Apple iPhone 16e vs 16- Who Will Win The Battle?
A few days ago, my best friend called me, absolutely excited because she had finally decided to switch from Android to iPhone. At the same time, she was feeling torn about which iPhone to pick, stuck between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e. Knowing I’m the tech expert in our group, she was hoping I could help her make the right choice. At first, I thought it would be an easy decision; the iPhone 16 is Apple’s top model with all the premium features. But the iPhone 16e is a more affordable option that still gives you a lot of value.
As I compared the two, I found it hard to choose. The iPhone 16e ensures solid performance and affordability, while the iPhone 16 has a better camera, faster wireless charging, and more features. It made me wonder if she really needs the extra features or if the 16e is enough.
If you’re in the same situation, this blog is exactly what you need right now. Today, I will compare both phones so you don’t need to be confused anymore.
Apple iPhone 16e vs 16: Key Difference
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 |
| It comes with a 6.1-inch OLED display with 800 nits typical brightness | It comes with a 6.1-inch OLED display with 1,000 nits typical brightness |
| It has a single 48MP rear camera | It has dual cameras (48MP main + 12MP ultrawide) |
| Ensures a traditional notch on the front | Comes with Dynamic Island for notifications |
| It does not support MagSafe | It supports MagSafe for wireless charging and accessories |
| Offers up to 15 hours of video playback | Offers up to 20 hours of video playback |
Apple iPhone 16e vs 16: Design & Build
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 |
| Aluminium with glass back | Aluminium with colour-infusedglass back (Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, Black) |
| Ceramic Shield front | Latest-generation Ceramic Shield front |
| Lighter | Heavier due to premium materials |
First, let’s talk about the design and build. The iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 both have aluminum frames but their backs tell a different story. The 16e has a smooth glass back giving it a classic look and keeping it light for those who like a portable phone. The iPhone 16 has a colorful glass back available in cool colors like Ultramarine, Teal, Pink and Black which is perfect if you want your phone to stand out. On the other hand, the iPhone 16e comes with an elegant black or white finish option for those who prefer a more classic look.
Both phones have Ceramic Shield fronts for durability but the iPhone 16 has a newer version which might make it feel more premium. If you prefer a light phone the 16e is a great choice. But if you like premium materials and a stylish look the iPhone 16 might be worth the extra weight. It all comes down to what you value more: lightness or luxury?
Read More: Apple iPhone 16e Review
Winner: iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16e vs 16: Display
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 |
| 6.1″ Super Retina XDR display | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR display |
| 800 nits (typ), 1200 nits (HDR) | 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (peak) |
| Resolution: 1170 x 2532 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~457 ppi density) | 1179 x 2556 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density) |
When comparing the displays of the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 there are some small but important differences. Both phones have a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with the same aspect ratio giving a great viewing experience. However if you want to enjoy movies or videos the iPhone 16 is the better option. It’s brighter reaching 1000 nits normally and 2000 nits in HDR mode. The iPhone 16e has a maximum brightness of 800 nits in typ and 1200 nits at its peak. In terms of resolution the iPhone 16 has a slightly higher resolution at 1179 x 2556 pixels (~460 ppi) while the iPhone 16e has 1170 x 2532 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~457 ppi density). The difference in pixel density is very small but if you don’t want to compromise on display the iPhone 16 is the better choice. Its higher brightness makes it easier to see outdoors and better for HDR content. So your choice depends on whether you want more brightness or slightly better resolution.
Winner: 16
Apple iPhone 16e vs 16: Camera
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 |
| 2-in-1 camera system48MP Fusion | Advanced dual-camera system48MP Fusion 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) |
| Portrait mode with Depth Control | Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control |
| Photographic Styles | Latest-generation Photographic Styles |
If you want an iPhone mainly for its camera then choosing between the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 depends on what you need.
The iPhone 16e is great for people who want simple but high-quality photos. It has a 48MP main camera and a 12MP front camera takes super clear pictures. You also get Portrait mode and fun filters to make your shots look even better. This phone is perfect if you want sharp pictures without extra camera features.
The iPhone 16 is better for those who love photography and want more options. It has two cameras: one is a 48MP main camera and the other is a 12MP Ultra Wide camera. This means you can take wide shots of big scenes and also enjoy advanced portrait features to adjust focus and depth.
If you like simple but amazing photos then go for the 16e. But if you want more ways to be creative with your pictures then the iPhone 16 is the better pick.
