If you're trying to decide between a refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone 16e, the honest answer is that all five run the same core software and all five share the same A18-family chip generation — the differences come down to screen size, camera system, refresh rate and price. This guide compares every spec that actually matters for a buying decision, verifies exactly which models support Apple Intelligence, and explains what "refurbished" means for a phone from this generation. Every fact below is either sourced from Apple's own published specifications or confirmed directly against The Tech Gadgets' live stock — nothing is guessed.
Shop Refurbished iPhone 16 Series
All five models are sold unlocked, refurbished, and graded into four condition levels (Like New, Excellent, Very Good, Fair). The exact price depends on the storage and condition you select at checkout — Like New costs the most, then Excellent, then Very Good, and Fair is the cheapest — so use the links below to see today's price on each product page.
| Model | Price | Display | Chip | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | See today's price | 6.1" OLED, 60Hz | A18 | Check price |
| iPhone 16 Plus | See today's price | 6.7" OLED, 60Hz | A18 | Check price |
| iPhone 16 Pro | See today's price | 6.3" OLED, ProMotion 120Hz | A18 Pro | Check price |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | See today's price | 6.9" OLED, ProMotion 120Hz | A18 Pro | Check price |
| iPhone 16e | See today's price | 6.1" OLED, 60Hz | A18 (binned) | Check price |
Browse the full range in the refurbished iPhone collection, or see every handset The Tech Gadgets stocks in all mobile phones. Already know you want the standard iPhone 16 and just need to decide on storage and colour? See our iPhone 16 128GB vs 256GB, Black & Teal buying guide. Want the iPhone 16 Plus specifically? See our iPhone 16 Plus 128GB price and colours guide.
Comparison: iPhone 16 vs 16 Plus vs 16 Pro vs 16 Pro Max vs 16e
| Spec | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display size | 6.1" | 6.7" | 6.3" | 6.9" | 6.1" |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | ProMotion up to 120Hz | ProMotion up to 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Always-On display | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Chip | A18 | A18 | A18 Pro | A18 Pro | A18 (4-core GPU, binned) |
| GPU cores | 5-core | 5-core | 6-core | 6-core | 4-core |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB |
| Rear cameras | Dual: 48MP + 12MP Ultra Wide | Dual: 48MP + 12MP Ultra Wide | Triple: 48MP + 48MP Ultra Wide + 12MP 5x Telephoto | Triple: 48MP + 48MP Ultra Wide + 12MP 5x Telephoto | Single: 48MP only |
| Camera Control button | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Action Button | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Frame material | Aluminium | Aluminium | Titanium | Titanium | Aluminium |
| USB standard | USB 2 (480Mb/s) | USB 2 (480Mb/s) | USB 3 (up to 10Gb/s) | USB 3 (up to 10Gb/s) | USB 2 (480Mb/s) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Modem | Qualcomm | Qualcomm | Qualcomm | Qualcomm | Apple C1 |
| MagSafe | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (Qi only, 7.5W) |
| Battery (video playback, new) | Up to 22 hours | Up to 27 hours | Up to 27 hours | Up to 33 hours | Up to 26 hours |
| Apple Intelligence | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Storage tiers (Apple) | 128/256/512GB | 128/256/512GB | 128/256/512GB/1TB | 256/512GB/1TB | 128/256/512GB |
Storage tiers above reflect what Apple specifies for the range. The Tech Gadgets' live stock and exact available storage per model can differ — always check the product page for what's currently in stock. Deciding specifically between the standard iPhone 16's 128GB and 256GB tiers, or weighing up Black against Teal? See our dedicated iPhone 16 storage and colour guide.
Buyer Match: Which iPhone 16 Fits You?
| If you... | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Want the lowest price for an A18-family Apple Intelligence phone | iPhone 16e |
| Want a balanced, standard-size phone with a dual camera | iPhone 16 |
| Want a bigger screen and battery without paying Pro prices | iPhone 16 Plus |
| Want the best camera system in a more compact body | iPhone 16 Pro |
| Want the biggest screen, longest battery life and full Pro camera | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
| Mainly use the camera for quick snapshots, not zoom or wide shots | iPhone 16e or iPhone 16 |
| Care about fast wired file transfers (video editors, photographers) | iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max |
| Want MagSafe accessories (magnetic wallets, mounts, chargers) | iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro or Pro Max (not 16e) |
Which Should You Buy?
