Dhiraj Singh Introduction
Choosing between the iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16 Comparison can be tricky. This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of these two smartphones, detailing specifications and real-world performance to assist you in making an informed choice. While both phones share some similarities, they also have significant differences that may influence your decision. Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly option or a premium flagship experience, this in-depth analysis will help you determine the best fit for your needs.
Table of Contents
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16 Comparison – Key Differences
| Feature | iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 pixels (~457 ppi) | 1179 x 2556 pixels (~460 ppi) |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3nm) | Apple A18 (3nm) |
| Main Camera | 48 MP (single) | 48 MP (wide) + 12 MP (ultrawide) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Battery | 4005 mAh | 3561 mAh |
| Charging | Wired, 50% in 30 min | Wired, 50% in 30 min + MagSafe |
| Weight | 167g | 170g |
| Price | Rs. 57,999 /- | Rs. 72,900 /- |
Design & Build – Which One Feels More Premium?
Both iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 sport a premium design with glass front and back with an aluminum frame. They also offer IP68 water and dust resistance, allowing them to survive immersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
The iPhone 16 is slightly heavier at 170g, compared to the 167g of the iPhone 16e. The difference is minimal but could be noticeable for users who prefer a lighter device. Additionally, the iPhone 16 comes in more color options, including Black, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine, while the iPhone 16e is only available in Black and White.
✅ Winner: iPhone 16 (for better color variety)
Display – Are They Really the Same?
At first glance, both devices have a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with HDR10 support, making them great for media consumption. However, the iPhone 16 has an edge in brightness:
- iPhone 16e: 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak)
- iPhone 16: 1000 nits (typical), 2000 nits (HBM)
The higher brightness of the iPhone 16 means better outdoor visibility. If you often use your phone in bright environments, this could be a deciding factor.
✅ Winner: iPhone 16 (for higher brightness levels)
Performance & Gaming – A18 Chip, But Any Differences?
Both phones are powered by the Apple A18 chipset (3nm), featuring a Hexa-core CPU and Apple GPU. While they share the same processor, there is a small difference in GPU performance:
- iPhone 16e: 4-core Apple GPU
- iPhone 16: 5-core Apple GPU
This means the iPhone 16 has slightly better graphics performance, making it the preferred option for gaming and video editing. Benchmark scores confirm this:
- iPhone 16e: AnTuTu 1,401,105 | GeekBench 8,224
- iPhone 16: AnTuTu 1,721,149 | GeekBench 7,929
Although the iPhone 16e has a higher GeekBench score, the iPhone 16 outperforms in AnTuTu and 3DMark benchmarks, making it a better choice for power users.
✅ Winner: iPhone 16 (for slightly better GPU performance)
Camera – Does the iPhone 16e Miss Out?
The biggest difference between these two models is in the camera setup:
- iPhone 16e: Single 48 MP camera
- iPhone 16: Dual 48 MP (wide) + 12 MP (ultrawide) camera
If you love ultrawide photography, the iPhone 16 is the clear winner. It also features sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) for better low-light shots.
In this price range, the iPhone 16e has good features, but in 2025, who will buy a phone with only one camera? This is the only reason why the iPhone 16e does not fit within this price range.
✅ Winner: iPhone 16 (for ultrawide camera and OIS)
Battery Life & Charging – Which Lasts Longer?
The iPhone 16e packs a 4,005 mAh battery, which is larger than the 3,561 mAh battery in the iPhone 16. This means you may get better battery life on the 16e. However, the iPhone 16 supports MagSafe wireless charging (25W), which the iPhone 16e lacks.
✅ Winner: iPhone 16e (for a bigger battery)
Connectivity & Features – Are There Any Extras?
Both phones offer 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and satellite messaging. However, the iPhone 16 has Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support, which improves connectivity with Apple devices like AirTags and the Vision Pro headset.
✅ Winner: iPhone 16 (for UWB support)
Price & Value – Which One Should You Buy?
| Model | Price (USD) |
| iPhone 16e | Rs. 57,999 /- |
| iPhone 16 | Rs. 72,900 /- |
Which One Should You Buy?
- Buy the iPhone 16e if you want a solid iPhone experience at a more affordable price. It has a bigger battery and performs similarly to the iPhone 16 in most aspects.
- Buy the iPhone 16 if you need a better display, improved camera system with an ultrawide lens, MagSafe charging, and UWB support.
If budget is your primary concern, go for the iPhone 16e. But if you want a more future-proof phone with extra features, the iPhone 16 is worth the premium.
✅ Best for Budget Buyers: iPhone 16e
✅ Best for Power Users: iPhone 16
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the iPhone 16e have MagSafe charging?
A: No, the iPhone 16e only supports wired and Qi wireless charging, but not MagSafe.
Q: Is the iPhone 16 worth the extra cost over the iPhone 16e?
A: The iPhone 16 is worth it if you need an ultrawide camera, brighter display, and MagSafe.
Q: Which iPhone has better battery life?
A: The iPhone 16e has a slightly bigger 4,005 mAh battery, which may last longer than the iPhone 16.
Final Thoughts on the iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16
Both iPhones offer great features, but the choice depends on your priorities. The iPhone 16e is a budget-friendly option with excellent battery life, while the iPhone 16 justifies its higher price with a better display, camera, and extra features like MagSafe and UWB support. Choose wisely based on your needs!
