to buy a phone that isn’t compatible with your plan/network.
- Check if essential accessories are included, like the charger and cable (sometimes they don’t come with refurbished models). Screen protectors and cases are a bonus.
Buy A Refurbished iPhone 16 at OzMobiles
If you’re looking to get the best value for money on an iPhone 16, buying refurbished is the cost-effective choice. Here at OzMobiles, we stock a range of iPhone 16 series devices, and if you find a better price elsewhere, we’ll beat it by $10 (terms and conditions apply).
Here at OzMobiles, we also ensure all of the devices we sell are sustainably sourced in Australia. We believe in contributing back to an eco-friendly, circular economy. All the devices we sell also undergo a comprehensive refurbishment process in our Melbourne headquarters.
During this refurbishment process, the phone is meticulously checked by a qualified technician. This ensures the phone is fully functional and running optimally. If any repairs are needed, they are made using genuine parts. We also restore the phone to like-new condition where possible.
All the phones we sell, including the iPhone 16, also come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return policy. So, if you have any issues with the device or a change of heart, the OzMobiles team can assist.
If you’d like to learn more about our refurbishment process or need help choosing the right iPhone 16 device for you, contact us today. Our team would be happy to answer any queries you have and connect you with the right device.