Start from budget, then work up. If you want the cheapest way into A18-family Apple hardware with Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16e is the entry point — but it drops the second camera, Camera Control, MagSafe and Wi-Fi 7. If you want a normal iPhone experience without compromise at a mid-range price, the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus (same internals, different screen size) covers most buyers. If photography, video, or a faster, smoother screen matter to you, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max add ProMotion, a telephoto lens and titanium build — the only real choice between those two is screen size and battery life, since the internals are identical. Refurbished pricing narrows the gap between tiers considerably compared to buying new, so it's worth comparing the Pro models against the standard iPhone 16 Plus before assuming the standard range is the "budget" choice.
iPhone 16: Overview
The standard iPhone 16 is a 6.1-inch phone built around Apple's A18 chip, a dual 48MP + 12MP Ultra Wide camera, and the Camera Control button. Apple specifies a 60Hz Super Retina XDR OLED display (no ProMotion) protected by Ceramic Shield in an aluminium frame, and rates it IP68 (up to 6 metres for 30 minutes) when new — a rating that isn't separately re-verified on refurbished units. Apple specifies 5G, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, along with USB-C at USB 2 speeds and support for MagSafe (up to 25W) and Qi2 wireless charging. Apple specifies up to 22 hours of video playback on a full charge when new. The Tech Gadgets currently lists the iPhone 16 unlocked and refurbished, in Black, Pink, White, Teal and Ultramarine, starting at 128GB — check today's price on the product page. This is the model to pick if you want capable A18-generation performance and Apple Intelligence without paying for features (telephoto camera, ProMotion, titanium) you may not use. For a deeper look at storage and colour options specifically, see our iPhone 16 128GB vs 256GB buying guide.
iPhone 16 Plus: Overview
The iPhone 16 Plus is the large-screen version of the standard iPhone 16, sharing the same A18 chip, dual 48MP + 12MP Ultra Wide camera and Camera Control button, but stretched to a 6.7-inch display. Apple specifies the same 60Hz OLED panel type (no ProMotion), aluminium frame, USB 2 speeds, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 as the standard iPhone 16. The larger body houses a bigger battery — Apple specifies up to 27 hours of video playback on a full charge when new, five hours more than the standard iPhone 16. The Tech Gadgets currently lists the iPhone 16 Plus unlocked and refurbished, in Ultramarine, White, Teal, Pink and Black — check today's price on the product page. This is the model for buyers who want the extra screen real estate and battery life of a "Plus" phone without moving into Pro pricing or features. For the full 128GB price, colour and storage breakdown, see our iPhone 16 Plus 128GB buying guide.
iPhone 16 Pro: Overview
The iPhone 16 Pro packs the same silicon and camera system as the larger Pro Max into a smaller, lighter, more one-handed-friendly 6.3-inch body. Apple specifies a ProMotion display with adaptive refresh up to 120Hz and an Always-On option, a Grade 5 titanium frame with Ceramic Shield front and back, and a triple rear camera: 48MP Fusion main, 48MP Ultra Wide, and a 12MP 5x telephoto with optical zoom — identical to the Pro Max. It runs Apple's A18 Pro chip with a 6-core GPU, supports USB 3 speeds up to 10Gb/s (with an appropriate cable — Apple doesn't include one), and Apple specifies up to 27 hours of video playback on a full charge when new. The Tech Gadgets currently lists the iPhone 16 Pro unlocked and refurbished, in titanium finishes including Desert, Natural and White — check the product page for today's price and full current colour availability. This is the model for buyers who want the complete Pro camera and display experience in the smaller of the two Pro sizes.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Overview
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple's largest and longest-lasting iPhone 16, combining a 6.9-inch ProMotion display with the same A18 Pro chip and triple camera system as the smaller Pro. Apple specifies the same titanium build, Ceramic Shield protection, 48MP + 48MP Ultra Wide + 12MP 5x telephoto rear camera, USB 3 speeds and Wi-Fi 7/Bluetooth 5.3 as the Pro — the differences are purely screen size and battery. Apple specifies up to 33 hours of video playback on a full charge when new, the longest of any iPhone 16 model. The Tech Gadgets currently lists the iPhone 16 Pro Max unlocked and refurbished, in titanium finishes, starting at 256GB — note that Apple does not offer a 128GB Pro Max; 256GB is the smallest storage tier for this model. Check today's price on the product page. This is the model for buyers who want the biggest screen and longest battery life alongside the full Pro camera system.
