Apple has just announced the iPhone 16e release, a budget-friendly addition to its flagship lineup that promises much of the performance of the iPhone 16 at a significantly lower price. For those wondering what is the iPhone 16e and how it compares to the standard iPhone 16, we’ve broken down the key specs and features into detailed sections. Here’s your comprehensive guide to iPhone 16e Vs. 16, covering everything from design to performance and pricing.
What Is the iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16e is Apple’s latest affordable smartphone designed to bring flagship performance to a broader audience. It shares the same 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display and the powerful A18 chip with the standard iPhone 16 but comes with key differences that set it apart. At a starting price of $599, the 16e offers many of the core features that Apple users love, while cutting back on some extras like an additional camera lens and MagSafe compatibility to keep costs down.
Overview of the iPhone 16e Vs. iPhone 16
Both the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 share core technologies, including the powerful A18 chip and a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. However, subtle differences in design, display capabilities, camera setup, and additional features set these two models apart.
While the iPhone 16e is designed to deliver flagship performance at a more affordable price, the iPhone 16 caters to users who want extra premium features.
Design and Build
Material and Aesthetics
Both models sport the classic aluminum-and-glass design that Apple is known for. However, the color options differ:
- iPhone 16e: Limited to classic Black and White.
- iPhone 16: Offers a broader palette, including Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black.
Notch vs. Dynamic Island
- iPhone 16e: Retains the traditional notch design.
- iPhone 16: Introduces the innovative Dynamic Island, enhancing user interaction with notifications and alerts.
Display and Battery Performance
Screen Specifications
Both models come with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with similar resolutions and Apple’s signature features such as True Tone and Wide Color (P3). However, there are differences in brightness:
- iPhone 16E Specs:
- Maximum brightness up to 800 nits (standard) and 1200 nits in HDR.
- iPhone 16 Specs:
- Enhanced brightness reaching up to 1000 nits (standard), 1600 nits HDR, and up to 2000 nits outdoors.
Battery Life
Battery performance is one of the strong suits of the iPhone 16E:
- iPhone 16E: Up to 26 hours of video playback.
- iPhone 16: Approximately 22 hours of video playback.
The longer battery life of the iPhone 16E may appeal to users who prioritize extended usage over peak brightness.
Performance and Camera Systems
Processing Power
Both phones are powered by Apple’s A18 chip with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of base storage. The performance difference lies in the GPU:
- iPhone 16e: Features a 4-core GPU.
- iPhone 16: Upgrades with a 5-core GPU, offering slightly better graphics performance.
For everyday tasks, both models perform smoothly, but the extra core in the iPhone 16 may benefit users running graphics-intensive apps.
Camera Comparison
- iPhone 16e Specs:
- Single 48MP main camera.
- 12MP 2x Telephoto lens.
- Digital zoom up to 10x.
- iPhone 16 Specs:
- Dual-camera setup: 48MP main camera and 12MP Ultra Wide lens.
- Optical zoom capabilities (2x in and 2x out, 4x total optical zoom range).
- Enhanced photography features including next-gen Portrait mode, Spatial photos, and Macro photography.
For photography enthusiasts, the iPhone 16’s additional Ultra Wide lens and advanced features make it a superior choice.
Additional Features and Connectivity
Charging and Accessories
- MagSafe Compatibility:
- iPhone 16E: Lacks MagSafe support, relying on standard Qi wireless charging at 7.5W.
- iPhone 16: Supports faster MagSafe charging, offering enhanced convenience.
- Ports: Both models feature a USB-C port for data transfer and charging, marking a significant update from previous Lightning-based designs.
Other Smart Features
Both models come equipped with Face ID, the customizable Action Button, and Apple Intelligence features. However, the iPhone 16 also includes a dedicated Camera Control button for easier photography.
