Apple just released two new phones. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e. They look similar but are different in many ways. The iPhone 16e is the cheaper model. It starts at $599. The iPhone 16 costs $799. If you are unsure which one to buy, don’t worry. We will help you decide.
Apple iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: How Do They Compare?
The iPhone 16e shares a similar design with the iPhone 16 but comes at a more affordable price, saving you $200. However, there are key differences between the two models that may influence your decision. From performance to camera features, display quality, and battery life, the iPhone 16e offers a slightly toned-down experience compared to the standard iPhone 16. In this comparison, we’ll look at the trade-offs and highlight which features matter most to help you determine which phone best suits your needs. Read on to find out if the iPhone 16e or iPhone 16 is the right choice for you. You can also compare iPhone 16e vs. iPhone SE 3rd Generation
Price
The iPhone 16e is the more affordable option. It starts at $599 for 128GB of storage. The iPhone 16, on the other hand, costs $799 for the same storage. You can also get the 256GB iPhone 16e for $699. The iPhone 16 starts at $899 for 256GB. If you want more storage, the iPhone 16 goes up to $1,099 for 512GB.
If you want to save money, the iPhone 16e is a good choice. But if you don’t mind spending more, the iPhone 16 gives you extra features.
Design and Build
The iPhone 16e has a simple design. It has a notch on top. The iPhone 16 has Dynamic Island. This is a more modern look. The iPhone 16 is available in more colors. You can choose Black, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine, or White. The iPhone 16e only comes in Black and White.
Both phones are durable. They have an IP68 rating. This means they are resistant to dust and water. The iPhone 16 has better glass protection. The front of the iPhone 16 is made with a newer version of Ceramic Shield. This makes it stronger than the iPhone 16e.
Display
Both phones have the same 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen. The iPhone 16e has a resolution of 2,532 by 1,170 pixels. The iPhone 16 has a resolution of 2,556 by 1,179 pixels. The difference is very small. Both screens have the same pixel density of 460 pixels per inch.
| Feature |
iPhone 16e |
iPhone 16 |
| Screen Size |
6.1 inches |
6.1 inches |
| Resolution |
2,532 x 1,170 pixels |
2,556 x 1,179 pixels |
| Pixel Density |
460 PPI |
460 PPI |
| Max Brightness |
800 nits |
1,000 nits |
| Brightness in Sunlight |
Less bright |
Brighter, better in sunlight |
The iPhone 16 has a brighter screen. It reaches 1,000 nits of brightness. The iPhone 16e only reaches 800 nits. The iPhone 16 is brighter, especially in sunlight. This makes the 16 a little better
Performance
Both phones use the A18 processor. But the iPhone 16 is slightly faster. It has a six-core CPU. The 16e has a four-core GPU. This means the iPhone 16 performs better in graphics. But both phones feel fast in daily use.
The iPhone 16e has a new modem called C1. It is power-efficient. It can save battery life. The iPhone 16 has faster 5G speeds. It supports mmWave 5G. The 16e does not.
| Feature |
iPhone 16e |
iPhone 16 |
| Processor |
A18 |
A18 |
| CPU Cores |
Six-core (Slightly faster) |
Six-core |
| GPU |
Four-core GPU (Lower graphics performance) |
Improved GPU (Better graphics performance) |
| 5G Modem |
C1 (Power-efficient, battery-saving) |
Supports faster 5G speeds, mmWave 5G |
| Battery Efficiency |
More power-efficient |
Standard power efficiency |
If you want better performance and 5G, go for the iPhone 16.
Battery Life
The iPhone 16e has a bigger battery. Apple says it can last up to 26 hours of video playback. This is the longest battery life in any iPhone with a 6.1-inch screen. The iPhone 16 lasts up to 18 hours in video playback. The iPhone 16e lasts longer than the 16.
Charging
The iPhone 16e charges wirelessly at 7.5W. The iPhone 16 charges faster with 25W. The iPhone 16e is not compatible with MagSafe. If you want MagSafe, you will need the iPhone 16.
Both phones have the same wired charging speeds. They both charge fully in about 1 hour and 10 minutes with a 20W charger.
Cameras
The iPhone 16e has a 48MP main camera. The iPhone 16 also has a 48MP main camera. But the iPhone 16 has a second 12MP ultra-wide camera. This lets you take more photos. The iPhone 16 can also shoot macro photos. It can record spatial photos for the Apple Vision Pro. The 16e can’t do these things.
| Feature |
iPhone 16e |
iPhone 16 |
| Main Camera |
48MP |
48MP |
| Ultra-Wide Camera |
None |
12MP |
| Macro Photos |
Not supported |
Supported |
| Spatial Photos for Apple Vision Pro |
Not supported |
Supported |
| Cinematic Mode (Video) |
Not supported |
Supported |
| Focus Change in Video |
Not supported |
Supported |
The iPhone 16 can shoot videos in Cinematic mode. This lets you change focus during videos. The 16e cannot record in Cinematic mode. The 16e’s camera is still good, but the 16 is better for photos and videos.
Verdict: Which iPhone is Best for You?
If you need an affordable iPhone with good features, the iPhone 16e is the right choice. It has great battery life, the A18 processor, and a solid camera. The iPhone 16e is perfect for basic tasks and everyday use.
However, if you want more advanced features, go for the iPhone 16. It has a better camera system, brighter screen, and faster charging. It is the better choice if you want more advanced photography and videography options.
The iPhone 16e is best if you want to save money. The iPhone 16 is better for those who need more features. It is also relevant to note that iPhone 17 and iPhone Air are also predicted to launch this year.
FAQs
What is the price difference between iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16e starts at $599, and the iPhone 16 starts at $799.
Which iPhone has the better display?
The iPhone 16 has a brighter display, making it better for outdoor use.
Does the iPhone 16e support MagSafe?
No, the iPhone 16e does not support MagSafe. The iPhone 16 does.
Which iPhone lasts longer on battery?
The iPhone 16e has better battery life, lasting up to 26 hours.
Which iPhone is better for photography?
The iPhone 16 is better for photography. It has more camera features.
Does the iPhone 16e have 5G?
Yes, the iPhone 16e has 5G, but it does not support mmWave 5G.
Which iPhone has faster charging?
The iPhone 16 charges faster wirelessly at 25W compared to the iPhone 16e’s 7.5W.