iPhone 16e: Overview
The iPhone 16e is Apple's value-focused entry into the 16-series, launched after the other four models as a replacement for the old SE line. It shares the A18 chip family with the standard iPhone 16 but with one fewer GPU core (4-core vs 5-core) — Apple bins the chip to differentiate it — and pairs it with the Apple C1 modem, Apple's first in-house-designed cellular modem. Apple specifies a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with Dynamic Island (not the notch), a single 48MP Fusion rear camera with no Ultra Wide lens, and an Action Button — but no Camera Control button. Apple specifies Wi-Fi 6 (not Wi-Fi 7), USB 2 speeds, and no MagSafe support; wireless charging is limited to 7.5W Qi. Apple specifies up to 26 hours of video playback on a full charge when new. The Tech Gadgets currently lists the iPhone 16e unlocked and refurbished, in Black and White — check today's price on the product page. This is the model for buyers who want current chip-generation performance and Apple Intelligence at the lowest possible price, and don't mind giving up the second camera, Camera Control and MagSafe.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Plus
These two are internally identical — same A18 chip, same dual camera, same Camera Control button, same 60Hz display type, same USB 2 speed, same Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. The only differences are screen size (6.1" vs 6.7"), physical size and weight, and battery life (Apple specifies up to 22 hours of video playback for the iPhone 16 vs up to 27 hours for the iPhone 16 Plus, when new). Choose based on how you feel about phone size and one-handed use — there's no performance or camera reason to pick one over the other.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro
The step from iPhone 16 to iPhone 16 Pro adds a ProMotion display (up to 120Hz vs 60Hz) with an Always-On option, a third rear camera (a 12MP 5x telephoto lens the standard iPhone 16 doesn't have), a titanium frame instead of aluminium, an A18 Pro chip with an extra GPU core over the A18, and USB 3 transfer speeds instead of USB 2. Apple's 16 Pro camera also gains a larger 48MP Ultra Wide sensor versus the 12MP Ultra Wide on the standard iPhone 16. If you use zoom regularly, want a smoother-scrolling display, or transfer large video files over a cable, the Pro justifies its higher price. If you don't, the standard iPhone 16 delivers the same core performance and Apple Intelligence support for less.
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Apple specifies identical internals for both Pro models: the same A18 Pro chip, the same 6-core GPU, the same triple 48MP + 48MP + 12MP 5x telephoto camera system, the same titanium build, the same USB 3 speeds and the same ProMotion display technology. The only differences are screen size (6.3" vs 6.9") and battery life (Apple specifies up to 27 hours of video playback for the Pro vs up to 33 hours for the Pro Max, when new), plus the Pro Max being the only model that doesn't offer a 128GB tier — Apple's smallest Pro Max storage is 256GB. Pick the Pro Max for the bigger screen and longer battery life; pick the Pro if you prefer a smaller, lighter, more one-handed phone with otherwise identical capability.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16e: What Do You Actually Lose?
The iPhone 16e is tempting on price, but it's worth being clear-eyed about what it doesn't have compared with the standard iPhone 16, since both use an A18-family chip and it's easy to assume they're closer than they are:
- Second camera: the 16e has one 48MP rear camera with no Ultra Wide lens; the iPhone 16 has both a 48MP main and a 12MP Ultra Wide.
- Camera Control button: the iPhone 16 has it; the 16e does not — it uses the Action Button and Control Center for camera shortcuts instead.
- GPU performance: the 16e's A18 is binned to a 4-core GPU versus the iPhone 16's 5-core GPU, so graphics-heavy tasks and gaming will be measurably slower on the 16e.
- MagSafe: the iPhone 16 supports MagSafe; the 16e does not — it's limited to standard 7.5W Qi wireless charging, with no magnetic alignment.
