iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Complete UK Comparison Guide 2025

Which iPhone 16 model offers the best value for UK buyers? With four distinct models ranging from £799 to £1,499, choosing the right iPhone 16 can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive comparison breaks down specifications, pricing, and value propositions to help you make an informed decision.

iPhone 16 Model Overview: What's New for 2025

Apple's iPhone 16 lineup maintains the same pricing structure as the iPhone 15 series, meaning no price increases for UK buyers. All models feature the new Camera Control button, Action Button (replacing the mute switch), and Apple Intelligence capabilities powered by the A18 series chips.

Key improvements across the range:

• Enhanced A18 and A18 Pro processors

• Improved camera systems with spatial video recording

• Longer battery life (up to 4 hours more on Pro models)

• Apple Intelligence AI features

• Better heat management and performance

Complete Specifications Comparison

Display and Design

Design Differences:

• Standard models (16/16 Plus): Aluminium frame, glass back, vertical camera layout

• Pro models (16 Pro/Pro Max): Titanium frame, textured matte glass back, triple camera system

Performance and Processors

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus feature the A18 chip with a 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores) and 5-core GPU. Apple claims 30% faster performance than the A16 Bionic with 30% better power efficiency.

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max use the A18 Pro chip with the same CPU configuration but a 6-core GPU and enhanced Neural Engine for intensive AI tasks. This provides 15% faster CPU performance than the A17 Pro.

Camera Systems

iPhone 16/16 Plus:

• 48MP Fusion main camera with 2x telephoto crop

• 12MP ultra-wide camera with macro capability

• 12MP front-facing camera

• 4K Dolby Vision recording up to 60fps

iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max:

• 48MP Fusion main camera with improved low-light performance

• 48MP ultra-wide camera (significant upgrade)

• 12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom

• 12MP front-facing camera

• 4K ProRes recording and Cinematic mode

Storage and Memory

All models start with 128GB storage (except Pro Max which starts at 256GB) and include:

• 8GB RAM across all models (for Apple Intelligence)

• Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (Pro models only)

UK Pricing Analysis: New vs Second-Hand

New Retail Prices (Apple UK)

iPhone 16:

• 128GB: £799

• 256GB: £899

• 512GB: £1,099

iPhone 16 Plus:

• 128GB: £899

• 256GB: £999

• 512GB: £1,299

iPhone 16 Pro:

• 128GB: £999

• 256GB: £1,099

• 512GB: £1,299

• 1TB: £1,499

iPhone 16 Pro Max:

• 256GB: £1,199 (starting storage)

• 512GB: £1,399

• 1TB: £1,599

  Custom HTML/CSS/JAVASCRIPT

Second-Hand Market Analysis

The iPhone 16 series launched in September 2024, making second-hand options relatively limited but available through certified refurbished retailers.

Current UK Second-Hand Pricing (May 2025):

Based on reputable UK refurbished phone retailers, expect to pay:

iPhone 16 (128GB):

• Pristine condition: £559-£599 (25-30% savings)

• Excellent condition: £519-£559 (30-35% savings)

• Good condition: £479-£519 (35-40% savings)

iPhone 16 Plus (128GB):

• Pristine condition: £629-£669 (25-30% savings)

• Excellent condition: £589-£629 (30-35% savings)

• Good condition: £549-£589 (35-40% savings)

iPhone 16 Pro (128GB):

• Pristine condition: £699-£749 (25-30% savings)

• Excellent condition: £659-£699 (30-35% savings)

• Good condition: £619-£659 (35-40% savings)

iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB):

• Pristine condition: £839-£899 (25-30% savings)

• Excellent condition: £779-£839 (30-35% savings)

• Good condition: £719-£779 (35-40% savings)

Value Proposition by Storage Tier

The 256GB storage tier offers the best value across all models:

• Only £100 premium over 128GB

• Provides ample storage for most users

• Better resale value compared to 128GB base models

Avoid the 512GB tier unless absolutely necessary - the £200-300 premium rarely justifies the extra storage for typical users.

Which iPhone 16 Should You Buy?

Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers: iPhone 16 (128GB)

Price: £799 new / £479-£599 second-hand

The base iPhone 16 offers exceptional value with:

• Latest A18 processor

• Excellent camera system

• All Apple Intelligence features

• Compact 6.1" size

Who should buy: First-time iPhone buyers, those upgrading from iPhone 12 or older, users who prioritise performance over premium features.

Best Overall Value: iPhone 16 Plus (256GB)

Price: £999 new / £589-£669 second-hand

Ideal for users wanting:

• Larger 6.7" display

• Extended battery life (27 hours video playback)

• Same great cameras as the standard iPhone 16

• Better value than Pro models for most users

Who should buy: Users who want a large screen without paying Pro prices, heavy phone users who need maximum battery life.

Best for Pro Users: iPhone 16 Pro (256GB)

Price: £1,099 new / £659-£739 second-hand

Professional features include:

• ProMotion 120Hz display

• Enhanced triple camera system with 5x telephoto

• Titanium build quality

• Advanced video recording capabilities

Who should buy: Photography enthusiasts, content creators, users who want the latest premium features.

Best for Power Users: iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB)

Price: £1,199 new / £779-£899 second-hand

Maximum everything:

• Largest 6.9" display

• Longest battery life

• All Pro features

• Best camera system

Who should buy: Users who want the absolute best, heavy multitaskers, those who use their phone for work and content creation.

Second-Hand Buying Tips

When purchasing a second-hand iPhone 16:

1. Buy from reputable retailers offering warranties (18-month warranties common in UK)

2. Check battery health - look for minimum 85% capacity

3. Verify unlock status - ensure the phone works with all UK networks

4. Inspect for damage - particularly the new Camera Control button

5. Confirm Apple Intelligence compatibility - requires iOS 18.2 or later

Money-Saving Strategies

Best ways to save on iPhone 16 models:

1. Consider the iPhone 16 Plus over Pro - Similar performance, larger screen, £100+ savings

2. Buy second-hand from certified retailers - Save 25-40% with warranties

3. Choose 256GB over 512GB - Better value per GB

4. Trade in your current phone - Apple and networks offer competitive trade-in values

5. Wait for network deals - Carriers often offer better value than SIM-free purchases

Conclusion: Best iPhone 16 for UK Buyers

The iPhone 16 Plus (256GB) represents the sweet spot for most UK buyers, offering:

• Excellent performance and features

• Large, high-quality display

• Strong battery life

• Good value compared to Pro models

For budget buyers, the iPhone 16 (256GB) provides flagship performance at a more accessible price point.

Photography professionals and tech enthusiasts should consider the iPhone 16 Pro (256GB) for its advanced camera system and ProMotion display.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max only makes sense for users who specifically need the largest possible screen and maximum battery life.

Final recommendation: Unless you specifically need Pro camera features or the largest display, the iPhone 16 Plus offers the best combination of features, performance, and value for UK buyers in 2025.