Sinclair ZX Spectrum 16K

The Sinclair ZX Spectrum 16K was the lower-priced version of Sinclair's first colour computer. It shared the 48K model's Z80 processor, 16KB BASIC ROM, 256 x 192 display, beeper and iconic rubber-key enclosure but offered less memory for programs and graphics.

Sinclair offered an internal 32KB expansion, and many owners upgraded as commercial software increasingly required 48KB. The 16K machine remains a distinct launch configuration and an important expression of Sinclair's price-led strategy.

Notable Features

• Launched alongside the 48K machine as the affordable entry configuration.
• Could be upgraded internally by adding 32KB RAM.
• Used the same colour graphics and BASIC environment as the 48K model.

Historical Significance

• Helped Sinclair advertise a new colour computer at only £125.
• Rapid growth of 48K-only software made unexpanded examples increasingly uncommon.

Collector’s Notes

• Confirm the installed RAM rather than relying only on the external case.
• Early Issue 1 boards and original Sinclair memory upgrades are particularly collectible.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sinclair ZX Spectrum 16K
Manufacturer	Sinclair Research Ltd
Launched	Friday, April 23, 1982
Launch Price	£125
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Zilog Z80A at 3.5 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Sinclair BASIC
I/O	RF television, cassette EAR/MIC and rear expansion bus
Keyboard	Integrated 40-key rubber keyboard
Storage	External cassette; optional ZX Microdrive
Sound	Single-channel beeper
Graphics	256 x 192 pixels; 15 colours with 8 x 8 attribute cells
Display	32 x 24 characters
ROM	16KB containing Sinclair BASIC
RAM	16KB; internally expandable to 48KB
CPU Speed	3.5 MHz