- Wi-Fi generation: the iPhone 16 supports Wi-Fi 7; the 16e supports Wi-Fi 6.
- Modem: the 16e uses Apple's own C1 modem rather than the Qualcomm modem in the iPhone 16 — real-world cellular performance differences are still being assessed industry-wide, but it is a different chip.
What the 16e keeps: the same A18 chip family (with 8GB RAM), Apple Intelligence support, Dynamic Island, an aluminium-and-glass Ceramic Shield design, 5G, eSIM, and Apple's software update timeline. If none of the items above matter to your day-to-day use, the 16e is a legitimate way to get A18-generation Apple Intelligence hardware for less.
Which iPhone 16 Models Support Apple Intelligence?
All five models in the iPhone 16 series — iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e — support Apple Intelligence. Apple's stated requirement is an A17 Pro chip or later (or an A18-family chip) with at least 8GB of RAM, and every iPhone 16 model, including the 16e's binned A18 chip, meets that bar with 8GB of RAM. This makes the iPhone 16e one of the most affordable ways into Apple Intelligence among refurbished stock at The Tech Gadgets, since it carries the full 8GB RAM allocation despite its reduced GPU core count — the GPU binning affects graphics performance, not Apple Intelligence eligibility. Apple Intelligence features and availability can still vary by region, language and iOS version, so check Apple's current Apple Intelligence page for what's live in your country before assuming every feature is enabled at setup.
Best Camera in the iPhone 16 Range?
For outright camera capability, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are tied — both get Apple's 48MP Fusion main sensor, a 48MP Ultra Wide (double the resolution of the standard iPhone 16's Ultra Wide), and a 12MP telephoto with 5x optical-quality zoom, plus 4K Dolby Vision video up to 120fps. The standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus share a capable but simpler dual system: 48MP Fusion main plus a 12MP Ultra Wide, with no telephoto lens. The iPhone 16e sits at the other end, with a single 48MP Fusion camera and no Ultra Wide lens at all — Apple's most basic camera setup in this range, though it still supports 2x optical-quality zoom in and 4K video. If zoom photography or Ultra Wide shots matter to you, the Pro models are the only ones that deliver both; if you mostly shoot standard photos, any of the five will produce good results in daylight.
Does iPhone 16 Use USB-C?
Yes — every iPhone 16 model uses USB-C, replacing the Lightning port used on iPhone 14 and earlier. However, transfer speed isn't the same across the range. Apple specifies USB 2 speeds (480Mb/s) for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16e, while the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max step up to USB 3 speeds (up to 10Gb/s) — around 20 times faster, useful mainly for transferring large 4K or ProRes video files to a computer. Getting that faster speed in practice also requires a USB 3-rated cable, which Apple doesn't include in the box on any model. Charging speed and wired CarPlay work the same across all five models regardless of USB generation.
What Storage Size Should You Get?
Apple offers the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16e in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. The iPhone 16 Pro adds a 1TB option on top of those three, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at 256GB (no 128GB option) and also goes up to 1TB. The Tech Gadgets' live stock and exact storage availability per model can differ from Apple's full range, so check the product page for what's currently available before ordering. For a full 128GB vs 256GB vs 512GB breakdown on the standard iPhone 16 specifically, see our dedicated storage and colour guide.
| Storage | Best for |
|---|---|
| 128GB | Light use: messaging, browsing, streaming, occasional photos. Not available on Pro Max. |
| 256GB | Most buyers: a working photo library, some 4K video, a full app selection. |
| 512GB | Heavy photographers, frequent 4K video recording, offline media libraries. |
| 1TB / 2TB | Professional or power users recording extensive 4K/ProRes video on-device (Pro and Pro Max only). |
As a rule of thumb: if you've never run out of storage on your current phone, 128GB or 256GB will comfortably cover you. If you regularly delete photos or apps to free up space, go up a tier.
What Does Refurbished Mean?
A refurbished iPhone 16 is a previously owned or returned device that has been inspected, tested and restored to full working condition before resale — it is not new, and it should never be sold or described as new. At The Tech Gadgets, every unit is functionally tested before dispatch and sold unlocked, with the cosmetic condition disclosed through the four-tier grading system (Like New, Excellent, Very Good, Fair) selected at checkout.
