iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16e: A Detailed Comparison
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e, released in 2024 and 2025 respectively, share many similarities but cater to different needs with a $200 price gap. The iPhone 16 starts at $799, while the iPhone 16e, a more budget-friendly option, begins at $599. This detailed comparison breaks down their differences in design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and more to help you decide which one fits your needs in 2025.
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16e: Which Should You Choose?
Here’s a detailed comparison table for the iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16e, summarizing the key differences and similarities outlined in the previous article. This table can be added to the end of the article for a quick reference.
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16e Comparison Table: –
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Price (128GB) | $799 | $599 |
| Release Date | September 20, 2024 | February 19, 2025 (shipped February 28, 2025) |
| Dimensions | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches, 6.0 oz (170g) | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches, 5.88 oz (167g) |
| Colors | Black, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine, White | Black, White |
| Build | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield (newer gen) | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield (older gen) |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz |
| Resolution | 2,556 x 1,179 pixels (460 ppi) | 2,532 x 1,170 pixels (460 ppi) |
| Brightness | 1,000 nits (typical), 2,000 nits (peak) | 800 nits (typical), 1,200 nits (HDR) |
| Notch | Dynamic Island | Notch (iPhone 14 style) |
| Processor | A18 (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core NPU) | A18 (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 16-core NPU) |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear Camera | 48MP main (f/1.6, sensor-shift OIS), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2) | 48MP main (f/1.6, standard OIS), no ultrawide |
| Camera Features | Macro, Spatial Photos/Video, advanced Photographic Styles | 2x zoom via cropping, basic Photographic Styles |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth, autofocus | 12MP TrueDepth, autofocus |
| Video | 4K60, Dolby Vision, Spatial Audio | 4K60, Dolby Vision, Spatial Audio (limited) |
| Battery Life | Up to 22 hours video (17 hours streamed) | Up to 26 hours video (21 hours streamed) |
| Charging | 30W wired, 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | 20W wired, 7.5W Qi, no MagSafe |
| Connectivity | Qualcomm modem, faster 5G, UWB chip | Apple C1 modem, slower 5G, no UWB chip |
| Software | iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence | iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence |
| Additional Features | Camera Control button, MagSafe, Spatial capture | Lighter design, simpler camera module |
| Durability | IP68 (dust/water resistant) | IP68 (dust/water resistant) |
Here are the detailed comparison between iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e: –
1) Price and Availability
- iPhone 16: Launched on September 20, 2024, with pricing at $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), and $1,099 (512GB).
- iPhone 16e: Released on February 19, 2025, and shipped starting February 28, 2025. It starts at $599 (128GB), $699 (256GB), and $899 (512GB).
The iPhone 16e is $200 cheaper at each storage tier, making it the more affordable entry into the iPhone 16 family. However, some users on X have noted that the $599 starting price feels steep compared to the iPhone SE (2022), which launched at $429, suggesting Apple may be pushing budget buyers toward higher price points.
2) Design and Build
Both phones share a similar design language but have key differences:
- Size and Weight:
- iPhone 16: 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches, 6.0 ounces (170g).
- iPhone 16e: 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches, 5.88 ounces (167g). The iPhone 16e is slightly shorter and 3g lighter, though the difference is negligible in everyday use.
- Materials: Both use an aluminum frame with glass front and back, protected by Ceramic Shield. However, the iPhone 16 has a newer generation of Ceramic Shield, potentially offering better scratch and drop resistance, while the iPhone 16e uses an older version.
- Colors:
- iPhone 16: Black, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine (lavender), White.
- iPhone 16e: Black, White. The iPhone 16 offers more vibrant color options, appealing to those who prefer a splash of personality.
- Camera Module: The iPhone 16 has a dual-camera setup with a vertical alignment and a noticeable bump. The iPhone 16e has a single camera that protrudes less (1.7mm vs. the iPhone 16’s larger mesa), making it feel sleeker and wobble less on flat surfaces.
- Buttons: Both feature an Action Button, replacing the mute switch, but only the iPhone 16 includes a Camera Control button for quick camera access. The iPhone 16e’s side rails feel sharper, giving it a less premium feel compared to the iPhone 16’s rounded edges.
- Durability: Both are IP68 rated for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability in harsh conditions.
The iPhone 16 wins on design versatility with more colors and a more refined feel, but the iPhone 16e’s simpler camera module might appeal to those who prefer a minimalist look.
3) Display
- Size and Type: Both have a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, which feels dated in 2025 when many competitors offer 120Hz.
- Resolution:
- iPhone 16: 2,556 x 1,179 pixels (460 ppi).
- iPhone 16e: 2,532 x 1,170 pixels (460 ppi). The difference in resolution is minor and unnoticeable in daily use.
- Brightness:
- iPhone 16: 1,000 nits typical, 1,600 nits HDR, 2,000 nits peak (outdoor).
- iPhone 16e: 800 nits typical, 1,200 nits HDR. The iPhone 16’s brighter display is better for outdoor use and HDR content, though the iPhone 16e is still usable in most conditions.
- Notch vs. Dynamic Island: The iPhone 16 features the Dynamic Island, a pill-shaped cutout that displays interactive widgets like timers and music controls. The iPhone 16e reverts to the older notch design (seen on the iPhone 14), which takes up more screen space and lacks the Dynamic Island’s functionality.
