How to Buy the iPhone 16 Cheaply | Get the Latest Series Affordably and Safely
For readers who want to "get the iPhone 16 as cheaply as possible" or are "hesitating to buy it at a high price because it's the latest model," this article explains how to buy it safely and affordably through four routes: carrier campaigns, refurbished items, used items, and trade-ins.
iPhone 16 Series Price Comparison and How to Choose
The iPhone 16 series includes four models: the standard, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max, each with different performance, screen sizes, and price ranges. The following are reference prices based on new product prices from Apple's official website (as of June 2025).
|
Model |
Screen Size |
Capacity (Minimum) |
New Price (Tax Included) |
Key Features |
|
iPhone 16 |
6.1 inches |
128GB |
Approx. ¥124,800 |
Standard model, lightweight |
|
iPhone 16 Plus |
6.7 inches |
128GB |
Approx. ¥139,800 |
Large screen, long battery life |
|
iPhone 16 Pro |
6.1 inches |
128GB |
Approx. ¥164,800 |
Always-On Display, ProMotion support |
|
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
6.7 inches |
256GB |
Approx. ¥189,800 |
Highest performance, telephoto camera |
Which model is right for you?
-
Price-conscious users: iPhone 16 or a used iPhone 16 Plus are options. Performance is sufficient and they quickly appear on the used market.
-
Screen size priority users: For those who enjoy videos and e-books, the 16 Plus or Pro Max.
-
Photo/video quality priority users: The 16 Pro series offers excellent camera performance and processing speed.
As it's the latest model, prices in the refurbished and used markets haven't fully dropped yet, but it is possible to reduce the effective price through campaigns and trade-ins.
Four Ways to Buy the iPhone 16 Cheaply

Carrier Switching/MNP Campaigns (Rakuten Mobile/au, etc.)
Major carriers often run MNP (Mobile Number Portability) campaigns with the launch of new iPhones, sometimes allowing purchases for ¥10,000 to ¥30,000 less. Rakuten Mobile and au offer attractive plans with point rewards and significant discounts for 24-month return conditions.
Outright Purchase & Installment (Interest-Free Discount) at Apple Direct Sales & Retailers
Apple Stores offer interest-free installments for 24 to 36 months, allowing purchases without interest. Additionally, electronics retailers (Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera) offer their own loyalty points, which can result in an effective discount.
Comparison of Programs with/without Return Options
Carrier-specific return plans such as "Itsudemo Kaedoki Program (docomo)" and "Smartphone Tokusuru Program (au)" can significantly reduce monthly payments. However, these require returning the device, making them unsuitable for those who want to use their phone for a long time. You need to consider whether an outright purchase without a return option is more suitable for you.
Used/Certified Refurbished Products (Utilizing the Refurbished Market)
The iPhone 16 will start appearing on the used market within six months of its release. Apple Certified Refurbished products and refurbished items handled by BackMarket, etc., come with a warranty for peace of mind. If quality is a priority for a used item, purchasing from a specialized store with a proven track record is best.
If Buying Used, Check Here! 5 Points for a Safe Choice

Battery Maximum Capacity Check (目安80%以上)
Battery degradation is the most important point to watch out for in used devices. On an iPhone, you can check the maximum capacity in "Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging". 80% or more is considered healthy, and 85% or more is even better for peace of mind.
Red ROM Guarantee and Network Restriction-Free
In some cases, devices may have communication restrictions (colloquially known as "Red ROM") due to unpaid bills by the previous owner. If you purchase from a shop with a Red ROM guarantee, you will be eligible for a free exchange if restrictions are imposed in the future, allowing you to use the device with peace of mind.
Differences between SIM-Free and Carrier Versions
SIM-free devices can be used with any carrier, which is convenient for switching carriers or using abroad. Carrier versions may have communication band restrictions, so be sure to check that the device is "SIM-unlocked" when purchasing.
Operation Check and Cleaning Completed Indication
Used devices that have undergone an operation check and internal cleaning by a professional are reliable in terms of quality. PRODIG offers all products with operation checks, cleaning, and a Red ROM guarantee, making them recommended for first-time used phone buyers.
[Reference] PRODIG's Secure Warranty System
Benefits of Buying from PRODIG and a Secure Purchase Experience
Operational Warranty, Cleaned, and Red ROM Guaranteed
All iPhones handled by PRODIG are operationally checked, internally cleaned, and come with a Red ROM guarantee. This ensures peace of mind for those who might feel uneasy about buying used devices.
Physical Store in Akihabara for Hands-On Confirmation + Online Combined OK
There is a physical store in Akihabara where you can check inventory on the website beforehand and then purchase after seeing the actual product. For those in rural areas, the same warranty system is in place for online purchases.
Utilize Funds by Combining with Trade-in Counter
PRODIG also offers a smartphone trade-in service, allowing you to reduce your actual expenses by trading in your current device. Easy appraisal is available at the Akihabara store.

【Check your iPhone's trade-in price】
Conclusion
The iPhone 16 is an excellent current model in terms of both performance and ease of use. By combining campaigns, refurbished items, used items, and trade-ins, you can acquire it at an affordable price. PRODIG has a system in place to handle everything from purchase to trade-in, making it safe and easy for even beginners to buy.
【Used iPhone List】https://prodig-shop.com/collections/iphone-16series
【Trade-in Counter】https://prodig-kaitori.com/