Conditions Explained
The Tech Gadgets grades every refurbished iPhone into one of four condition levels at the point of sale: Like New, Excellent, Very Good, and Fair. These grades reflect cosmetic condition and are selected at checkout, with price and stock updating automatically per combination of colour, storage and condition. The Tech Gadgets does not publish detailed criteria for what separates each grade on this page — check the product photos for your selected variant, or contact The Tech Gadgets directly before ordering if the exact cosmetic condition is important to your decision. Every condition grade is functionally tested regardless of cosmetic tier, and every grade carries the same 12-month warranty and 30-day return window.
Are They Unlocked?
Yes. All five models in this range — iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e — are sold unlocked and SIM-free by The Tech Gadgets. An unlocked iPhone isn't tied to a single network, so it should accept a SIM from EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, or other UK and international carriers, subject to normal network compatibility. If you're porting an existing number from another network, it's worth confirming compatibility with your new provider before ordering, particularly around eSIM transfers.
SIM and eSIM: What's Supported?
Apple specifies that UK iPhone 16 models use a physical Nano-SIM tray alongside eSIM support, with Dual SIM capability (one physical SIM plus one eSIM, or two eSIMs depending on the model and region) across the whole range — iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max and 16e. This means you can keep a physical SIM from your existing provider or move entirely to eSIM, and run two numbers at once if needed for work and personal use.
What's Included in the Box?
Exact box contents for these listings are not published by The Tech Gadgets and aren't confirmed on the product pages — check with The Tech Gadgets directly before ordering if specific accessories (such as a cable or documentation) matter to your purchase. As with most current Apple retail packaging, a mains charging brick is unlikely to be included as standard; confirm before you buy if this affects your decision, since you may need a compatible USB-C charger and — for the Pro models — a USB 3-rated cable to get full transfer speeds.
Battery Health: What to Expect
Battery health percentage is not published for these listings and is not confirmed on the product pages — contact The Tech Gadgets before ordering if a specific battery health threshold matters to you. As with any used device, some reduction in maximum battery capacity compared to new is normal and expected; how much depends on the individual unit's charge cycle history. Battery-related issues are explicitly excluded from The Tech Gadgets' 12-month warranty, alongside physical, water and electrical damage, so it's worth checking battery health with the seller directly if this is a deciding factor for you.
Is the iPhone 16 Series Still Worth Buying in 2026?
Yes, as a well-specified refurbished option — but it's worth being accurate about where the iPhone 16 series now sits in Apple's lineup. The iPhone 16 range launched in September 2024 (with the 16e following in February 2025), and Apple has released further annual iPhone generations since then. By 2026, the iPhone 16 series is no longer Apple's newest hardware — it's a previous-generation lineup, not a current one. That doesn't make it a poor buy: all five models run the A18 chip family, support Apple Intelligence, and cover USB-C, 5G and MagSafe (except the 16e), which remain genuinely capable, current specifications. Buying refurbished narrows the price gap to older generations while keeping you on solid, Apple Intelligence-eligible hardware — the main trade-offs versus buying new (or versus a newer generation) are cosmetic condition (addressed by the grading system), unconfirmed battery health and box contents, and a shorter remaining runway before Apple's eventual software support cut-off than a genuinely current-generation phone would have. Weigh that against how long you plan to keep the phone rather than assuming "current-generation" pricing logic applies.
Why Buy Refurbished Instead of New?
A refurbished iPhone 16 typically costs meaningfully less than the same model bought new from Apple, while still delivering the same chip, camera, display and Apple Intelligence support — the differences are limited to cosmetic condition, uncertain battery health, and warranty terms (12 months from The Tech Gadgets versus Apple's own coverage on a new device). For buyers who don't need the absolute newest unit out of the box, refurbished offers a straightforward way to access capable A18-generation Apple hardware at a lower price point, backed by a 30-day return window and 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects and functional faults.
How Much Does an iPhone 16 Cost Refurbished?
