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iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16: Which One Should You Get?
Posted:
March 12, 2025
Categories:
General
iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16: Which One Should You Get?
Apple launched a new iPhone in February 2025, but instead of the expected iPhone SE 4, we got something completely different: the iPhone 16e. While it does replace the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) in the company’s lineup, this isn’t just another SE refresh – it is a new take on the affordable iPhone concept. Apple has placed the 16e alongside the iPhone 16 lineup, making it feel more like a budget-friendly flagship than a true SE successor.
The iPhone 16e looks like the standard iPhone 16 but is $200 cheaper. The big question is, what do you get – and what do you miss out on – for that extra $200? Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two phones to help you choose the right one for you.
iPhone 16е vs. iPhone 16: Key Specifications
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches |
| Display size & type | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display |
| Design & build | Flat aluminum sides, glass back, and round corners (Notch) | Flat aluminum sides, glass back, and round corners (Dynamic Island) |
| Processor | A18 chip (slightly reduced GPU power) | A18 chip (extra GPU core) |
| Memory | 8G of RAM | 8G of RAM |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Rear camera | 48MP Fusion single camera | 48MP Fusion + 12MP Ultra Wide dual-camera system |
| Front camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Side buttons | Standard side buttons + Action button | Standard side buttons + Camera Control and Action button |
| Apple Intelligence | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connector | USB-C, supports USB 2 | USB-C, supports USB 2 |
| Biometric authentication | Face ID | Face ID |
| Charging | 20W wired, 7.5W wireless (No MagSafe) | 20W wired, MagSafe wireless charging |
| Battery life | Up to 26 hours of video playback | Up to 22 hours of video playback |
| Color options | Only black and white | Ultramarine, teal, pink, white, black |
| Price | Starts at $599 (128GB) | Starts at $799 (128GB) |
Design and display
At first glance, the iPhone 16e and 16 look nearly identical – they have the same flat aluminum sides, glass back, and round corners. Both phones have a modern design, are almost the same size, and feature a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. For Apple’s budget-friendly models, this marks a big shift from the SE lineup, which traditionally had smaller screens and an outdated design.
The iPhone 16e and 16 may share similar design, but the differences are in the details. The iPhone 16 has a brighter display and smaller bezels than the 16e. It also has the Dynamic Island, which blends notifications and app interactions into a pill-shaped cutout. The iPhone 16e, on the other hand, sticks with the traditional notch, so you won’t get that same experience.
The 16e supports Face ID (just like the iPhone 16), replacing the Touch ID home button found on older SE models. In terms of colors, the iPhone 16e is available in just black and white, while the iPhone 16 comes in more options (Black, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine, and White).
Performance
Both phones are powered by Apple’s latest A18 chip, meaning fast and efficient performance across the board. Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or running multiple apps at once, you can expect smooth multitasking and quick responsiveness.
The iPhone 16 has one extra GPU core, giving it more power for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and augmented reality apps. However, most people won’t notice a significant difference in everyday use, as both phones are built to handle modern apps and features with ease. This also applies to Apple’s AI-powered suite of features, known as Apple Intelligence.
Cameras
The iPhone 16e is equipped with a single 48MP Fusion camera, whereas the iPhone 16 boasts a dual-camera system, including a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The extra ultra-wide lens on the iPhone 16 gives you more creative flexibility in capturing wide-angle shots and macro photos, as well as spatial photos and videos compatible with Apple Vision Pro, features absent in the 16e. Both models share the same 12MP TrueDepth front-facing camera, so you can count on great selfie quality.
It’s worth mentioning that the iPhone 16e lacks the Action Mode and Cinematic Mode for recording videos, features that are available on the iPhone 16 for smoother, more professional-looking footage. The iPhone 16e also doesn’t have the new Camera Control button found on the iPhone 16. This button lets you quickly open the camera app to take photos and record videos.
Battery life and charging
Battery life is a strong suit for the iPhone 16e. According to Apple, it offers up to 26 hours of video playback, surpassing the iPhone 16’s 22 hours. Both phones support fast charging through the USB-C port and standard Qi wireless charging at 7.5W. However, the iPhone 16 supports MagSafe, while the iPhone 16e does not, meaning it isn’t compatible with magnetic accessories, and you can’t get the faster wireless charging speeds that MagSafe provides.
Pricing
The iPhone 16e starts at $599 for 128GB of storage. You can upgrade to 256GB for $699 or 512GB for $899. On the other hand, iPhone 16 starts at $799 for 128GB, with the 256GB and 512GB versions costing $899 and $1,099, respectively.
The 16e is now the cheapest iPhone you can buy directly from the Apple Store. The company has removed both the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 from its online store, leaving the current lineup to include the iPhone 16e, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 series.
Which one should you get?
The iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 have a lot in common, from the similar size and display to the same powerful A18 chip and main camera. However, the iPhone 16e costs $200 less than the iPhone 16, making it a tempting option for those on the fence. That extra $200 for the iPhone 16 gets you many additional features like an ultra-wide camera, a brighter display, Dynamic Island, and MagSafe support. Whether these features are worth the price is ultimately up to you.
Don't forget about iPhone Insurance!
Whether you choose the iPhone 16e or iPhone 16, don’t leave it unprotected. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and repair costs can quickly add up.
With iPhone insurance by Worth Ave. Group, you’ll be covered against cracked screens, accidental drops, spills, theft and more. The best part? Coverage starts at just a few dollars a month, and setting up your policy takes only minutes. Grab an instant free iPhone Insurance quote and get the protection your new phone deserves!