Here’s The Full iPhone 16 Specs Compared To The iPhone 16
| iPhone 16e | iPhone SE (2022) | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Apple Intelligence support | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Display | 6.1-inch (2532 x 1170) OLED | 4.7-inch LCD | 6.1-inch (2556 x 1179) OLED | 6.7-inch (2796 x 1290) OLED | 6.3-inch (2622 x 1206) OLED | 6.9-inch (2868 x 1320) OLED |
| Display refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz | Up to 120Hz | Up to 120Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1,200 nits | 625 nits | 2,000 nits | 2,000 nits | 2,000 nits | 2,000 nits |
| Always-on display | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Glass display | Ceramic Shield front | Glass front and back | Latest-gen Ceramic Shield front | Latest-gen Ceramic Shield front | Latest-gen Ceramic Shield front | Latest-gen Ceramic Shield front |
| Dimensions | 71.5 x 146.7 x 7.8mm | 67.3 x 138.4 x 7.3mm | 71.6 x 147.6 x 7.8mm | 77.8 x 160.9 x 7.8mm | 71.5 x 149.6 x 8.25mm | 77.6 x 163 x 8.25mm |
| Weight | 167g | 144g | 170g | 199g | 199g | 227g |
| Battery capacity | Up to 26 hours of video playback | Up to 15 hours of video playback | Up to 22 hours of video playback | Up to 27 hours of video playback | Up to 27 hours of video playback | Up to 33 hours of video playback |
| Wireless charging | Yes (Qi-compatible) | Yes (Qi-compatible) | Yes (MagSafe / Qi2) | Yes (MagSafe / Qi2) | Yes (MagSafe / Qi2) | Yes (MagSafe / Qi2) |
| Fast charge-capable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Processor | A18 | A15 Bionic | A18 | A18 | A18 Pro | A18 Pro |
| RAM | 8GB (expected) | 4GB | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Ports | USB-C | Lightning | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Rear cameras | 48-megapixel (f/1.6) main camera | 12MP (f/1.8 OIS) wide | 48-megapixel (f/1.6) main camera / 12-megapixel (f/2.2) ultrawide | 48-megapixel (f/1.6) main camera / 12-megapixel (f/2.2) ultrawide | 48-megapixel (f/1.78) main camera / 48-megapixel (f/2.2) ultrawide /12-megapixel telephoto (f/2.8) | 48-megapixel (f/1.78) main camera / 48-megapixel (f/2.2) ultrawide / 12-megapixel telephoto (f/2.8) |
| Macro mode | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Front cameras | 12-megapixel | 7MP (f/2.2) | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| Video recording | Up to 4K at 60fps | 4K at 24 / 25 / 30 / or 60fps 1080p HD at 25 / 30 / or 60fps with 120 and 240fps slow-mo | Up to 4K at 60fps | Up to 4K at 60fps | Up to 4K at 60fps (ProRes with external recording) | Up to 4K at 60fps (ProRes with external recording) |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Touch ID | Face ID | Face ID | Face ID | Face ID |
| SIM support | Dual eSIM (no physical SIM) | Dual eSIM and physical SIM | Dual eSIM (no physical SIM) | Dual eSIM (no physical SIM) | Dual eSIM (no physical SIM) | Dual eSIM (no physical SIM) |
| Action Button | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Camera Control button | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dynamic Island | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi 7 | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Satellite SOS feature | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Messages via satellite | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crash Detection | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| Starting price | $599 | Discontinued (was $429) | $799 | $899 | $999.00 | $1199 |
| Colors | Black / white | Black / white / red | Black / white / teal / ultramarine / pink | Black / white / teal / ultramarine / pink | Black titanium / white titanium / natural titanium / desert titanium | Black titanium / white titanium / natural titanium / desert titanium |
Pricing and Value Proposition
- iPhone 16E Price: At $599, it provides flagship-level performance with cost-saving compromises on advanced camera features and MagSafe compatibility.
- iPhone 16 Price: Priced at $799, it offers enhanced display brightness, a more versatile camera system, and premium design features like Dynamic Island.
Which One to Choose?
If budget is a priority and you can forgo some premium camera and accessory features, the iPhone 16e offers excellent value. However, if you want a more refined photography experience and additional smart features, the iPhone 16 justifies the extra investment.
Stay tuned for more updates and detailed reviews on iPhone 16e specs and overall performance as more hands-on impressions become available.
