iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: what's the difference, and which one should you buy?

The cheapest iPhone isn't actually all that cheap. Apple's iPhone 16e is a step change from the SE line that came before it – the compromises are slighter, but the price tag much higher.

So how does it fare against the full-fat iPhone 16? Should you pay more for the 16, or save some cash with the 16e?

We've reviewed both, so can help guide you to the best iPhone for you. If you're torn between the two handsets, read on, and we'll help you decide.

iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: price

The iPhone 16e might be the cheapest iPhone available, but it's no one's idea of budget. It starts at £599 / $599 / AU$999 for the 128GB version, while the next level up – the 256GB model – is £699 / $699 / AU$1199. Prices top out at £899 / $899 / AU$1549 for the fully specced 512GB offering.

Still, it is cheaper than the iPhone 16. That starts at £799 / $799 / AU$1399 for the base 128GB model. The 256GB option costs £899 / $899 / AU$1599, and prices rise to £1099 / $1099 / AU$1949 for the top-specced 512GB version.

So, the 16e is £200 / $200 / AU$400 cheaper than the iPhone 16 at all capacities.

** Winner: Apple iPhone 16e **

iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: design and display

At first glance, the two phones look very similar, but there are some differences between them.

The rear camera setups are a big giveaway. The iPhone 16e sports a single lens, while the iPhone 16 has a dual-cam setup.

The iPhone 16e also comes in just two matte finishes (black and white), while the iPhone 16 offers a more extensive colour palette with ultramarine, teal, and pink alongside the same white and black finishes of the 16e. Snazzy.

Both devices feature Ceramic Shield front protection, along with IP68 water resistance. And while both phones incorporate the handy customisable Action Button for shortcut shenanigans, only the iPhone 16 includes the additional Camera Control button – a potential boon to sway keen photographers.

Round the front, the iPhone 16 features Apple’s distinctive Dynamic Island – an interactive display element that houses the front camera system – while the iPhone 16e retains the more traditional notch design of older iPhone generations.

Both devices use this area to house their TrueDepth camera systems for Face ID functionality.

As for the screens themselves, OLED is the weapon of choice across the board, bringing with it the punchy colours and inky blacks that OLED fans love. It's worth noting however that the 6.06in iPhone 16e’s screen has lower brightness capabilities, offering 800 nits typical maximum brightness compared to the 6.12in iPhone 16's 1000 nits, and 1200 nits peak brightness for HDR content versus the iPhone 16's 1600 nits.

Both displays can, however, dim down to just one nit for comfortable viewing in dark environments.

** Winner: Apple iPhone 16 **

iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: camera

So far the differences have been (relatively) minimal, but it’s the camera setup that marks one of the largest differences, and may be the deciding factor in your decision.

The iPhone 16e has a single 48MP main camera, offering 1x and 2x optical zoom options. But the iPhone 16's dual-camera arrangement is more powerful and versatile.

The 16's main sensor is joined by a 12MP ultra-wide camera, unlocking a broader range of zoom options from 0.5x to 2x. This might not mean much if you're a casual snapper, but it could be a sorely missed feature if you're into squeezing the most out of your compositions.

The iPhone 16 also edges ahead with sensor-shift optical image stabilisation, while the 16e uses standard optical stabilisation – a big difference if you’re into shooting in dim light.

In our iPhone 16e review, we found its camera mostly very similar to the iPhone 16's – during daytime shooting, at least. In low-light shots, the 16e digs up way less detail than the 16.

"It's still more than good enough to document all of the sordid details of a night out, but if you're serious about dark photography, the iPhone 16e might not be for you," we noted.

Portrait photography on the iPhone 16 is also more advanced, offering Focus and Depth Control options compared to the 16e's more basic Portrait mode with purely Depth Control.

The iPhone 16 also offers macro photography capabilities, Spatial photos and videos, Cinematic mode for 4K Dolby Vision recording at 30 fps, and Action mode for stabilised video capture.

It's the all-round more sophisticated camera.

** Winner: Apple iPhone 16 **

iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: features

Both handsets pack the mighty power of Apple's A18 chip, along with a six-core CPU and 12-core Neural Engine. But the iPhone 16e has a four-core GPU configuration compared to the more powerful five-core GPU in the iPhone 16.

