iPhone 16 launch: Is the new iPhone worth the money?

With the iPhone 16, Apple is once again setting new standards in the world of smartphones. But the latest model also raises the question: Is it worth buying the iPhone 16, or will a previous iPhone, such as the iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 15 perhaps suit your needs even better? We take a look at the new features of the iPhone 16 and compare them with older models so that you can make the right decision for you.

The new features of the iPhone 16

Apple has equipped the iPhone 16 with some impressive new technologies:

• A18 chip: The new, powerful A18 chip offers improved speed and energy efficiency. It enables advanced video and photo features such as camera control and new photographic styles.
• Enhanced camera system: The 48 MP Fusion camera and the new 12 MP ultra wide-angle camera of the iPhone 16 give you the ability to take both detailed close-ups and expansive landscape shots. With the improved camera controls, you can quickly make adjustments to optimise your photos and videos.
• Action Button: This new feature provides quick access to your favourite features and apps, depending on the time of day or location.
• Design: The new iPhone 16 comes in five different colours (ultramarine, teal, pink, white and black).
• Battery: With the new battery technology, you can watch up to 27 hours of video or quickly charge your device wirelessly.

The price of the iPhone 16 starts at €979, with the 16 Plus from €1,129, the 16 Pro from €1,239 and the 16 Pro Max from €1,489. It is therefore an investment that needs to be carefully considered.

How good are older iPhone models compared to the new iPhone 16?

iPhone 16 or an older model?

For technology enthusiasts who always want the latest hardware, the iPhone 16 is undoubtedly a great choice. But do you really need all the new features? Often the slightly older models offer similarly fantastic tech at a much better price. We compare the new iPhone 16 with the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 14 Pro in terms of the most important features:

• Processor:
  • The new A18 chip in the iPhone 16 provides up to 30% faster performance with the 6-core CPU and up to 40% better graphics performance with the 5-core GPU compared to the A16 chip in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 Pro. This leads to improved performance and an extended battery life. For example, the iPhone 16 offers up to 2 hours longer video playback compared to the iPhone 15.
• Camera:
  • With the iPhone 16, you get a 48 MP main camera, just like the iPhone 15 and 14 Pro, but with slightly improved functions. New features include simplified camera control, faster access to tools and photos and the creation of spatial photos and videos. The photographic styles have also been expanded to include the latest generation.
• Display:
  • The iPhone 16's Always-On Display shows the time and notifications without having to actively use the device. This function was already available on the iPhone 14 Pro, but not on the iPhone 15.
• Design and Features:
  • The Action button on the iPhone 16 is new and not found on previous models. It enables quick access to frequently used functions such as the camera or voice memos. On the older models, these actions can be carried out via the touchscreen or the side button.

Should you buy the iPhone 16?

If you're thinking about whether to buy the new iPhone 16 or go for an older model like the iPhone 15, the following considerations can help you decide:

1. Price vs. Functions:

   The iPhone 16 starts at around €979, and is therefore significantly more expensive than a refurbished iPhone 15 from refurbed. However, you also get the latest features such as the A18 Bionic chip, which ensures even faster performance, and the further improved 48-megapixel camera with better low-light performance and optimised video stabilisation. Think about whether you really need these new features and whether they are worth the higher price. If you do really want the new features, then you also have the option to wait a few months until the iPhone 16 is available on refurbed. That little bit of patience will help you get the new model with some savings attached. If you want to make additional savings, you can simply sell your old smartphone to us when you buy a refurbed iPhone.

2. Your Current Needs:

   How well does your current mobile phone work? Is it still running smoothly and does it fulfil your requirements? Then you may not need the latest model at all. However, if your mobile phone is slowing down or no longer meets your expectations, you can either consider the brand new iPhone 16 or choose a refurbished older model. The latter also offers strong performance, but is cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

3. Software support

   As the latest model, the iPhone 16 will be supplied with the latest iOS versions for longer. If regular updates and long-term support are important to you, the iPhone 16 could be the better choice. However, previous models such as the iPhone 15 also receive regular updates. In fact, iPhone released as far back as 2018 are still supported by the current iOS at the time of the article being published (iOS 18 covers as far back as the iPhone XS and XR.

4. Design and size:

   At 7.6 mm, the iPhone 16 is slightly thinner than its predecessors (iPhone 15: 7.8 mm, iPhone 14 Pro: 7.85 mm), while the height and width dimensions remain almost identical. The difference is therefore barely noticeable. In contrast, there are new colour options: In addition to the new ultramarine and blue-green colours, the iPhone 16 also offers a slightly more intense shade of pink than the iPhone 15. If the choice of colour is important to you, this could be a relevant criterion.

5. Environmental consciousness

   A very important aspect when deciding between the iPhone 16 and an older model is the issue of sustainability. By buying a refurbished iPhone, you are actively helping to reduce CO₂ emissions and environmental pollution. The production of new smartphones requires a lot of resources and energy, while a refurbished iPhone is a more environmentally friendly alternative. By the way: All refurbed devices are refurbished by experts and are almost indistinguishable from a new model. You get the same functionality and at the same time support a more sustainable circular economy by avoiding electronic waste. In addition, when you buy a refurbished iPhone, you can financially save up to 40% compared to buying a new one and thus do something good not only for your wallet but also for the environment.

Conclusion:

If you always want the latest technology and the best features are important to you, then the iPhone 16 could be the right choice for you. However, if you're looking for a balance between price and performance, a previous iPhone model at refurbed might be a better choice. You'll still get great performance while saving money - and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Discover all refurbed iPhones and find the model that has the perfect mix of price, sustainability and function for you on our website.