There is no universal “2016 battery” size; battery size depends on the device and application. In 2016, smartphones, laptops, cars, and industrial equipment used a wide range of battery sizes, from compact cells to large high‑voltage packs.
To understand what “size” means in 2016, this article breaks down typical capacities and dimensions by category. Where possible, capacities are given in milliampere-hours (mAh) and energy in watt-hours (Wh), with notes on common voltages and form factors from that year.
Smartphones in 2016
Before listing, this section highlights typical battery capacities for popular phones around 2016 to illustrate the mobile side of the size question.
- iPhone 7 — about 1,960 mAh (roughly 7.5 Wh at ~3.8 V)
- iPhone 7 Plus — about 2,900 mAh (roughly 11 Wh)
- Samsung Galaxy S7 — about 3,000 mAh (roughly 11.6 Wh)
- Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge — about 3,600 mAh (roughly 13.9 Wh)
- Google Pixel (2016) — about 2,770 mAh (roughly 10.8–11 Wh)
- LG G5 — about 2,800 mAh (roughly 10.9 Wh)
These figures show how smartphone batteries in 2016 varied from around 1.5 Ah to just under 3.6 Ah, with energy content tied to the nominal cell voltage and design choices of each model.
Laptops and tablets (2016 era)
Before listing, this section describes typical battery sizes for laptops and tablets around 2016, reflecting longer runtimes and the drive for thinner designs.
- Most 13–15 inch laptops used battery packs in the 38–60 Wh range (often 4–6 cells).
- Most 15–17 inch laptops used 50–90 Wh packs, balancing extended use with weight.
- MacBook Air and other ultrabooks commonly featured packs roughly in the 35–46 Wh range, depending on year and model.
- Tablets and 2‑in‑1s typically carried 25–60 Wh batteries, aligning with slim profiles and moderate lifetimes.
These ranges illustrate how laptop and tablet batteries were sized to fit form factors while delivering several hours of use per charge in 2016.
Automotive and electric vehicles in 2016
Before listing, this section explains the two main categories of automotive power sources in 2016: conventional 12‑volt car batteries and high‑voltage packs for electric vehicles.
- 12‑volt car batteries: common capacities ranged roughly from 40–80 Ah, with larger vehicles sometimes using higher‑capacity units.
- High‑voltage EV packs: energy content was measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), with typical sizes from about 24 kWh up to 60 kWh for mainstream models and some premium configurations reaching 60–85 kWh.
In 2016, the automotive sector continued the shift toward larger EV battery packs while maintaining conventional 12‑V batteries for starting, lighting, and accessories.
How to identify the right battery size for a device
If you’re replacing or upgrading a battery, use these steps to verify the correct size and capacity for your device or vehicle.
- Check the device’s official specifications or user manual for the battery rating (mAh, Wh, and voltage) and any model numbers.
- Look at the battery itself for a label listing capacity (mAh or Wh) and voltage (V).
- For cars, read the label on the existing 12‑V battery for the group size (e.g., 24F, 35) and the cold‑cranking amps (CCA).
- EV packs require the manufacturer’s spec sheet; these are typically not user‑serviceable and are matched to the vehicle’s platform.
- If replacing a battery without the original part, measure the physical dimensions and check connector layouts to ensure proper fit.
Accurate sizing relies on cross‑checking the device model, the battery label, and the official documentation, since sizes and ratings vary widely by product line and year.
Summary
In 2016, there was no single standard for a “2016 battery.” Smartphone cells typically ranged from about 1.5–3.6 Ah, laptops used 38–90 Wh packs, and vehicles spanned from 12‑V car batteries to 24–85 kWh high‑voltage packs. When determining the right size, always verify the exact model, rating, and connector requirements from the manufacturer. The key takeaway is that “2016 battery size” depends on the device and its power needs rather than a fixed measurement.