The iPhone 16’s display is superior due to its brightness and Dynamic Island, enhancing both visibility and user interaction. The iPhone 16e’s notch feels like a step back, especially for a 2025 device.
4) Performance and Software
- Processor: Both are powered by the A18 chip, but with a difference:
- iPhone 16: 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine.
- iPhone 16e: 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine. The iPhone 16e’s GPU has one less core, which slightly impacts graphical performance in tasks like gaming (e.g., Resident Evil 4 Remake). However, in everyday use, both phones feel equally fast, with benchmarks showing the iPhone 16e occasionally outperforming the iPhone 16 in CPU tasks but lagging in GPU-intensive tests.
- RAM: Both are reported to have 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and support for Apple Intelligence features.
- Software: Both run iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence, including Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, and Visual Intelligence. A major Siri upgrade is expected by late 2025, and both devices will benefit equally. The iPhone 16e’s inclusion of Apple Intelligence is a significant upgrade over older budget models like the iPhone SE, making AI features accessible at a lower price.
- Connectivity:
- The iPhone 16e introduces Apple’s C1 modem, which is more power-efficient but supports slower 5G speeds compared to the iPhone 16’s Qualcomm modem. Real-world tests show no consistent difference in performance, but the iPhone 16 may edge out in areas with the fastest 5G networks.
- The iPhone 16e lacks an Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, so it can’t use precision finding for AirTags or AirPods, a feature the iPhone 16 supports.
Performance is nearly identical for most users, but the iPhone 16 has a slight edge in graphics-heavy tasks and connectivity features like UWB.
5) Camera
- Rear Cameras:
- iPhone 16: Dual-camera system with a 48MP main (f/1.6, sensor-shift OIS) and a 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2). Supports macro photography, Spatial Photos/Video for Apple Vision Pro, and advanced Photographic Styles.
- iPhone 16e: Single 48MP main camera (f/1.6, standard OIS). It lacks an ultrawide lens, so there’s no macro mode or Spatial capture. The sensor is smaller (1/2.55”), potentially capturing less light than the iPhone 16’s main sensor.
- Photo Quality: Both cameras use pixel-binning for better light capture, and the iPhone 16e’s 48MP “Fusion” camera offers a 2x optical-quality zoom via cropping. In daylight, photo quality is similar, but the iPhone 16e’s images may appear warmer with slight oversharpening. In low light, the iPhone 16 performs better due to its larger sensor and sensor-shift OIS, producing less noisy, more detailed shots.
- Video: Both record up to 4K60 with Dolby Vision and Spatial Audio. The iPhone 16’s larger sensor gives it an edge in low-light video, and its ultrawide lens adds versatility.
- Front Camera: Both have a 12MP TrueDepth camera with autofocus, delivering indistinguishable selfie quality.
- Features: The iPhone 16e uses an older version of Photographic Styles, lacking the ability to tweak undertones, and its Portrait mode doesn’t allow post-shot focus adjustments, unlike the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16’s camera system is more versatile with the ultrawide lens and advanced features, making it better for photography enthusiasts. The iPhone 16e’s single camera is still capable for casual users but misses out on flexibility.
6) Battery Life and Charging
- Battery Capacity:
- iPhone 16e: 3,961 mAh, up to 26 hours of video playback (21 hours streamed).
- iPhone 16: Slightly smaller battery, up to 22 hours of video playback (17 hours streamed). The iPhone 16e’s C1 modem and power-efficient design give it a 4-hour advantage in video playback, confirmed by tests where it also lasted 40 minutes longer in browsing.
- Charging:
- iPhone 16: 30W wired charging, 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi wireless.
- iPhone 16e: 20W wired charging, 7.5W Qi wireless, no MagSafe. The iPhone 16 charges faster and supports MagSafe accessories like wallets and chargers, a significant omission on the iPhone 16e that has frustrated some users on X.
The iPhone 16e excels in battery life, but the iPhone 16 offers more charging versatility with MagSafe and faster wired charging.
7) Additional Features
- MagSafe: The iPhone 16 supports MagSafe, enabling magnetic accessories and faster wireless charging. The iPhone 16e’s lack of MagSafe is a dealbreaker for users reliant on these accessories.
- Audio: Both support Spatial Audio, but the iPhone 16e’s single-camera setup limits its ability to record Spatial Photos/Video for immersive playback on devices like AirPods or Apple Vision Pro.
- Storage Options: Both offer 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, with no difference in storage performance.
8) Pros and Cons
iPhone 16:
- Pros: Dynamic Island, brighter display, ultrawide camera, MagSafe, Camera Control button, more color options, UWB chip, faster charging.
- Cons: More expensive, shorter battery life.
iPhone 16e:
- Pros: $200 cheaper, longer battery life, still supports Apple Intelligence, lighter design.
- Cons: No Dynamic Island, no MagSafe, no ultrawide camera, notch design, slower charging, no UWB.
Who Should Buy Which?
- Choose the iPhone 16 if you value a more versatile camera system, brighter display, Dynamic Island, and MagSafe compatibility. It’s ideal for photography enthusiasts, users who rely on MagSafe accessories, or those wanting a more premium design with vibrant colors.
- Choose the iPhone 16e if you’re on a budget and prioritize battery life over extra features. It’s a great option for casual users who don’t need an ultrawide camera or MagSafe and still want Apple Intelligence and a modern iPhone experience.
