iPhone 16 family has a new member, the iPhone 16e. Soul successor to the iPhone SE 3 from 2020, the iPhone 16e comes as an affordable entrant to Apple’s newest iPhone 16 lineup, donning modern looks and features, but a more affordable price tag than the rest of the series.
Now, being the iPhone 16’s closest sibling, in terms of price, features, and looks, how does it compare against it? So many of you are going to have the obvious question, which one to buy — iPhone 16e or iPhone 16 (review)? Well, we pit the two iPhone 16s against each other to find out which one’s for whom. So, let’s compare iPhone 16e and iPhone 16.
Apple’s all-new iPhone 16e joins the lineup as a cheaper alternative to the iPhone 16. Despite sharing most of their features, there are still more than 25 differences between the devices to be aware of.
There is a $200 price difference between the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16. To justify this, the iPhone 16e misses out on features such as the Dynamic Island and MagSafe connectivity. However, it still features the A18 chip with Apple Intelligence support, the same main rear camera, and more. Here’s everything that’s different:
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Which iPhone 16 Model to Buy and Why
The iPhone 16e starts at Rs 59,900, while the iPhone 16 starts at Rs 79,900. If you’re upgrading from an older model like the iPhone SE 3, the 16e offers a solid refresh. However, spending Rs 20,000 more gets you the iPhone 16 with a more modern design, Pro-level features, and an extra camera. Either way, you’re getting into the iPhone 16 lineup—choose based on your budget.
| Feature | iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 |
| Design | Aluminum frame with flat contours, Has notch design, Single camera module, No Camera Control, Available in Black and White | Aluminum frame with flat contours, Dynamic Island, Pill-shaped dual camera module, Has Camera Control, Available in Black, White, Teal, Ultramarine, and Pink |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR, 1200 nits peak brightness, Standard Ceramic Shield front, No Dynamic Island functionality | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR, 1600 nits peak brightness, Latest-generation Ceramic Shield front, Dynamic Island with Live Activities |
| Chip | A18 chip, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, C1 modem with 5G, WiFi 6, No Ultra Wideband chip, 8GB RAM | A18 chip, 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, Standard modem, Higher WiFi support, Has Ultra Wideband chip, 8GB RAM |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery | 26 hours video playback, Qi wireless charging up to 7.2W, No MagSafe support | 22 hours video playback, MagSafe support, Higher wireless charging capabilities |
| Camera | Single 48MP camera, 2x zoom capability, Basic photo features, Dolby Vision 4K@60fps | Dual camera (48MP + 12MP ultra-wide), Advanced features including: New Photographic Styles, Next-gen portraits with Focus and Depth Control, Macro photography, Spatial videos and photos |
| Water Resistance | Up to 6 meters for 30 minutes | Up to 6 meters for 30 minutes |
| OS | iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence | iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence |
| Starting Price | Rs 59,900 | Rs 79,900 |
| Feature | iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Flat aluminum frame, notch, single camera module | Flat aluminum frame, Dynamic Island, dual camera module |
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White, Teal, Ultramarine, Pink |
| Water Resistance | Up to 6 meters for 30 minutes | Up to 6 meters for 30 minutes |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR, 1200 nits peak brightness, notch | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR, 1600 nits peak brightness, Dynamic Island |
| Glass Protection | Ceramic Shield front | Latest-generation Ceramic Shield front |
| Chip | A18 with 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, C1 modem, no UWB chip | A18 with 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU, UWB chip |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Operating System | iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence | iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence |
| Battery Life | Up to 26 hours video playback | Up to 22 hours video playback |
| Charging | Qi wireless (up to 7.2W), no MagSafe | Supports MagSafe |
| Rear Cameras | Single 48MP camera with 2x zoom | Dual cameras: 48MP main + 12MP ultra-wide |
| Camera Features | Super hi-res photos, Dolby Vision 4K@60fps | Above features + Photographic Styles, Macro, Spatial videos |
| Connectivity | 5G, WiFi 6, no Ultra Wideband | 5G, WiFi 6, Ultra Wideband |
At a markedly more accessible price point, the iPhone 16e will likely be the go-to iPhone for many customers, especially those shopping on a budget. Unlike the iPhone SE that came before it, the iPhone 16e makes very few compromises. In fact, it offers nearly all of the iPhone 16’s key features. Moreover, it delivers considerably better battery life, making it an even more attractive choice.
Many customers may not care about the lack of an Ultra Wide camera, camera control, additional color options, or Wi-Fi 7. The lack of MagSafe, a brighter display, the Dynamic Island, and a large array of camera capabilities may be a dealbreaker for some.
As a result, those who want a little more from their iPhone—especially in terms of rear camera performance—should consider the iPhone 16 over the iPhone 16e. For most buyers, the iPhone 16e offers better value and should be the preferred choice unless the larger display of the iPhone 16 Plus is a must-have.
FAQs
What is the difference between iPhone 16e and iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 offers a better display, improved camera, and faster processor compared to the iPhone 16e, which is a budget-friendly version with basic features.
Is the iPhone 16e worth buying over the iPhone 16?
Yes, if you want an affordable option. However, choose the iPhone 16 for better performance and features.
Which has a better camera: iPhone 16 or iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16 has an advanced camera setup with improved night mode and zoom capabilities. The 16e offers standard cameras suitable for everyday use.
What is the price difference between iPhone 16e and iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 is priced higher due to its premium features, while the 16e is more budget-friendly.
Does the iPhone 16e have the same battery life as the iPhone 16?
No, the iPhone 16 offers slightly longer battery life thanks to its optimized hardware.
Which one should I buy for gaming: iPhone 16 or iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16 is better for gaming with a faster processor and smoother graphics.
Do both models support 5G?
Yes, both iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e support 5G connectivity.
Are the displays the same on both models?
No, the iPhone 16 has a higher resolution OLED display, while the 16e uses an LCD panel.
Does the iPhone 16e support wireless charging?
Yes, but the iPhone 16 offers faster wireless charging compared to the 16e.
Which is better for photography: iPhone 16 or iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16 outperforms with advanced camera features and better sensors.