Not that it makes much difference. While the 16e is theoretically slightly less well-equipped for gaming, we don't notice it in practice. During our testing, it handled all the games we threw at it with no problems.

As games and apps become more graphically challenging, cracks could start to show. But that's a problem for future you, and maybe not even then, depending on how long you plan on keeping your phone.

The iPhone 16e debuts Apple's first in-house designed C1 modem, marking a departure from the Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 modem found in the iPhone 16 – a sign of things to come in future iPhone models, no doubt.

As for charging, while both phones support wireless charging, the iPhone 16e is limited to Qi charging at up to 7.5W. The iPhone 16, meanwhile, offers Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W, and supports MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W when paired with a 30W adapter or higher.

The absence of MagSafe compatibility on the 16e means it won't work with the ecosystem of MagSafe accessories, including cases, wallets, and wireless chargers that have become popular with iPhone users. That was quite a surprise, and not a good one.

Battery performance presents an interesting twist, at least, with Apple claiming the iPhone 16e actually outperforms its pricier sibling. The company states the 16e can deliver up to 26 hours of video playback, compared to 22 hours on the standard iPhone 16 model.

This could be due to a combination of slightly less power and Apple’s optimised homegrown modem.

** Winner: Apple iPhone 16 **

iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: picture

The 16e really isn't much of a downgrade at all in terms of the picture. During our testing, we watch Civil War in Dolby Vision, and find the picture "beautifully sharp, detailed and vibrant."

It does tend to oversaturate a little in parts compared to the iPhone 16, but never so much that it looks unnatural. The 16e's black depth is actually a little greater than the standard iPhone 16's – this makes for an even more solid and contrasty picture, although it does sacrifice some dark detail.

In dimly-lit conditions, the 16e presents plenty of detail, but it's harder to make it out in brighter conditions (like direct sunshine), especially when compared to the iPhone 16.

The 16's greater brightness shines through more ambient light as well. If you regularly watch movies on your phone outside, this could be a dealbreaker. But if you don't often see sunny conditions (i.e. you live in Britain), the 16e is pretty much a direct match for its pricier sibling.

In our review, we described the iPhone 16's picture as rich, three-dimensional and deeply engaging. It's full of texture and detail – which really adds to the sense of realism – while colours are balanced yet engaging.

Motion poses it no problems, and while the iPhone 16 Pro is brighter, the 16 still delivers plenty in this regard. The 16e is very similar indeed, just lacking a bit of brightness.

** Winner: Apple iPhone 16 **

iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: sound

Sonically, these two phones are nigh-on identical. Over headphones, they sound rich and warm, punchy and rhythmic, dynamic and full of detail.

On a couple of occasions, the 16e seems to be hitting the leading edge of notes a little more crisply than the iPhone 16. Those notes have a little more volume played through the iPhone 16, but only a little.

The 16e's built-in speaker is a definite downgrade on that found on the iPhone 16. It's nowhere near as loud, nor as weighty, though it does retain a decent level of detail and energy. But be honest – how often do you use your phone's speaker for anything other than video calls?

In our review, we described the iPhone 16 as "easily one of the best-sounding smartphones we’ve heard." It's rich, detailed and engaging, with plenty of energy, great timing and deep bass.

Low-level dynamics are seriously impressive, with plenty of tonal variation, while the built-in speakers are more than fine for watching movies. True, they're somewhat lacking in the dynamics department, but they're never less than clear and detailed.

** Winner: Apple iPhone 16 **

iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: verdict

This is a funny one: the iPhone 16 wins every round apart from price, yet the 16e could well suit you better. How so?

Just because the 16e isn't as good as the 16 in most departments, that doesn't mean it's not still brilliant. Its picture retains most of the positives of its pricier sibling's, it handles games with aplomb and sonically speaking, it's virtually indistinguishable from the 16.

In other words, its compromises are in all the right places, especially if movies and music are your priority. The 16 might be the better performer (especially in the camera department), but the 16e is stunning for the money.

MORE:

Read our full iPhone 16 review

And our iPhone 16e review

The iPhone 16e's downgrades are in all the right places if, like me, movies on the move are your priority