In a universe brimming with flashy transformations and fiery warriors, one of the most quietly impactful characters in Dragon Ball Z (DBZ) is none other than Android 16. Towering, soft-spoken, and profoundly misunderstood, Android 16 brought something different to the explosive chaos of the Cell Saga: a gentle soul inside a machine built for destruction.
This article dives deep into everything you need to know about Android 16 — his creation, development, personality, role in the story, and lasting legacy within the Dragon Ball franchise.
Android 16 is a completely mechanical android (unlike Androids 17 and 18, who are cyborgs) created by the evil scientist Dr. Gero, a former Red Ribbon Army member bent on revenge against Goku. However, unlike Gero’s other creations, Android 16 was never meant to be released.
Gero considered him a failure — too peaceful, too kind-hearted, and, ironically, too powerful.
Origin and Creation
In the anime and manga, Dr. Gero modeled Android 16 after his deceased son, Gevo, who was a high-ranking soldier in the Red Ribbon Army. This human inspiration perhaps explains 16’s deeply human emotions and behavior, despite being fully robotic. While this backstory is not confirmed in the original manga, it was fleshed out in supplementary materials and adopted in fan theories and later media.
Android 16’s power level is immense — designed to kill Goku — but his pacifist nature kept him from ever fulfilling that mission.
Personality: A Gentle Warrior
Android 16 is a rare breed in the Dragon Ball universe. He doesn’t speak much, but when he does, it’s usually with a calm, grounded sense of clarity. He has a deep love for nature, animals, and peace, which sets him apart from the rest of the androids, and even the Z-Fighters.
Despite being engineered to kill, Android 16 shows empathy, restraint, and emotional depth. He refuses to fight unless absolutely necessary, and never out of hatred.
Role in the Cell Saga
Android 16 plays a key role during the Android and Cell Sagas, one of the most intense arcs in Dragon Ball Z.
The Android Trio
Initially introduced alongside Android 17 and 18, Android 16 remains reserved. While 17 and 18 are mischievous, even rebellious, 16 is focused on his directive to kill Goku — but doesn’t pursue it aggressively. When the android trio is ambushed by Cell, the bio-android villain trying to absorb them to achieve perfection, Android 16 becomes a critical defender.
He fights Cell not for domination or sport, but to protect life, a theme he returns to repeatedly.
Protecting the World, Not Destroying It
As Cell becomes more dangerous, Android 16 puts his life on the line to stop him. In one of the saga’s most powerful moments, 16 attempts to self-destruct to destroy Cell, only to fail because Bulma had removed his internal bomb earlier.
But it’s his final act that echoes across the series.
The Emotional Core: Inspiring Gohan
During the Cell Games, Android 16’s severed head speaks to Gohan, urging him to fight not out of rage, but to protect what he loves.
“Protect the birds and the animals… Protect this world that I loved…”
These words push Gohan over the edge and awaken his Super Saiyan 2 transformation — one of the most iconic moments in DBZ history.
Though 16 never landed the final blow, his sacrifice and message shifted the tide of the battle.
Abilities and Powers
Android 16 was built to be even stronger than Android 17 and 18. Some of his notable abilities include:
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Hell’s Flash (Hell Flash Cannon): An energy attack launched from concealed cannons in his forearms.
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Rocket Punch: He can launch his fists like missiles.
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Flight: Like most characters in DBZ, he can fly.
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Durability: As a fully mechanical android, he can sustain severe damage and keep fighting.
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No Ki Signature: Like other androids, he can’t be sensed by scouters or ki detection, which gives him a strategic edge.
Legacy and Return
Despite dying in the Cell Saga, Android 16’s legacy lives on in various Dragon Ball media:
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He appears in flashbacks and video games like Dragon Ball FighterZ, Xenoverse, and Dokkan Battle.
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In Dragon Ball FighterZ, he has a significant story arc involving the resurrection of androids, giving fans a glimpse of what a longer 16-focused narrative might look like.
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His moral compass continues to influence characters — especially Gohan.
Many fans have called for Android 16 to be revived, not just for his power, but because he brings emotional depth and philosophical contrast to the often battle-focused world of Dragon Ball.
Android 16 vs Other Androids
| Feature | Android 16 | Android 17 | Android 18 |
|---|
| Type | Fully robotic | Cyborg (part-human) | Cyborg (part-human) |
| Personality | Peaceful, nature-loving | Rebellious, cocky | Witty, independent |
| Mission | Kill Goku | Kill Goku | Kill Goku |
| Morality | Strong moral compass | Becomes good later | Becomes good later |
| Final Fate | Destroyed by Cell | Becomes Universe 7 MVP | Marries Krillin, joins Z-fighters |
Even decades after his introduction, Android 16 remains one of the most beloved supporting characters in Dragon Ball Z. He didn’t get the most screen time, nor the most fights, but he made every moment count. His unique blend of strength, compassion, and sacrifice makes him a symbol of inner humanity, even in a world of gods, aliens, and martial arts madness.
