
iPhone 16 Series
iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16e: Which Model Is Right for You?
The iPhone 16 series available here includes iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus and the entry-level iPhone 16e. All three run Apple Intelligence, so the software is the same across the range. The real decisions are screen size, camera and budget.
iPhone 16 Storage Capacity Options
iPhone 16 128GB is the entry point, with iPhone 16 256GB and iPhone 16 512GB covering heavier photo, video and app use.
Model | Storage options |
|---|---|
iPhone 16 / iPhone 16 Plus | 128GB, 256GB, select 512GB finishes |
iPhone 16e | 128GB and 256GB only |
iPhone 16 256GB suits most people shooting regularly. iPhone 16 512GB is really only worth it for local 4K/ProRes video or ProRAW photography. Both the iPhone 16 6.1 inch and 6.7 inch models share the same three storage tiers, so screen size doesn't limit which capacity you can choose.
For guidance on matching storage to how you actually use your phone, see the mobile phone buying guide, or the iPhone 16 range guide for tier-by-tier detail.
iPhone 16 Colour and Finish Choices
iPhone 16 colours span five finishes on iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, both built with an aluminium frame and a Ceramic Shield front. All finishes carry an IP68 rating (6 metres, 30 minutes).
Model | Colours |
|---|---|
iPhone 16 / iPhone 16 Plus | Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine |
iPhone 16e | Black, White only |
iPhone 16 colours are worth comparing in person where possible, since finish and frame material vary between models. The newer iPhone 17 Series has since introduced its own separate palette.
Choosing Between iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 size is the main split between the two standard models, not features.
iPhone 16 (6.1-inch)
Easier one-hand use and pocket fit
Up to 22 hours video playback
128GB, 256GB, select 512GB
iPhone 16 Plus (6.7-inch)
Larger screen for video, gaming, reading
Up to 27 hours video playback
Same camera and chip as iPhone 16
iPhone 16 128GB and iPhone 16 Plus 128GB share identical specs apart from screen size and battery, so storage decisions work the same for both.
iPhone 16 Camera and Photography Capabilities
iPhone 16 camera hardware pairs a 48MP Fusion main lens with a 12MP Ultra Wide lens on iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
Model | Rear camera | Notes |
|---|---|---|
iPhone 16 / iPhone 16 Plus | 48MP main + 12MP Ultra Wide | Image stabilisation, Camera Control button, up to 10x digital zoom |
iPhone 16e | 48MP main only | No Ultra Wide lens or Camera Control button |
All models (front) | 12MP front camera | Records 4K video |
See the full iPhone lineup for how camera specs shift across the wider range.
iPhone 16 Battery Life and Charging Speed
iPhone 16 6.1 inch battery life runs up to 22 hours of video playback, with iPhone 16 Plus extending that to 27 hours.
Model | Video playback | Streamed video | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
iPhone 16 | 22h | 18h | 80h |
iPhone 16 Plus | 27h | 24h | 100h |
iPhone 16e | 26h | 21h | 90h |
Charging: 50% in around 30 minutes with a 20W+ USB-C iPhone 16 charger, on all models.
MagSafe: up to 25W on iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. iPhone 16e wireless charging caps at 7.5W and has no MagSafe.
iPhone 16 Apple Intelligence Features
Apple Intelligence runs across all five models, including the entry-level iPhone 16e.
Writing Tools, notification summaries, Siri upgrades
On-device processing, kept off Apple's servers
Genmoji and Clean Up in Photos
Visual Intelligence via Camera Control on iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus (iPhone 16e misses out, as it has no Camera Control button)
iPhone 16 Network and SIM Compatibility
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus come with the fastest 5G and Wi-Fi available, plus extra short-range features like Ultra Wideband and Thread for connected home devices. iPhone 16e covers the everyday essentials but skips a few of these extras to keep the price down.
Model | Network / Wi-Fi | Ultra Wideband & Thread |
|---|---|---|
iPhone 16 / 16 Plus | Full 5G speeds, the latest Wi-Fi standard | Yes |
iPhone 16e | 5G at slightly slower peak speeds, older Wi-Fi standard | No |
Specifications sourced from Apple's official AU tech spec pages for iPhone 16 (support.apple.com/en-au/121029), iPhone 16 Plus (support.apple.com/en-au/121030) and iPhone 16e (support.apple.com/en-au/122208).
All models support physical SIM and eSIM, subject to carrier and region.
Essential Accessories for Your iPhone 16
None of the iPhone 16 models ship with a wall charger in the box.
Cases: matched to iPhone 16 colours (Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine); cut differently per iPhone 16 size, so check the model
Screen protection: tempered glass or film
Charging: 20W+ USB-C iPhone 16 charger; MagSafe chargers (all but iPhone 16e); USB-C to USB-C cables, as Lightning isn't compatible
The full iPhone accessories range covers cases, chargers and screen protection for every model in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Screen size and battery life are the only real differences. iPhone 16 uses a 6.1 inch display, while iPhone 16 Plus steps up to 6.7 inches with several extra hours of battery life. Both share the same chip, camera system and Apple Intelligence features.
Yes. iPhone 16e runs the full Apple Intelligence feature set, including Writing Tools and Siri upgrades. The one gap is Visual Intelligence through Camera Control, since iPhone 16e doesn't have a Camera Control button.
Yes, both iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are available in 512GB, though only in select colours and while stocks last. iPhone 16e tops out at 256GB.
No. iPhone 16 uses USB-C for wired audio and charging, with no 3.5mm headphone jack. Bluetooth headphones or USB-C wired headphones are the options for listening.
Camera Control is a dedicated button on the side of iPhone 16 for the camera. A light press opens the camera or adjusts settings like zoom and exposure, and a firmer press takes a photo or starts recording. It also supports Visual Intelligence for identifying objects, businesses and text in view.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus use a 60Hz display, the same as recent standard iPhone models. A faster 120Hz ProMotion display is reserved for the higher-tier models in Apple's lineup this generation.











