iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: How do they compare 

A new iPhone has arrived. The latest entry into the iPhone 16 Series is the iPhone 16e, launched in February 2025. This new iPhone is designed to be the entry-level device in the 16 Series, one that promises great specs, but with a lower price tag.

So how does it compare to the previous model – the iPhone 16? 

As iPhone 16e is the more affordable option, it has different specs to iPhone 16. Some of the differences are small, and you might not even notice the difference. But there are a few areas where you will see better performance from iPhone 16, and you’ll need to decide whether you’re willing to make some sacrifices for the lower price tag. 

Let’s take a look and see how they compare.

Size-wise, both iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e have a 6.1 inch screen, although iPhone 16e is a little shorter and a little lighter than iPhone 16.

You also get a Super Retina XDR OLED display with both models. iPhone 16 has a slightly higher resolution (2,556 by 1,179 pixels vs. 2,532 by 1,170 pixels), but more noticeable is how bright the screen is. iPhone 16’s screen has a peak of 2,000 nits, compared to a peak of 1,200 on iPhone 16e.

Another difference is the dynamic island. Since iPhone 14, iPhones have turned the notch area at the top of the screen, where the camera and speaker are, into a handy interactive notification feature. iPhone 16e, however, goes back to the old notch design, so it’s simply a small area of your screen you can’t use.

Both phones use a Ceramic Shield to protect your screen from drops, scratches, and scuffs. 

But while iPhone 16 comes in a range of colours, iPhone 16e is only available in black or white.

iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 have 8GB of RAM and use Apple’s A18 processor. That means they can both use all the new Apple Intelligence AI features. 

But iPhone 16 has a more powerful five core GPU configuration, compared to iPhone 16e’s four core GPU. That’s going to give it the edge in terms of performance, but you probably won’t notice much of a difference unless you’re doing something very demanding, like gaming.

One new feature that’s only on iPhone 16e is Apple’s first bespoke modem, the C1. It promises to deliver fast and reliable 5G cellular connectivity – enabling faster downloading – and advanced power management, giving you much more battery life (more on that below).

Both phones come with three different storage options - 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.

The biggest difference between the two phones, however, is the camera. Both have a 48MP main camera, however, iPhone 16e has a single main fusion camera, which offers 1x and 2x optical zooms. iPhone 16 has a dual camera system, with a 12MP ultra-wide camera, unlocking more zoom options and the ability to take more panoramic shots. 

iPhone 16 has superior image stabilisation, which makes a real difference if you’re shooting in low-light conditions. And iPhone 16 also offers macro photography and spatial photos, which iPhone 16e doesn’t.

On the front, each phone offers a 12MP TrueDepth selfie camera, but you get better focus and depth control in Portrait mode on iPhone 16.

You can shoot 4K video on both phones. But again, you get more advanced video tools on iPhone 16, including Cinematic mode, Action mode, Spatial video recording, and macro video recording. 

Longevity is one area where iPhone 16e can outperform iPhone 16. Thanks to improved efficiency, iPhone 16e offers 26 hours of video playback and 90 hours of audio playback, compared to 22 hours of video and 80 hours of audio on iPhone 16.

However, iPhone 16e doesn’t support MagSafe charging, unlike most recent iPhone models. Qi wireless charging is still available, and both models still offer 30-minute fast charging up to 50% if you use a 20W adapter (you can find those in our Accessories store).

iPhone 16e is a great option if you’re looking for the great design, build, and latest features of iPhone, but for a lower price. 

But if more advanced photography and videography features are important to you – as well as a better viewing experience – then iPhone 16 is the right choice for you.

Make sure you check out our latest offers if you’re looking to pick up a new phone. You can also save a little by choosing a Like New phone, or trading in your old phone.