iPhone 16 Review: The Best-Selling Smartphone of 2025 – Is It Worth Buying?
In this iPhone 16 review, we explore why it’s the best-selling smartphone of 2025, with major success in Japan, the U.S., and China. With upgraded AI features, a new A18 chip, and improved battery life, it appeals to tech-savvy users — but is it really worth the upgrade over the iPhone 15?
📋 Specification Table
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | iPhone 16 Plus (US, Renewed, Unlocked) |
| Color | Black |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| OS | iOS 18 (latest: iOS 18.6) |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (6‑core CPU, 5‑core GPU) |
| RAM | 8 GB LPDDR5X |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi‑Fi 6E, BT 5.x, NFC, GPS |
| Display | 6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED, 2796×1290 px, 460 ppi |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz, HDR, ~2000 nits peak brightness |
| Rear Cameras | 48 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 12 MP TrueDepth |
| Action Button | Yes |
| Battery | Up to 27 hours video playback |
| Condition | Renewed – ≥85 % battery health, minor cosmetic wear |
| Dimensions/Weight | 160.9×77.8×7.8 mm / ~199 g |
| Resistance | IP68 |
Buy iPhone 16 Plus, 128GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed) on Amazon
(affiliate link)
Where Is the iPhone 16 Selling the Most?
iPhone 16 is currently the top-selling phone in Japan, the US, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. In Japan, four out of the top five best-selling models are iPhones. In China, Apple reclaimed the number one sales position in May 2025 thanks to major e-commerce discounts and aggressive marketing campaigns.
📊 Where Does the iPhone 16 Rank in Global Smartphone Market Share?
Apple currently holds about 19% of the global smartphone market, just behind Samsung (~20%). In China, Apple faces strong competition from Vivo and Huawei, while its market share continues to grow in India and Europe. Thanks to local production and expanding retail presence, Apple is strengthening its position in Asia.
🔍 Interesting and “Weird” Facts
- In China, iPhone 16 is sold with discounts up to $353.
- Apple applies geo-price discrimination – different pricing across countries based on market potential.
- Pre-orders for iPhone 16 Pro are lower than in previous years. Analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo revealed that only about 37 million units of iPhone 16 Pro were pre-ordered in the first weekend, which is 12.7% less than iPhone 15 Pro.
- One Reddit user noted: “overall demand for the base iPhone 16 model is down, indicating that customers are favoring the two iPhone 16 Pro models.” – meaning the base model is less in demand, but the Pro versions are also not performing as expected.
- More Gen Z buyers are turning to second-hand iPhones. Among buyers aged 18–24, 16% now buy used iPhones (up from 8% last year), citing that new AI features don’t offer much value.
In 2024, Apple dropped to third place in China by shipments (15%), behind Vivo (17%) and Huawei (16%). Apple recovered in early 2025 through promotions offering up to 500 yuan off iPhone 16, returning to the top five
🚀 Summary of Interesting "Oddities":
| Phenomenon | Short Description |
|---|---|
| Geo-price discrimination | Different prices by country based on more than just logistics costs |
| Weak Pro pre-orders | Pro models are Apple’s flagship, yet pre-orders were weaker than expected |
| Discounts that saved Apple | ~$350 discounts revived iPhone 16 sales in China |
| Gen Z prefers second-hand | Younger buyers go used, saying AI isn’t very useful |
📱 iPhone 16 Technical Specifications
📱 General Information
Model: iPhone 16 Plus (US version, unlocked, renewed)
Storage: 128 GB (NVMe, non-expandable)
Color: Black
Condition: Renewed / refurbished – professionally restored to full functionality, may show minor cosmetic wear; often includes a seller warranty
📏 Dimensions & Weight
Dimensions: 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm (6.33 × 3.06 × 0.31 in)
Weight: ~199 g (7.0 oz)
🖥 Display
Type: Super Retina XDR OLED
Size: 6.7″ (diagonal)
Resolution: 2796 × 1290 px (~460 ppi, 19.5:9 aspect ratio)
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz (no ProMotion)
