iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Which Is Best for You?

On February 19, 2025, Apple unveiled the iPhone 16e, its low-cost alternative to the flagship iPhone 16. This latest addition to the family adds some variety for those looking for a new phone, but which should you go with? For those who don’t have $1,200 to drop on the 16 Pro Max, that means looking at the iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16.

There’s a lot to love about both models, but they’re better suited to different audiences. Here’s a rundown of each so you can decide which is the right iPhone for you.

iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Cost

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a new phone is the price. Given that the iPhone 16e’s big selling point is that it’s a more affordable version, it’s the clear winner in this category.

The iPhone 16 starts at $799 for the 128GB model, whereas the 16e costs $599 for the same amount of space. That $200 price difference applies to each of the three sizes, with the 16e asking $699 for 256GB and $899 for 512GB. The standard 16 will run you $899 and $1,099, respectively, for the same.

Cases, chargers and other peripherals will likely cost roughly the same between each. While it may take a couple of months for there to be as many accessories for the 16e as the 16, there’s not a big enough size difference between them for these add-ons to vary all that much.

iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Technical Specs and Features

While the 16e is the cheaper of the two, you’ll sacrifice some functionality for that lower price tag. When it comes to technical specs, the more expensive iPhone 16 has the upper hand.

Both the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 use the same 6-core A18 chip with Apple Intelligence. However, the 16 has a 5-core GPU, whereas the 16e’s GPU is a 4-core version, making it slightly less powerful. The 16e also lacks MagSafe functionality, so its wireless charging is slower and it’s incompatible with MagSafe accessories.

The 16e is also missing Apple’s Dynamic Island, and it doesn’t have the 16’s Camera Control button. As a result, it’s slightly less convenient to use.

The one technical area where the 16e outshines the mainline 16 is its battery life. Apple’s latest budget phone gets up to four additional hours of video playback and 10 more hours of audio playback, thanks to a more efficient modem. 

iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Size and Display

In terms of size, the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 are almost identical. Both have a 6.1-inch screen. That’s fairly standard for phones today, and you can always make your keyboard larger if you need help seeing it.

The 16e is marginally shorter at 5.78 inches compared to the 16’s 5.81 and is 0.18 ounces lighter, but that won’t likely make a noticeable difference. The two models are the same width.

While the display size may be the same, the iPhone 16 boasts more quality. It has a 2,556 by 1,179 resolution, while the 16e reaches 2,532 by 1,170. The 16 also has higher peak and average brightness, as well as a minimum setting, and these upgrades make it easier on your eyes.

iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Camera

The camera quality is what really sets the iPhone 16 apart from the 16e. Both have a 48-megapixel back camera and a 12MP front-facing one, but the 16 also features a 12MP ultrawide lens. The 16 supports macro photography, too, if you want to take extreme close-ups of anything.

While both phones have image stabilization, it works better on the 16, thanks to some nifty sensor functionality. Likewise, the focus and depth control in Portrait Mode perform better on the iPhone 16. The 16e also lacks spatial photos, which give your pictures a 3D appearance.

Similarly, the 16 outperforms the 16e in its videos, boasting spatial video, macro recording and Action and Cinematic modes. The latter two help your home videos look fairly professional once you get the hang of when and how to use them.

Who Is the iPhone 16e Best For?

The biggest reason to get an iPhone 16e is the cost. At just $600 for the cheapest version, the 16e is well below the average of $823 for a consumer-grade smartphone. You also get quite a lot for that price, so it’s one of the best phones on the market right now in terms of value.

It’s also a solid choice if you’re in the market for a new phone but don’t need all the bells and whistles. You’ll still get Apple Intelligence, a decent camera and more than enough processing power without paying more for features you may not use. The longer battery life also makes the 16e the better choice if you’re on the go often and don’t always have access to a charger.

Who Is the iPhone 16 Best For?

The iPhone 16 is a better choice if you take a lot of pictures and videos. While you can take better smartphone pictures through a few tips and strategies, the 16’s camera hardware and optimization features are hard to beat. Macro photography and videography, in particular, are standout use cases for Apple’s more expensive option.

You should also choose the iPhone 16 over the 16e if you prioritize efficiency and functionality. The Dynamic Island and Camera Control button make it more convenient to use, and its more powerful GPU helps run computing-intensive tasks, including AI features. The ability to use MagSafe accessories is also nice to have, as it lets you use some handy add-ons and speed up wireless charging.

Find the iPhone That Suits Your Needs

Regardless of your budget or what you from a phone, there’s an iPhone out there for you. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is always an option, too, but it may cost too much for most users. Choosing between the iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16 still gives you some solid options, though.

Both models are impressive in their own ways, the 16e for its cost-to-value ratio and the 16 for its AI functionality and camera specs. Once you know what each offers, you can make an informed choice about which is right for you.