Official manufacturer render.
Apple
iPhone 16
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- Apple A18 · 6-core CPU
- 170 g
- From $799
Available colors
Selected: Ultramarine
Physical specifications
6.1"
Display size
170 g
Weight
147.6 mm
Height
71.6 mm
Width
7.8 mm
Thickness
—
Aspect ratio
Release and pricing
- Announced
- September 9, 2024
- Released
- September 20, 2024
- Starting price
- $799
- Market
- US
- Configuration
- 128 GB
Display
- Display size
- 6.1"
- Display technology
- Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution
- 2556 × 1179
- Refresh rate
- 60 Hz
- Peak brightness
- 2000 nits
- Protection
- Ceramic Shield
Performance
- Chipset
- Apple A18
- CPU
- 6-core CPU
- GPU
- 5-core GPU
- RAM
- 8 GB
- Storage
- 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
- Expandable storage
- No
Battery & charging
- Wired charging
- 25 W
- Wireless charging
- 15 W
- Charging standard
- MagSafe, Qi2
- Battery type
- Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion
Cameras
- Rear cameras
- Fusion · 48 MP · ƒ/1.6 · 26 mm · Sensor-shift OIS; Ultra Wide · 12 MP · ƒ/2.2 · 13 mm
- Front cameras
- TrueDepth · 12 MP · ƒ/1.9
- Video recording
- 4K Dolby Vision up to 60 fps, Spatial video up to 4K at 30 fps
Build & durability
- Frame
- Aluminum
- Back
- Color-infused glass
- Front
- Ceramic Shield
- Ingress protection
- IP68
Connectivity
- Cellular
- 5G (sub-6 GHz), Gigabit LTE
- Wi‑Fi
- Wi‑Fi 7 (802.11be)
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.3
- USB
- USB-C (USB 2)
- NFC
- Yes
- eSIM
- Yes
- Satellite
- Emergency SOS via satellite
Sizometry Analysis
Overall Score
8.0
out of 10
A compact, dependable standard iPhone with strong daily fundamentals, held back primarily by its 60Hz display and missing Pro-tier display features.
Category scores
Camera
7.5
Consistent color, exposure, and video for everyday shots; telephoto reach and Pro-level low light are clear gaps.
Battery and charging
8.0
Reliable all-day endurance for moderate use, though not class-leading in the lineup.
Performance
8.0
Fast routine use and photo processing on A18, with occasional warmth during prolonged gaming.
Handling and portability
9.0
Compact 6.1-inch footprint with excellent pocket fit and one-handed manageability among current iPhones.
Build quality
8.0
Solid materials and precise controls, with Camera Control as the main hardware debate.
Value
7.5
Strong fundamentals in a compact size, tempered by 60Hz and missing Pro display features at flagship-adjacent pricing.
Strengths
- Compact size with excellent one-handed handling
- Reliable all-day battery for typical use
- Consistent everyday camera and video quality
- Fast A18 performance with 8GB RAM
Weaknesses
- 60Hz display — the most repeated criticism at this price
- No Always-On display or telephoto lens
- Camera Control polarizes owners
- Incremental upgrade for recent iPhone 15 owners
Best for
- Buyers prioritizing compact handling and pocket fit
- Users satisfied with 60Hz or insensitive to refresh-rate differences
- Casual photographers who value consistency over zoom reach
- Upgraders from iPhone 12, 13, or older standard models
Less suitable for
- Display enthusiasts expecting 120Hz at flagship pricing
- Photography-focused users who need telephoto and Pro low light
- Recent iPhone 15 Pro owners seeking a lateral or upgrade move
- Buyers who want Always-On glanceable information
Upgrade recommendation
Current device: iPhone 12 or older
Recommendation: Strongly recommendedNotes: A18 speed, improved cameras with 2x fusion, and practical battery gains address multi-generation pain points.
Current device: iPhone 13 generation
Recommendation: Strongly recommendedNotes: Performance, camera flexibility, and Action button utility still feel meaningful compared with this era.
Current device: iPhone 14 generation (non-Pro)
Recommendation: Worth consideringNotes: Meaningful but not dramatic gains; strongest for owners who want USB-C era features and better endurance.
Current device: iPhone 15 generation
Recommendation: Probably unnecessaryNotes: Owners satisfied with current cameras and 60Hz displays rarely describe a must-upgrade case.
Current device: iPhone 14 Pro or 15 Pro
Recommendation: Depends on prioritiesNotes: Downgrades display refresh, Always-On, and telephoto unless compact size is the overriding priority.
Current device: Plus or Pro Max owners seeking smaller size
Recommendation: Worth consideringNotes: One-handed and pocket benefits frequently outweigh lost screen area for users overstretched by larger hardware.
Everyday usability
Estimated from device dimensions and weight.
One-handed use
ComfortableIts width suits comfortable one-handed reach for many users.
Pocket friendliness
ExcellentIts footprint fits standard pockets more easily than larger phones.
Carry comfort
LightFeels light to carry relative to typical devices in its class.
Reading and media
Better for quick glances and messaging than long reading or video.
Gaming
SuitableIts hardware should handle most modern games, though demanding titles may benefit from adjusted settings.
Bottom line
The iPhone 16 earns its place through compact, comfortable daily use and dependable core performance rather than display leadership. Manageable size with consistent cameras and all-day battery for typical routines is the headline appeal; the 60Hz panel and missing Always-On display are the main trade-offs. Upgrade from iPhone 12 or 13 for the clearest benefit; weigh display priorities carefully if you already own a recent Pro or compare frequently with 120Hz phones.
Models and configurations
- Storage
- 128 GB256 GB512 GB
- Connectivity
- 5G (sub-6 GHz)Gigabit LTE
- Colors
- UltramarineTealPinkWhiteBlack
- RAM
- 8 GB
- SIM configuration
- eSIM
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