Winner: 16
Apple iPhone 16e vs 16: Performance
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 |
| A18 chip | A18 chip |
| 4-core GPU | 5-core GPU |
| 512GB 8GB RAM | 512GB 8GB RAM |
When it comes to performance the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 are both super fast because they have the same A18 chip. They can handle everyday tasks, gaming and smart features with no problem.
The main difference is in the graphics. The iPhone 16e comes with a 4-core GPU but the iPhone 16 has a more powerful 5-core GPU. This means the iPhone 16 is a little better for gaming and apps that need extra power for graphics. But for most people both phones will feel just as fast.
The iPhone 16e also has the C1 modem which helps with faster and more stable connectivity. This means better call quality and faster internet speeds even in low-signal areas.
Both have iOS 18 up to 512GB storage and 8GB RAM so they are top-quality phones. If you want great speed and do not mind a little less power for graphics then the 16e is still super strong. But if you want the best graphics for gaming or design then the iPhone 16 is the better choice.
Winner: Tie
Apple iPhone 16e vs 16: Battery
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 |
| Li-Ion 4005 mAh | Li-Ion 3561 mAh |
| Wired, 50% in 30 min | Wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min |
| 7.5W wireless (Qi) | 15W wireless (Qi2) | 25W wireless (MagSafe) |
The iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 have different battery sizes and charging features. The iPhone 16e has a bigger 4005 mAh battery so it lasts longer. The iPhone 16 has a smaller 3561 mAh battery making it more compact. Both charge 50% in 30 minutes with a wire. The iPhone 16 also supports PD2.0 for more charger options.
For wireless charging the iPhone 16e does 7.5W Qi for basic needs but the iPhone 16 is faster with 15W Qi2 and 25W MagSafe.
In short, iPhone 16e is for long battery life and simplicity. iPhone 16 is for speed and advanced features. Pick what fits! Whether you need more power or faster charging the choice is yours. Decide based on your lifestyle and how you use your phone.
Winner: 16
Overall Specs
Here is a comparison of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e technical details to give you a better look at how their specifications match up.
| Specifications | iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Body | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 167 g | 170 g |
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM |
| IP Rating | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 6m for 30 min) | IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 6m for 30 min) |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM) |
| Display Size | 6.1 inches, 91.4 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.7 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~457 ppi density) | 1179 x 2556 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density) |
| Protection | Ceramic Shield glass | Ceramic Shield glass (2024 gen) |
| OS | iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.3.2 | iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.3.2 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Apple A18 (3 nm) |
| CPU | Hexa-core (2×4.04 GHz + 4×2.20 GHz) | Hexa-core (2×4.04 GHz + 4×2.20 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Apple GPU (5-core graphics) |
| Memory Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | 48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55″, 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, OIS, stereo sound rec. | 48 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6″, 1.0µm, PDAF | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, HDR | 12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6″, 1.0µm, PDAFSL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor) | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | Loudspeaker with stereo speakers | Loudspeaker with stereo speakers |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-band, hotspot |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Sensors | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Emergency SOS, Messages and Find My via satellite | Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Ultra Wideband (UWB) support (gen2 chip)Emergency SOS, Messages and Find My via satellite |
| Battery | Type: Li-Ion 4005 mAh | Charging: Wired, 50% in 30 min | 7.5W wireless (Qi) | Type: Li-Ion 3561 mAhChargingWired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min | 25W wireless (MagSafe) |
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine |
Verdict
In conclusion, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e are made for different users. If you want a good phone at a lower price the iPhone 16e is a great choice. It has a 6.1-inch OLED screen, a 48MP camera and a strong 4005mAh battery. But if you want better features the iPhone 16 is the one for you. It has a brighter screen, two cameras, faster MagSafe charging and a stronger 5-core GPU. It also looks stylish with a colorful glass back and a tough Ceramic Shield front. Both phones are great but they suit different needs. Pick the one that fits you best, whether you want a budget-friendly phone or the latest features.
No matter which you pick, make sure to buy from Apple Gadgets store or our website for the best deals, real products and great customer service.
Mohammad Shariful Islam is the CEO and MD of Apple Gadgets, a leading e-commerce and retail chain for gadgets in Bangladesh. He has a passion for technology, entrepreneurship, and holds a decade of experience in gadget E-Commerce. He’s committed to providing the best possible shopping experience for customers by delivering the latest and trendy gadgets.
