iPhone 16: Price, models, and how it stacks up against the iPhone 17e (2026)
Apple has just shaken things up with the announcement of the iPhone 17e, but the iPhone 16 lineup 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 stack up today? Should you snap one up or go for the new iPhone 17e? Let's break it down, no holds barred.
iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max: the key differences
The iPhone 16 family, launched last spring, was a real leap forward. All models pack the A18 chip, built for AI and the most graphics-intensive 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-camera system, and the new Action button. Perfect for those who want the essentials without compromise.
- iPhone 16 Plus: the exact same core specs, but with a huge 6.7-inch screen and battery life that easily stretches to two days. The endurance king.
- iPhone 16 Pro: the screen jumps to 6.3 inches (up from 6.1 on the previous gen), featuring ProMotion 120Hz technology. The triple-lens camera adds a 5x telephoto lens, and the new Camera Control button is a genuine 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: a good deal or not?
With the arrival of the iPhone 17e, officially unveiled this week, prices for the iPhone 16 range have naturally started to drop. You can now find the iPhone 16 for under $1500 NZD from some retailers, and the iPhone 16 Plus dipping below $1700 NZD. 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 opportunity. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is still a powerhouse, and its camera remains top-tier. At a reduced price, it's an absolute steal.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17e: which one should you choose?
The iPhone 17e, the new kid on the block, arrives with a slightly refreshed design and a more aggressive entry-level price. But here's the thing: under the hood, it shares most of its components with the iPhone 16. The real differences come down to the display (no ProMotion on the 17e) and the number of camera lenses.
If you're tossing up between an iPhone 16 Pro and an iPhone 17e, it really depends on what you value most. The Pro will give you a superior screen, optical zoom, and a more premium finish. The 17e, on the other hand, 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, no-fuss use, 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 on a budget, even if it means missing out on a few features.
Either way, the iPhone 16 lineup isn't done yet. It still offers the best bang for your buck from the brand, and will for a good while yet.