The numerical representation of strength associated with the artificial human designated Android 16 is a recurring topic within the narrative of Dragon Ball. This value is often debated and never explicitly stated in the source material, but is generally accepted to be high enough to contend with early Super Saiyan transformations. This strength is displayed when Android 16 battles against Imperfect Cell, hindering Cells initial attempts to absorb Android 17 and Android 18.
The interest in understanding the comparative effectiveness of characters in the Dragon Ball universe stems from the desire to gauge their fighting capabilities relative to one another. This comparison affects fan theories, powerscaling debates, and overall appreciation for the strategic elements of battles in the series. The effectiveness of Android 16 contributes to the tension and stakes in the Cell Saga, demonstrating a threat that could potentially defeat even the strongest Z Fighters at that point in the storyline.