iPhone 16: Prices, Models, and How It Stacks Up Against the iPhone 17e (2026)

Apple has just shaken up the market with the announcement of the iPhone 17e, but the iPhone 16 line-up is more relevant than ever. With rumours of price drops and the new features of the latest model, it's easy to get confused. How do the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max really hold up today? Should you snap one up or go for the new iPhone 17e? Let's break it down, no messing.

iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max: The Key Differences

The iPhone 16 family, launched last autumn, marked a real leap forward. All models come with the A18 chip, built for AI and the most demanding games. But each version has its own personality:

• iPhone 16: The most accessible, with its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, a 48MP dual-lens camera and the new Action button. Perfect if you want the essentials without compromise.
• iPhone 16 Plus: Exactly the same powerhouse, but with a huge 6.7-inch screen and battery life that easily lasts two days. The endurance king.
• iPhone 16 Pro: The screen goes up to 6.3 inches (from 6.1 on the previous generation), featuring 120Hz ProMotion technology. The triple-lens setup adds a 5x telephoto camera, and the new camera control button is a real game-changer for photographers.
• iPhone 16 Pro Max: The absolute beast. A 6.9-inch display, the best battery life of any iPhone, and video capabilities that are practically cinematic. For those who want it all.

iPhone 16 Prices in 2026: Good Value or Not?

With the arrival of the iPhone 17e, officially launched this week, prices for the iPhone 16 range have naturally started to drop. You can now find the iPhone 16 for under €900 with some retailers, and the iPhone 16 Plus for under €1000. The Pro models are holding their value better, but their prices are starting to soften too.

So, is it time to buy? If you don't need the very latest innovation, it's clearly an excellent deal. The iPhone 16 Pro Max remains a powerhouse, and its camera is still top-tier. At a reduced price, it's an absolute steal.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17e: Which One to Choose?

The iPhone 17e, the new kid on the block, arrives with a slightly tweaked design and a more aggressive entry-level price. But be aware: under the hood, it shares most of its components with the iPhone 16. The main differences come down to the display (no ProMotion on the 17e) and the number of camera lenses.

If you're torn between an iPhone 16 Pro and an iPhone 17e, it really depends on what you're after. The Pro will give you a better screen, optical zoom, and more premium finishes. The 17e is lighter and might have slightly better battery life thanks to its optimised chip.

In short, for photo and video enthusiasts, the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max is still unbeatable. For everyday use without all the frills, the iPhone 16 or even the iPhone 16 Plus will do the job perfectly, especially with the current discounts. As for the iPhone 17e, it'll appeal to those who want the latest model at a lower cost, even if it means missing out on a few features.

Either way, the iPhone 16 range isn't done yet. It still represents the best value for money from the Apple brand, and will for a good while yet.