The iPhone 16 is still a very good everyday phone. It is easy to carry, takes reliable photographs and should remain useful for years. Someone moving from an iPhone 11, 12 or 13 will notice a meaningful improvement. The difficulty is price: Apple currently places it only one step below the iPhone 17, so a retailer needs to provide a worthwhile saving before the older model becomes the smarter purchase.
Buy it if…
- You are upgrading from an iPhone 11, 12 or 13
- You want a manageable phone with a reliable camera
- The complete deal is substantially cheaper than an iPhone 17
Skip it if…
- You already own an iPhone 15 in good condition
- You want a very smooth 120Hz display or strong camera zoom
- The total contract cost is close to the newer iPhone 17
Not the right fit? See other phones or browse buying guides by budget →
What's good
- Comfortable 6.1-inch size that is easier to manage than Plus and Pro Max phones
- Dependable main camera and excellent video recording
- Fast A18 processor with plenty of room for future software
- USB-C charging, MagSafe accessories and strong accessibility features
Worth knowing
- 60Hz screen looks less fluid than many similarly priced Android phones
- No dedicated long-distance zoom camera
- 128GB can become restrictive for people recording lots of 4K video
- Charging plug is not included
A closer look, category by category
Everyday use
At 170g with a 6.1-inch display, the iPhone 16 is large enough for maps, messages and video without feeling oversized. The OLED screen is bright and clear outdoors. Its 60Hz refresh rate is the main display compromise: it does not make the phone slow, but scrolling looks less fluid than on a Pro iPhone or many Android rivals.
Camera
The 48MP main camera is dependable for family photographs, holidays and social media, while the ultrawide camera helps with groups and scenery. A useful 2x view is produced from the main sensor, but there is no dedicated telephoto lens for distant subjects. Video remains a major strength, with consistent colour, strong stabilisation and straightforward 4K recording.
Battery and charging
Most people should expect a normal day rather than two. Apple quotes up to 22 hours of stored video playback, which is a controlled test and not a promise of 22 hours of mixed use. Fast charging can reach around 50% in roughly 30 minutes with a suitable adapter, but the box contains a USB-C cable and no charging plug.
Storage and longevity
The A18 processor should remain fast for years. The 128GB model suits people who stream media and use cloud photo storage; 256GB is safer for anyone recording lots of video or keeping the phone for four or five years. Storage cannot be expanded later with a memory card.
Price
Apple listed the iPhone 16 from £699 and the iPhone 17 from £799 when this review was prepared. Retailer and network prices vary, so the iPhone 16 makes most sense when a promotion widens that £100 gap rather than merely lowering the monthly headline figure.
Real-world use cases
Upgrading an older iPhone
This is the clearest reason to buy. Moving from an iPhone 11, 12 or 13 brings a brighter display, stronger camera, USB-C and much faster performance without forcing the customer into a huge handset.
Family and everyday photography
The camera prioritises dependable results over complicated controls, which suits people who want to point, shoot and trust that faces, pets and video will look good.
Buying on contract
Compare the full amount payable, including upfront cost and every scheduled price increase. A small-looking monthly difference can remove the saving over the full term.
Where it sits in the market
The iPhone 16 remains prominently available through Currys, EE, O2 and iD Mobile. Its continuing retail presence makes it relevant, but availability is not proof that every deal is good value. Compare it with the iPhone 17, discounted iPhone 15 and similarly priced Android phones before committing.
How we reached this verdict
Research-based review using Apple technical documentation, current UK retailer listings and independent hands-on testing. UKTechExpert has not tested this handset directly. Prices and availability were checked on 29 July 2026 and can change.