Apple latest smartphone lineup includes the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16, two models that share a striking resemblance in design but differ in several key aspects.
This comparison will help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Design & Build
Both iPhones feature a Ceramic Shield front, aluminum frame, and a glass back with a frosted finish. They are IP68-rated, offering dust and water resistance for up to 30 minutes in six meters of water. However, the iPhone 16 uses a second-generation Ceramic Shield, promising enhanced durability over the first-gen shield found on the iPhone 16e.
Display
The iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 both sport 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED displays with HDR10 and Dolby Vision. However, the iPhone 16e retains the older notch design, while the iPhone 16 features the more advanced Dynamic Island cutout. Additionally, the iPhone 16 has a higher peak brightness of 1,708 nits compared to the 799 nits on the iPhone 16e, making it superior in sunlight visibility.
Battery & Charging
The iPhone 16e houses a larger 4,005mAh battery, whereas the iPhone 16 comes with a 3,561mAh cell. Despite the difference, the iPhone 16 outperforms the 16e in battery life tests. It also supports faster 24W charging and MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W, whereas the iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe support and maxes out at 7.5W on wireless charging.
Performance
Both models run on the Apple A18 chipset, featuring a six-core CPU and 8GB RAM. However, the iPhone 16e has a four-core GPU, one less than the iPhone 16, leading to a noticeable drop in gaming performance. Benchmark scores confirm that the iPhone 16 holds a significant edge in graphics-intensive tasks.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 16e sports a single 48MP main camera with 2x digital zoom, while the iPhone 16 boasts a dual-camera setup (48MP main + ultrawide). The iPhone 16’s sensor is larger, providing superior low-light photography. Additionally, it features sensor-shift stabilization and better autofocus, making it the preferred choice for photography enthusiasts.
Verdict
The iPhone 16e offers a budget-friendly entry into Apple’s latest lineup, delivering solid performance and essential features. However, the iPhone 16 justifies its higher price with a better display, enhanced gaming performance, superior cameras, longer battery life, and faster charging. For users seeking a more premium experience, the iPhone 16 is the clear winner.