Peak Brightness: ~2000 nits (HDR peak ~1600 nits), HDR support (Dolby Vision)
Protection: Ceramic Shield front, oleophobic coating
Screen-to-Body Ratio: ~88 %
⚙ Performance & Software
Chipset: Apple A18 (6‑core CPU, 5‑core GPU), optimized for Apple Intelligence AI features
RAM: 8 GB LPDDR5X
Modem: Qualcomm Snapdragon X71 5G
OS: Ships with iOS 18, latest available update is iOS 18.6 (July 29, 2025)
📸 Cameras
Rear Cameras:
48 MP main (f/1.78, 24 mm)
12 MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 13 mm)
Front Camera: 12 MP TrueDepth (f/1.9)
Features: Camera Control (dedicated shutter button), Photographic Styles, macro via ultrawide, Night Mode, 4K video up to 60 fps
🔋 Battery & Charging
Battery Life: Up to 27 hours video playback
Charging Port: USB‑C (USB 3 support)
Wireless Charging: MagSafe compatible
🧰 Build & Durability
Frame: Aluminum
Back: Color-infused glass
Water/Dust Resistance: IP68 (up to 6 m for 30 minutes)
🌐 Connectivity & Other Features
Unlocked: Works with all US and international carriers
Networks: 5G (mmWave & sub‑6GHz)
Wi‑Fi: Wi‑Fi 6E
Bluetooth: 5.x
NFC: Yes (Apple Pay)
GPS: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS
Extra Button: Action Button (customizable)
🆕 New Features
⚡ How Long Does the Battery Really Last?
Action Button: Programmable physical button
Camera Control Button: Dedicated button for quick access to camera and video
ProRecovery: Wireless firmware update/restore via another iPhone
iOS 18: Includes support for Apple Intelligence (AI)
Battery life ranges from 12 to 13 hours of active screen time, and up to 22 hours for video playback. Charging is done via USB-C (up to 25W) or MagSafe wireless charging (15W). Real-world tests show users can rely on all-day battery life.
💰 How Much Does It Cost Apple to Make the iPhone 16?
According to an analysis by investment bank TD Cowen (reported via Macworld), the Bill of Materials (BOM) — the cost of components only — for the standard iPhone 16 model is approximately $416, representing about a 5% increase compared to the previous generation (which was $395 for iPhone 15)【source: Macworld, Counterpoint】.
The display is the most expensive component (~$65),
The RAM cost increased from $9 to $17 due to the upgrade to 8 GB LPDDR5X, required for Apple Intelligence support.
For the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the total BOM plus assembly is around $485, up from $453 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Here, both the display and camera cost roughly $80 each, and the new chip and memory contribute significantly to the overall expense.
Note: These figures represent only the cost of components and assembly. They do not include R&D, marketing, distribution, software development, support infrastructure, taxes, or Apple’s profit margin.
😌 Are iPhone 16 Users Happy in 2025?
Yes – users consistently praise the system’s stability, long software support, top-tier camera quality, and premium build. New AI features further enhance the user experience.
❓ Why Do People Buy It?
Reliability and long lifespan
Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
Advanced camera and AI features
Premium design and craftsmanship
New physical buttons for camera and shortcuts
Discounts and good regional offers
🔗 Interested in related posts? Check out:
🛒 Where Can You Buy the iPhone 16 at the Best Price?
Buy iPhone 16 Plus, 128GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed) on Amazon
(affiliate link)
Conclusion: The iPhone 16 rightfully holds the title of best-selling phone of 2025. With new features, a powerful A18 chip, stunning display, and solid battery life, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking a modern, fast, and durable smartphone.
If you’re interested in smartphones and smart home tech, keep following PerfectSocket.com!
🧠 AI Summary
iPhone 16 is the best-selling phone of 2025, especially in Japan and China. It features an A18 chip, 8 GB RAM, new physical buttons, and iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence. Despite weaker Pro pre-orders, aggressive discounts revived sales. Gen Z increasingly turns to used models, while Apple remains strong in global market share. It’s ideal for those seeking performance, ecosystem integration, and longevity.
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