iPhone 16 Pro buying guide: pro camera, A18 chip, €500 less

The iPhone 16 Pro is the most capable iPhone Apple makes: A18 Pro chip, a 48 MP triple-camera system, and a 6.3-inch ProMotion display. You can pay €1,236 for one from Apple, or around €740 for the same device, professionally refurbished, on refurbed. That is a saving of around €500 for a phone that works identically.

This guide covers what the iPhone 16 Pro does well, who it suits best, and why buying it refurbished is the smart move in 2026.

What you need to know:

• From ~€740 on refurbed vs ~€1,236 new
• A18 Pro chip, 48 MP triple-camera, 6.3" 120 Hz ProMotion display
• Professionally tested and cleaned, minimum 12-month warranty
• 30-day free returns

Here are the key specifications of the iPhone 16 Pro, from Apple's official 2024 release data.

Display: 6.3 inches, OLED, 2622 x 1206, 120 Hz ProMotion, HDR10+, Dolby Vision

Chip: Apple A18 Pro

RAM: 8 GB

Cameras: 48 MP main, 48 MP ultra-wide, 12 MP telephoto, 12 MP front-facing

Battery: 3582 mAh

Connectivity: 5G, WiFi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, UWB

Connector: USB-C 3.1

Dimensions: 71.5 x 149.6 x 8.3 mm

Weight: 199 g

Specs are consistent across all storage configurations (128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB). Only storage capacity differs.

The iPhone 16 Pro is a premium device and it earns that. But it is not right for everyone. Here is how to tell if it fits your life.

The mobile photographer. You use your phone as your main camera. You travel, attend events, or simply want photos that look genuinely good. The 48 MP main and ultra-wide cameras handle everything from low-light portraits to wide landscapes, and ProRes 4K video makes your footage look noticeably better than most smartphones. This phone was made for you.

The power user. You switch between many apps constantly, run demanding workflows, and need your phone to keep up. The A18 Pro chip handles all of it without slowing down, and the 5G connection plus USB-C 3.1 port make transfers and browsing fast wherever you are.

The long-term thinker. You buy a phone once every few years and want it to still feel fast three years from now. The A18 Pro chip, USB-C 3.1, and ongoing iOS updates make this one of the most future-proof iPhones available. Buying it refurbished on refurbed gets you that longevity at a price that makes sense.

Not sure the Pro is right for you? If you mostly browse, message, and call, the standard iPhone 16 covers your needs for less. See the full range in our iPhone category.

Numbers alone do not tell the whole story. Here is what the iPhone 16 Pro camera system means when you actually use it.

The 48 MP main camera is what you will use for most shots. At 48 megapixels, it captures a large amount of detail, which means you can crop a photo and still have something sharp. In low light, it performs noticeably better than most smartphone cameras. At a wedding or a birthday dinner with poor lighting, you get photos worth keeping.

The 48 MP ultra-wide camera is great for architecture, wide landscapes, and group shots where you cannot step back any further. At the same resolution as the main camera, the quality is high enough to use these shots seriously, not just as snapshots.

The 12 MP telephoto lens zooms without the blurry quality loss that digital zoom produces on most phones. Useful at concerts, sporting events, or any situation where you are photographing something from a distance.

The 12 MP front camera handles video calls and selfies well. Face detail is sharp and autofocus is quick.

For video, the iPhone 16 Pro shoots ProRes 4K. If you create content for YouTube, Instagram, or client work, the quality difference compared to a standard smartphone is clear.

Is the iPhone 16 Pro still worth buying in 2026?

Yes. The A18 Pro chip remains one of the fastest in any smartphone, and Apple typically supports iPhones with software updates for six or more years. The iPhone 16 Pro will receive iOS updates well into the 2030s, making it a genuinely long-term buy. Purchasing it refurbished on refurbed at around €740 makes the value case even stronger.

What is the difference between the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max?

The core specs are nearly identical: same chip, same camera system, same display technology. The main differences are screen size (6.3 inches vs 6.9 inches), battery capacity, and weight. The Pro Max is larger and lasts longer between charges. If you want the best camera in the most compact Pro body, the 16 Pro is the one. See the iPhone 16 Pro Max for comparison.

Is a refurbished iPhone 16 Pro safe to buy?

Yes. A refurbished iPhone from refurbed is professionally tested and cleaned before it is listed for sale. Unlike buying second-hand from a private listing, you know the condition of what you are getting, and you have a minimum 12-month warranty plus 30-day free returns if something goes wrong.

Does a refurbed iPhone 16 Pro come with a warranty?

Yes. Every iPhone sold through refurbed comes with a minimum 12-month warranty. Some sellers offer longer coverage. You also get 30 days to return the device if it is not what you expected. Browse iPhone 16 Pro listings to see current options.