Review · Apple
iPhone 16 Review: 2024 Best Small Phone, Now an Even Better Value
Won Best Small Phone at MKBHD's 2024 Smartphone Awards. With the iPhone 17 launched, the 16 is now $599–$699 — supports full Apple Intelligence, has 5+ years of iOS updates remaining, and shares 90% of the iPhone 17's day-to-day experience. The smartest discounted iPhone in 2026.
By SmartphoneAwards Editorial · Published · Updated
Pros
- MKBHD's 2024 Best Small Phone winner
- Full Apple Intelligence support
- Now $599–$699 (down from $799 launch)
- Five+ years of iOS updates remaining
Cons
- 60Hz display (no ProMotion)
- One generation behind on chipset (A18 vs A19)
- No telephoto camera
- Storage starts at 128GB
Why it won Best Small Phone
MKBHD's 2024 award called out the iPhone 16's combination of compact form factor, full Apple Intelligence support, and the new Camera Control button. All three remain compelling in 2026 — and at $200 off launch price, the 16 is now the best-value Apple Intelligence phone you can buy.
Display & build
6.1-inch OLED at 60Hz — the only meaningful spec gap vs the iPhone 17 (which got ProMotion 120Hz). Aluminum frame, Action Button, and the Camera Control button. Build quality is identical to the 17.
Performance & Apple Intelligence
A18 chip with 8GB RAM. Roughly 25% slower than the A19 in the iPhone 17, but functionally indistinguishable for daily use. Full Apple Intelligence support — Genmoji, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence, Smart Replies all work identically to the 17.
Camera
Dual camera: 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide. No telephoto. Camera Control button is unique to iPhone 16 generation onward. For everyday photography the 16 produces images that are 95% as good as the 17. For zoom, you need the 16 Pro.
Battery
Real-world: 6–7 hours of screen-on time, roughly 30 minutes less than the iPhone 17. 20W wired and 25W MagSafe charging.
Verdict · 4.5 / 5
Buy the iPhone 16 if budget is decisive and you want full Apple Intelligence. At $599–$699 it's the best discounted iPhone in 2026 — won MKBHD's 2024 Best Small Phone for good reason. If you can stretch to $799, the iPhone 17 (Phone of the Year 2025) adds ProMotion 120Hz and a faster chip.
🛒 Buy the iPhone 16 on AmazonAlternatives to consider
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 16 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes — at $599–$699 it's the best-value Apple Intelligence iPhone. Won MKBHD's 2024 Best Small Phone and has 5+ years of iOS updates remaining.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 — which to buy?
iPhone 17 if you want ProMotion 120Hz and the latest chip. iPhone 16 if you want to save $150–$200 and don't care about 120Hz scrolling.
Does the iPhone 16 support Apple Intelligence?
Yes — fully. Same on-device features, same iCloud Private Compute integration as the iPhone 17.
How we rate
Our editorial score is anchored to outcomes from MKBHD's annual Smartphone Awards (2014–2025), then refined for everyday usability. Phone of the Year winners earn 5/5; category winners 4.5/5; runners-up 4/5; otherwise we score on merit. We earn a commission on purchases via our retailer links — at no extra cost to you.