Is it worth buying iPhone 16 in 2026? Let’s find out. Image: techradar.com
The beginning of the year is traditionally a time of falling iPhone prices. Whether this year will be an exception remains to be seen, but if air travel with the UAE is restored soon, there shouldn’t be any problems. It’s all the more interesting to find out which iPhone models are worth buying and which are not. Everything has already been said about the iPhone 17 lineup and then some, so let’s turn to older models. Let me remind you that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus continue to be sold — Apple hasn’t discontinued them and continues to manufacture new units. But whether they’re worth getting is exactly what we’ll figure out together right now.
iPhone 16 Specifications
When it comes to technical specifications, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are practically twins, with the only difference being that one smartphone got a bigger screen and battery, while the other didn’t. Here’s what these devices offer in terms of hardware:
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1″ OLED Super Retina XDR | 6.7″ OLED Super Retina XDR |
| Resolution | 2556×1179 | 2796×1290 |
| Pixel Density | ~460 ppi | ~460 ppi |
| Brightness (peak HDR) | up to 2000 nits | up to 2000 nits |
| Processor | A18 | A18 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 / 256 / 512 GB | 128 / 256 / 512 GB |
| Main Camera | 48 MP (Fusion) + 12 MP ultra-wide | 48 MP (Fusion) + 12 MP ultra-wide |
| Front Camera | 12 MP TrueDepth | 12 MP TrueDepth |
| Video | 4K up to 60 fps | 4K up to 60 fps |
| Battery | up to 22 hrs video | up to 27 hrs video |
| Charging | USB-C, MagSafe | USB-C, MagSafe |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Body | aluminum, glass | aluminum, glass |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 |
| Weight | 170 g | 199 g |
As for the A18 processor, this chip still has enough headroom to run without any issues for several more years. Just for comparison: my wife uses an iPhone 15 Plus with the Apple A16 Bionic from 2022, and even on iOS 26, she experiences absolutely no lag or glitches. So AI features, modern games, and heavy apps won’t be a problem for either the iPhone 16 or the 16 Plus. And even on iOS 26.3, the device works as it should.
Pay attention to one very important point regarding specifications. In new batches, the iPhone 16 is only produced in the 128 GB version, while the iPhone 16 Plus comes in 128 and 256 GB. After the iPhone 17 presentation, Apple changed the lineup and removed some storage options from it.
What Camera Does iPhone 16 Have
The camera in iPhone 16 will let you easily take quality shots. Image: phonearena.com
Let’s talk a bit about the camera. The main module takes photos and shoots video at an excellent level — there are no complaints whatsoever. The classic Apple “point and shoot” works brilliantly. You don’t need to fuss with settings; everything works with just one button press. However, the ultra-wide lens might disappoint a little.
In good lighting conditions, the shots will be excellent, but as soon as you move away from ideal conditions even slightly, photos start to get noisy or come out dark. So this lens is only really suitable for shooting outdoor landscapes, preferably on a nice sunny day. Overall, the camera is good and will cover the needs of 90% of users.
How Does iPhone 16 Look
I’d like to say a few words separately about the iPhone 16 design. Glass, aluminum, a vertical camera module, and Dynamic Island make the device easily recognizable even from a distance. But the coolest thing about it is the body colors. In this generation, Apple used vibrant shades, and the choices are simply dazzling.
Ultramarine is simply top-tier. Image: techradar.com
But as a user of one of these devices, I recommend you take a closer look at the iPhone 16 in Ultramarine. This device looks absolutely stunning, and you’ll want to carry it either in a clear case or with no case at all — that’s how great it turned out.
iPhone 16 Display
The most controversial element of the iPhone 16 is its screen, and the issue isn’t even about the diagonal. In 2026, a smartphone without Always On Display and with a 60 Hz refresh rate seems outdated. Let’s be honest — these specs are genuinely embarrassing. But I switched from an Android with 120 Hz to an iPhone with 60 Hz, and while I did notice the difference, it wasn’t as big as I’d expected.
The screen is easily readable even in sunlight. Image: techradar.com
The smoothness of iOS partially offsets this issue, but certainly not completely. Otherwise, there can be no complaints about the iPhone 16 screen: it’s bright, contrasty, with excellent viewing angles. All in all, it’s a great display, even if slightly underwhelming in some areas.
Which iPhone to Choose
So is it worth buying iPhone 16? Considering that the 128 GB version is currently selling for a modest 57,500 rubles and you’re not willing to pay more for a smartphone for whatever reason, then yes. The device will certainly not disappoint you. But as a user of the iPhone 16 Plus, I would recommend you take a closer look at the bigger iPhone. It has everything the same, only the screen and battery life are bigger, which gives you much more freedom.