In a show where power often speaks loudest, Android 16 whispered — and we all heard him.
FAQs: Android 16 in Dragon Ball Z
Q1: Who defeated Android 16 in DBZ?
A:
Android 16 was ultimately destroyed by Perfect Cell during the Cell Games. After a failed self-destruction attempt (due to Bulma removing the internal bomb for safety reasons), 16 made one last stand by asking Gohan to protect life and the planet. Enraged by his words, Cell crushed 16’s head, killing him permanently. His death became the emotional trigger for Gohan’s transformation into Super Saiyan 2.
Q2: Why was Android 17 revived but not Android 16?
A:
Android 17 was revived by Shenron after the Cell Saga ended, along with all those who had been killed by Cell. However, Android 16 was not revived because he was a fully artificial being, not a human or part-human like Androids 17 and 18. Shenron, the Eternal Dragon, cannot revive those who are completely mechanical and never had a soul or natural life force to begin with.
Q3: Is Android 16 Dr. Gero’s son?
A:
While it is never confirmed in the original manga or anime, supplementary materials and guides (such as Dragon Ball: Androids Saga and fan-translated interviews) suggest that Android 16 was modeled after Dr. Gero’s deceased son, Gevo, a high-ranking soldier in the Red Ribbon Army. This theory explains 16’s unusually kind nature and the emotional depth he displays, which contrasts with Gero’s other creations.
Q4: Is Android 16 the strongest Android?
A:
At the time of his introduction, Android 16 was considered the strongest of Dr. Gero’s androids, even more powerful than Androids 17 and 18. His strength was said to rival or exceed Imperfect Cell, and he posed a serious threat to Semi-Perfect Cell. However, after Cell achieved his Perfect Form, 16 was no longer strong enough to defeat him. In later series like Dragon Ball Super, characters surpass his power level, but during the Android/Cell Saga, he was one of the most powerful fighters.
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(Trending)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Androids in Dragon Ball Z
Q1: Who is Android 17 in Dragon Ball Z?
A: Android 17 is one of the twin androids created by Dr. Gero, originally programmed to kill Goku. He is the twin brother of Android 18. Cold, rebellious, and immensely powerful, Android 17 later reforms and becomes a protector of wildlife. In Dragon Ball Super, he earns major respect by being the MVP of Universe 7 in the Tournament of Power.
Q2: Who is Android 15 in DBZ?
A: Android 15 is a character from the non-canon Dragon Ball Z movie "Super Android 13!" Unlike the androids in the main series, Android 15 is a short, purple-skinned android with a cocky personality. He joins Androids 13 and 14 in an attempt to kill Goku but is ultimately defeated.
Q3: What are fans saying about Android 16 on Reddit?
A: On Reddit, Android 16 is widely loved for his deep emotional arc, especially his connection to Gohan during the Cell Games. Many threads praise his peaceful nature and his final speech that triggered Gohan’s Super Saiyan 2 transformation. Fans often discuss how his character represents the theme of “sacrifice for peace” and wish he had more screen time or a revival.
What happened to Android 16 in the future timeline (Trunks' timeline)?
A: In Future Trunks’ timeline, Android 16 never existed. Dr. Gero never activated him in that reality, most likely because the situation escalated too quickly or because he was deemed unnecessary. Only Androids 17 and 18 are shown to wreak havoc in that alternate future.
Q5: How did Android 16 die in Dragon Ball Z?
A: Android 16 is killed by Perfect Cell during the Cell Games. After a failed attempt to self-destruct (his internal bomb was removed by Bulma), his head survives. He gives a heartfelt speech to Gohan about protecting life, but Cell crushes his head — a brutal act that finally pushes Gohan to unleash his true power as Super Saiyan 2.
Q6: In which episode does Android 16 die?
A: Android 16 dies in Dragon Ball Z Episode 184, titled "Gohan's Desperate Plea". His death is one of the most emotional moments in the series and a major turning point in the battle against Cell.
Q7: Who is Android 18 in Dragon Ball Z?
A: Android 18, also known as Lazuli, is the twin sister of Android 17. She starts off as a villain but eventually joins the Z-Fighters after the Cell Saga. She marries Krillin and becomes a fan-favorite for her sarcasm, strength, and independence. She's also a fierce mother and warrior, seen fighting in the Tournament of Power in Dragon Ball Super.
Q8: How powerful is Android 18 in DBZ and beyond?
A: Android 18 is extremely powerful in DBZ, stronger than most Super Saiyans at the time of her introduction. In Dragon Ball Super, she continues to hold her own against powerful opponents and plays a crucial role in several key battles, showcasing her stamina, skill, and strategic mind.
Final Thoughts
Dragon Ball Z has no shortage of powerful characters, but few are as quietly influential as Android 16. He’s a reminder that strength doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it listens to the birds, protects the innocent, and chooses peace until peace is no longer an option.
He may have been designed to kill, but in the end, he taught others how to live.
