iPhone 16 vs 5
It depends
Too close to call outright
These two are within 2 points overall — it genuinely depends on price on the day. The iPhone 16 edges both longevity and performance, so prefer it when prices are close.
Value Score: iPhone 16 59 · 5 57 — methodology
The lifespan decider
When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.
Category by category
Both displays are effectively the same class.
The iPhone 16's Apple A18 is simply the faster chip.
The 5 has the stronger camera system — same lens count, higher-grade sensors.
4,200mAh vs 3,561mAh — the 5 lasts longer between charges.
Both phones' support windows end around the same time.
Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.
Full spec table
| Spec | iPhone 16 | 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $699 | $600 |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, up to 2000 nits peak | 6.46-inch OLED, FHD+, 90Hz, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Qualcomm QCM6490 (6nm) |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB | 256GB |
| Battery | 3,561 mAh | 4,200 mAh |
| Charging | Wired fast charge — 50% in ~30 min with 20W+ adapter; MagSafe wireless up to 25W | 30W wired; user-removable battery |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide | 50MP main, 50MP ultra-wide |
| Dimensions | 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm | 161.6 × 75.8 × 9.6 mm |
| Weight | 170 g | 212 g |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP55 (also MIL-STD-810H) |
| Supported until | Sep 2031 | Sep 2031 |
Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.