Comparing iPhone 16e and iPhone 16: What You Need to Know
Comparing iPhone 16e and iPhone 16: 16e looks like the 16 but costs $200 less. What's the trade-off? We break down the specs to help you decide.
iPhone 16e is the cheapest way to get into the iPhone 16 series. It starts at $599 for 128GB, making it $200 cheaper than the iPhone 16. Apple has also discontinued the iPhone SE and iPhone 14, but the iPhone 15 is still available.
If you’re trying to decide between the $599 iPhone 16e and the $799 iPhone 16, it might not be an easy choice. We’ve already tested the iPhone 16, which is our top pick in the lineup. But if you’re thinking about pre-ordering the iPhone 16e before its launch on Friday, February 28, here’s how the two compare on paper. Comparing iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 will help you decide which one suits you best.
Table of Contents
Comparing iPhone 16e and iPhone 16
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16
📊 Apple iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16 – Full Comparison
| Feature | 📱 Apple iPhone 16e | 📱 Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| 📺 Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2,532 x 1,170 pixels, 60Hz refresh rate | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2,556 x 1,179 pixels, 60Hz refresh rate |
| 💡 Brightness | 800 nits (typical), 1,200 nits (HDR) | 1,000 nits (typical), 1,600 nits (HDR), 2,000 nits (outdoor peak) |
| 🔍 Pixel Density | 460 ppi | 460 ppi |
| 📏 Dimensions (inches) | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 |
| 📐 Dimensions (mm) | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 |
| ⚖️ Weight | 167g (5.88 oz) | 170g (6 oz) |
| 📱 Operating System | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| ⚡ Processor | Apple A18 (4-core GPU) | Apple A18 (5-core GPU) |
| 💾 RAM & Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (No RAM info) | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (No RAM info) |
| 📂 Expandable Storage | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| 🔋 Battery Life | Up to 26 hours video playback Up to 21 hours video streaming Up to 90 hours audio playback | Up to 22 hours video playback Up to 18 hours video streaming Up to 80 hours audio playback |
| 🔌 Charging | 20W wired, 7.5W Qi wireless | 20W wired, MagSafe (25W), Qi2 (15W) |
| 🔑 Security | Face ID | Face ID |
| 🔌 Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| 🎧 Headphone Jack | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| 📸 Rear Camera | 48MP (wide) | 48MP (wide), 12MP (ultrawide) |
| 🤳 Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| 🎥 Video Recording | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 60fps Spatial Video (1080p at 30fps) Cinematic Mode (4K at 30fps) Action Mode (2.8K at 60fps) |
| 📡 Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, UWB | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, UWB |
| 🚀 Special Features | Action Button, Apple C1 5G modem, Apple Intelligence, Emergency SOS, Satellite Connectivity, IP68 resistance | Apple Intelligence, Action Button, Camera Control Button, Dynamic Island, IP68 resistance, Ceramic Shield, 1-2,000 nits brightness |
| 🎨 Available Colors | 🖤 Black, ⚪ White | 🖤 Black, ⚪ White, 💖 Pink, 🌊 Teal, 🔵 Ultramarine |
| 💰 US Pricing | $599 (128GB), $699 (256GB), $899 (512GB) | $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB) |
| 💷 UK Pricing | £599 (128GB), £699 (256GB), £899 (512GB) | £799 (128GB), £899 (256GB), £1,099 (512GB) |
| 🇦🇺 Australia Pricing | AU$999 (128GB), AU$1,199 (256GB), AU$1,549 (512GB) | AU$1,399 (128GB), AU$1,599 (256GB), AU$1,949 (512GB) |
Comparing iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 Price
The iPhone 16e is the more affordable option, starting at $599 for 128GB. The 256GB model costs $699, and the 512GB version is $899.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 offers the same storage options but at higher prices: $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), and $1,099 (512GB).
If you’re looking for the best value for your money, the iPhone 16e is the clear winner.