Prices at The Tech Gadgets vary by storage, colour and condition, and update automatically at checkout — Like New costs the most, then Excellent, then Very Good, and Fair is the cheapest. Check today's price for each model on its product page:
- iPhone 16 — check price
- iPhone 16 Plus — check price
- iPhone 16 Pro — check price
- iPhone 16 Pro Max — check price
- iPhone 16e — check price
Prices depend on the storage and condition in stock at the time — always compare the exact configuration (storage, colour, condition) on each product page when deciding between models.
Where to Buy Refurbished iPhone 16 in the UK
The Tech Gadgets is based in Manchester, UK, at 01 Broughton Lane, Manchester, M8 9TY, and dispatches same-day on orders placed before 3pm Monday to Friday. Every refurbished iPhone 16 model is sold unlocked, comes with a 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional faults, and can be returned within 30 days of delivery. Browse the full refurbished iPhone collection or the wider mobile phones range, and get in touch via the contact page, email at info@thetechgadgets.co.uk, or WhatsApp at +44 7563 734444 with any pre-purchase questions.
Buying Check: Before You Order
- Confirm the exact model (16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max or 16e) matches the features you actually want — don't assume specs carry across models.
- Pick your storage tier based on current usage, not aspiration — check what you use today before over-buying.
- Decide how much cosmetic wear you're comfortable with, and select the matching condition grade (Like New, Excellent, Very Good, Fair).
- If battery health or box contents are important to you, contact The Tech Gadgets before ordering to confirm — these aren't published on the product pages.
- Check your current network's compatibility with an unlocked handset, particularly if porting a number or moving to eSIM.
- Note the 30-day return window and 12-month warranty terms (manufacturing defects and functional faults only — battery, physical, water and electrical damage are excluded).
- If ordering before 3pm on a weekday, expect same-day dispatch.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Refurbished iPhone 16
- Assuming the iPhone 16e has a Camera Control button — it doesn't; it uses the Action Button instead.
- Assuming the iPhone 16e has ProMotion or a 120Hz display — it doesn't; only the Pro and Pro Max get ProMotion.
- Assuming the iPhone 16e has two rear cameras — it has one 48MP camera and no Ultra Wide lens.
- Assuming all iPhone 16 models support MagSafe — the 16e does not; it's limited to 7.5W Qi charging.
- Assuming the standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have USB 3 speeds — only the Pro and Pro Max do.
- Assuming "refurbished" means the phone is used or damaged — it means tested, functional, and graded by condition, with a warranty attached.
- Assuming all condition grades look the same — "Fair" will show more cosmetic wear than "Like New"; check the photos for your selected variant.
- Assuming battery health is guaranteed to be high — it isn't published, and some reduction versus new is normal on any used device.
- Assuming a charger or cable is included in the box — this isn't confirmed; check before ordering if it matters.
- Assuming the warranty covers battery degradation — it explicitly does not; only manufacturing defects and functional faults are covered.
- Assuming the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max have different cameras — Apple specifies they share an identical triple-camera system; only screen size and battery differ.
- Assuming a locked phone from another retailer will work the same as these unlocked listings — always confirm network status before buying elsewhere.
- Assuming Apple Intelligence is available in every region and language at setup — check current availability for your country before assuming every feature works immediately.
- Assuming the Pro Max is available in 128GB — Apple's smallest Pro Max storage tier is 256GB.
- Assuming prices shown across storage/condition combinations are always the lowest available — check the live price on the product page for your exact combination before deciding.
- Assuming the iPhone 16 series is Apple's newest generation — by 2026, newer iPhone generations have launched since the 16 series; it's a previous-generation refurbished buy, not a current one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 16 series still Apple's current lineup?
No. The iPhone 16 series launched in September 2024 (with the 16e following in February 2025), and Apple has released newer annual iPhone generations since then. By 2026, the iPhone 16 series is a previous-generation lineup available refurbished, not Apple's current hardware — though it remains a genuinely capable A18-generation phone with Apple Intelligence support.
What's the difference between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus?
Only screen size (6.1" vs 6.7") and battery life. The chip, camera system, Camera Control button, display refresh rate and connectivity are identical.
What's the difference between the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max?
Only screen size (6.3" vs 6.9") and battery life, plus the Pro Max not offering a 128GB storage tier. Apple specifies identical chip, camera system, and build materials for both.
Does the iPhone 16e support Apple Intelligence?
