April 16, 2025

iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing a new iPhone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many models available. The iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 are two of Apple’s newest phones, but what makes them different? Let’s compare them step-by-step to help you decide which one fits your needs!

1. Design: Which Looks Better?

iPhone 16e

Body: Uses the same sharp-edged frame as the older iPhone 14.
Colors: Only comes in black or white.
Screen Notch: Has a thick "notch" at the top (like older iPhones) for Face ID.

iPhone 16

Body: Smoother, rounded edges for a modern look.
Colors: Five vibrant options: black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine blue.
Dynamic Island: Replaces the notch with a smaller, interactive pill-shaped bar that shows alerts (like timers or music).

Winner: iPhone 16 looks more stylish and modern.

2. Display: Which Screen Is Better?

iPhone 16e

Brightness: Up to 800 nits (good indoors, harder to see in bright sunlight).
Glass: Uses older Ceramic Shield 1 (still tough but not the latest).
Bezels: Thicker black borders around the screen.

iPhone 16

Brightness: Up to 2,000 nits outdoors (easier to read in sunlight).
Glass: Newer Ceramic Shield 2 (more scratch- and crack-resistant).
Dynamic Island: Displays helpful info like Uber arrivals or music controls.

Winner: iPhone 16 has a brighter, tougher screen with cool features.

3. Cameras: Which Takes Better Photos?

iPhone 16e

Single Camera: 48MP main camera (no ultra-wide lens).
Limitations:
- No macro mode (can’t take close-up shots of small objects).
- No cinematic or action video modes.
- Struggles in low-light photos (more noise/grain).

iPhone 16

Dual Cameras: 48MP main + 12MP ultra-wide lens.
Extra Features:
- Macro mode for detailed close-ups.
- Action Mode (smoother videos while moving).
- Cinematic Mode (movie-like blurry backgrounds in videos).
- Better low-light photos (sharper and clearer).

Winner: iPhone 16’s dual cameras and features make it way more versatile.

Also read my article to learn more about 28 tips and tricks for iPhone 16e by clicking here.

4. Performance: Which Is Faster?

Both phones use Apple’s A18 chip, but there’s a small difference:

iPhone 16e: 4-core GPU (good for everyday apps like TikTok or Zoom).
iPhone 16: 5-core GPU (better for graphics-heavy games like Fortnite).

Real-World Use: Both feel equally fast for schoolwork or streaming. Only gamers will notice a difference.

Winner: Tie for everyday use. iPhone 16 is better for gaming.

5. Battery Life: Which Lasts Longer?

iPhone 16e

Bigger Battery: 3,900mAh (theoretically longer life).
Catch: Apple’s new C1 modem improves efficiency, but real-world tests show it still drains faster than the iPhone 16.

iPhone 16

Smaller Battery: 3,500mAh but lasts 4 hours longer when streaming videos.

Why? iPhone 16’s software and hardware work better together to save power.

Winner: iPhone 16 lasts longer, despite the smaller battery.

6. Charging: Which Charges Faster?

Wired Charging: Both charge to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter.
Wireless Charging:
- iPhone 16e: 7.5W (slow).
- iPhone 16: MagSafe supports 15W (twice as fast).

Winner: iPhone 16 charges wirelessly much faster.

7. Special Features: What’s Unique?

iPhone 16e

Action Button: Customizable shortcut (example: instantly open Spotify).

iPhone 16

Camera Control Button: Launch the camera, adjust settings, or snap photos without tapping the screen.
MagSafe: Stronger magnets for attaching wallets, chargers, or cases.

Winner: iPhone 16 has more helpful buttons and accessories.

8. Price: Which Is a Better Deal?

iPhone 16e: Starts at $600.
iPhone 16: Starts at $800.

Is the iPhone 16 Worth $200 More?

Yes if you want: Better cameras, longer battery, MagSafe, and Dynamic Island.
No if you only need basics like texting, apps, and occasional photos.

FAQ: iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16

1. Q: Is the iPhone 16 worth the extra $200 compared to the iPhone 16e?
A: Yes, if you want advanced features like a brighter screen, dual cameras (including an ultra-wide lens), longer battery life, MagSafe charging, and the Dynamic Island. If you only need basic tasks (calls, texts, social media), the iPhone 16e is a good budget choice.

2. Q: Can the iPhone 16e take good photos in low light?
A: The iPhone 16e’s single camera struggles more in low light compared to the iPhone 16. Photos may look grainier, and it lacks features like Night Mode. The iPhone 16’s larger sensor and dual cameras perform better in dim lighting.

3. Q: How long does the iPhone 16e battery last compared to the iPhone 16?
A: Despite having a larger battery (3,900mAh), the iPhone 16e lasts shorter in real-world use (about 22 hours of video playback). The iPhone 16’s smaller 3,500mAh battery lasts up to 26 hours due to better software and hardware optimization.

4. Q: Can I use MagSafe accessories with the iPhone 16e?
A: Yes, but the iPhone 16e doesn’t have built-in MagSafe magnets. You’ll need a MagSafe-compatible case to attach accessories, and wireless charging is slower (7.5W vs 15W on the iPhone 16).

5. Q: Is the iPhone 16 better for gaming than the iPhone 16e?
A: Slightly. Both have the same A18 chip, but the iPhone 16 has an extra GPU core, making graphics-heavy games (like Fortnite or Genshin Impact) run smoother. For casual games (Roblox, Among Us), both work well.

You can read my article about iPhone 16e reviews by clicking here for more.