✅ Best Value: iPhone 16e
Comparing iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 Design
Both the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 have a flat metal frame, flat glass panels, and rounded corners, making them look quite similar. However, the iPhone 16e is slightly smaller and lighter at 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches and 5.88 ounces, while the iPhone 16 measures 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches and weighs 6.0 ounces.
One big difference is the screen design. The iPhone 16e brings back the notch, while the iPhone 16 features the Dynamic Island for a more modern look. Both phones use Face ID for unlocking.
When it comes to colors, the iPhone 16e is available in just Black and White, while the iPhone 16 offers more choices: Black, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine. If you like colorful options, the iPhone 16 is the better pick.
Both phones have an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance and an aluminum frame. The iPhone 16e has a Ceramic Shield front panel but an unspecified glass back, while the iPhone 16 uses an improved version of Ceramic Shield for better durability.
With its Dynamic Island, stronger glass, and more color options, the iPhone 16 has the advantage here.
✅ Best Design: iPhone 16
Comparing iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 Display
Both the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 have a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. The iPhone 16e has a resolution of 2,532 x 1,170 pixels, while the iPhone 16 is slightly higher at 2,556 x 1,179 pixels. Despite this, both have the same 460ppi pixel density, so the difference in sharpness isn’t noticeable.
The main difference is brightness. The iPhone 16e has 800 nits typical brightness and 1,200 nits peak brightness outdoors. The iPhone 16 is brighter, with 1,000 nits typical brightness and 2,000 nits peak brightness.
Since both screens look nearly the same, the iPhone 16 wins for its brighter display.
✅ Best Display: iPhone 16
Comparing iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 Charging
The iPhone 16e supports 7.5W Qi wireless charging but does not work with MagSafe. If you want MagSafe charging and accessories, you’ll need the iPhone 16, which also charges faster at 15W wirelessly.
Both use USB-C for wired charging.
Since the iPhone 16 charges faster and supports MagSafe, it’s the better choice here.
✅ Best Charging: iPhone 16
Comparing iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 Cameras
The front cameras on both iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 are 12MP and offer similar features, but the iPhone 16 includes Cinematic mode for better video effects.
On the back, the iPhone 16e has a 48MP main camera, while the iPhone 16 adds a 12MP ultra-wide camera for more versatility. The iPhone 16 also supports macro shots and spatial video, which the 16e lacks.
For video, the iPhone 16 has Cinematic mode, Action mode, and Spatial Video recording, making it better for advanced video capture.
Since the iPhone 16 has more camera options and features, it’s the better choice.
✅ Best Cammera: iPhone 16
Comparing iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 Performance
Both the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 use Apple’s A18 chip, but with a small difference. The iPhone 16 has a five-core GPU, while the iPhone 16e has a four-core GPU. Early reports suggest both have 8GB of RAM, but Apple hasn’t confirmed this yet.
Both phones run iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence, supporting AI features like Genmoji, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence, and Writing Tools.
The iPhone 16e introduces Apple’s first in-house modem, the C1, which is 25% more power-efficient than the modem in the iPhone 15. However, it does not support mmWave 5G, unlike the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 also has Wi-Fi 7 and Ultra-Wideband (UWB), while the iPhone 16e is limited to Wi-Fi 6 and lacks UWB.
Battery life could be the deciding factor. Apple says the iPhone 16e lasts up to 26 hours for video playback, longer than any 6.1-inch iPhone before. The iPhone 16 lasted 18 hours in testing.
Since we haven’t tested the iPhone 16e yet, we’ll call this one a tie for now.
✅ Best Performance: Tie
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Conclusion: Which iPhone Should You Choose?
If you want the most affordable way to get an iPhone with Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16e is the best choice.
If you only need basic features and don’t mind the notch or fewer color options, the iPhone 16e will serve you well.
If you care about better cameras and more advanced photography and videography, the iPhone 16 is the better option.
If you want MagSafe charging, faster mmWave 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Dynamic Island, go for the iPhone 16.
We’ll update our recommendations once we test the iPhone 16e, so stay tuned for our full review!