Yes. The iPhone 16e's A18 chip and 8GB of RAM meet Apple's Apple Intelligence requirements, despite the chip's reduced 4-core GPU compared with the standard iPhone 16's 5-core GPU.
Does the iPhone 16e have a Camera Control button?
No. The iPhone 16e does not have a Camera Control button — it relies on the Action Button and Control Center for camera shortcuts instead.
Does the iPhone 16e have two cameras?
No. The iPhone 16e has a single 48MP Fusion rear camera and no Ultra Wide lens, unlike the standard iPhone 16's dual-camera system.
Does the iPhone 16e support MagSafe?
No. The iPhone 16e does not support MagSafe; it supports standard Qi wireless charging at up to 7.5W only.
Which iPhone 16 models have ProMotion (120Hz)?
Only the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16, 16 Plus and 16e all use a standard 60Hz display.
Which iPhone 16 models have USB 3 speeds?
Only the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max support USB 3 speeds (up to 10Gb/s). The iPhone 16, 16 Plus and 16e are limited to USB 2 (480Mb/s).
Which iPhone 16 has the best camera?
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max share the best camera system in the range: a 48MP main, 48MP Ultra Wide, and 12MP 5x telephoto. The standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have a dual 48MP + 12MP Ultra Wide setup with no telephoto. The 16e has a single 48MP camera with no Ultra Wide.
Is the iPhone 16e worth buying over the standard iPhone 16?
It depends on your priorities. The 16e is cheaper and still supports Apple Intelligence, but loses the second camera, Camera Control, MagSafe, and a GPU core versus the standard iPhone 16. If those don't matter to you, the 16e is a reasonable choice.
Are these iPhone 16 phones unlocked?
Yes, all five models are sold unlocked and SIM-free by The Tech Gadgets, and should work with EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and other UK or international networks, subject to normal compatibility.
Do these phones support eSIM?
Yes, all iPhone 16 models support eSIM alongside a physical Nano-SIM tray, and are Dual SIM capable.
What condition grades are available?
The Tech Gadgets grades refurbished stock into four levels: Like New, Excellent, Very Good, and Fair, selectable at checkout with price and stock varying accordingly.
Is battery health disclosed before I buy?
Battery health percentage is not published on the product pages. Contact The Tech Gadgets directly if you need this confirmed before ordering.
Does the box include a charger?
Box contents aren't confirmed on the product pages — check with The Tech Gadgets before ordering if this matters to you.
What's the warranty on a refurbished iPhone 16?
12 months, covering manufacturing defects and functional faults. Battery, physical, water and electrical damage are excluded.
What's the return policy?
30 days from delivery. Contact The Tech Gadgets before sending anything back.
How fast is dispatch?
Orders placed before 3pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same day.
Which iPhone 16 model has the longest battery life?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max, with Apple specifying up to 33 hours of video playback on a full charge when new — the longest of any model in the range.
Which iPhone 16 model is the cheapest?
The iPhone 16e is the most affordable model in this refurbished range at The Tech Gadgets — check today's price on the product page.
Does the iPhone 16 Pro Max come in 128GB?
No. Apple's smallest storage tier for the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 256GB.
Can I use an iPhone 16 on EE, O2, Vodafone or Three?
Yes, as unlocked devices, all iPhone 16 models should work on EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and other UK networks, subject to normal compatibility checks with your provider.
Is Apple Intelligence available in every region at launch?
Not necessarily — availability can vary by region, language and iOS version. Check Apple's current Apple Intelligence page for what's live in your country.
Ready to Buy?
Compare the full range and check live pricing and stock for your preferred storage, colour and condition:
Or browse the whole refurbished iPhone collection and the full range of mobile phones at The Tech Gadgets. Deciding on storage and colour for the standard iPhone 16 specifically? See our iPhone 16 128GB vs 256GB, Black & Teal guide. Want the iPhone 16 Plus specifically? See our iPhone 16 Plus 128GB price and colours guide.
Comparing generations? See our guides to the refurbished iPhone 15 series and other refurbished ranges. Before you order, review the warranty policy, the refund policy, or get in touch via the contact page, email info@thetechgadgets.co.uk, or WhatsApp +44 7563 734444.
