[Comparison] Apple iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16: Which is Better?

Apple has just added a new member to the iPhone 16 family—the iPhone 16e. This model offers a great mix of power and value, packing the A18 chip, Apple's smart AI features, a 48MP camera, and more. But how does it compare to the standard iPhone 16? In this guide, I'll break down the key differences to help you figure out which one is the better fit for you.

Part 1: iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16: What is the Difference?

In this section, we'll take a closer look at the comparison between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e. We'll compare their designs, hardware specs, color options, camera setups, battery life, prices, and when you can buy them.

1. Main Performance

Spec	iPhone 16	iPhone 16e
Screen Size	6.7" or 6.1"	6.1"
Apple Intelligence	√	√
Camera Resolution	48MP, 12MP; 12MP	48MP; 12MP
GPU	A18 chip with 5-core GPU	A18 chip with 4-core GPU
Battery	Up to 27 hours video playback footnote	Up to 26 hours video playback footnote
Face ID	√	√
Screen Resolution	2,556 by 1,179 pixels	2,532 by 1,170 pixels
Price	From $799	From $599

2. Hardware Specifications

The iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 share a lot of similarities, but there are some key differences to keep in mind. Both have a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, but the iPhone 16 gets much brighter, reaching up to 2,000 nits, compared to the 1,200-nit peak on the 16e. Both models come with a Ceramic Shield front, a glass back, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

One major difference is the buttons. Both phones include the new Action button, but only the iPhone 16 has a dedicated Camera Control button. The iPhone 16 also features Dynamic Island, which is missing on the 16e.

Apple has removed the home button on the iPhone 16e, just like on the iPhone 16, meaning both rely on Face ID for unlocking. Both also come with a USB-C port, but neither has a headphone jack.

One important thing to note is that the iPhone 16e does not support mmWave 5G, which could mean slower network speeds in certain areas compared to the iPhone 16. If you're upgrading to the iPhone 16e and need to transfer data from an old iPhone, you might find that using specialized iPhone transfer software is faster than relying on wireless options like Quick Start. If you're curious about transfer times, check out this guide on how long it takes to move data between iPhones.

3. Design and Build

Apple introduced the iPhone 16e as an affordable option, but it still comes with a high-quality 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. This OLED screen stretches from edge to edge, making everything look sharp and vivid. With a peak brightness of 1,200 nits in HDR, it's perfect for watching videos or playing games.

The iPhone 16e is also durable, with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, a tough Ceramic Shield front, and a sturdy aluminum back. Everyday bumps and splashes won't be a problem. It also comes in stylish matte black and white. Plus, customizable action buttons give you quick access to features like Visual Intelligence.

The standard iPhone 16, on the other hand, has the same 6.1-inch display but with a colored glass back that gives it a fresh, vibrant look. If you love bold colors, this phone is for you. It also includes Apple's Dynamic Island, which makes multitasking fun by displaying real-time activities and interactive notifications.

One big advantage of the iPhone 16 is its outdoor brightness - up to 2,000 nits, so the screen is easily visible even in bright sunlight. At night, it can be dimmed to just 1 nit for comfortable use in the dark. (iPhone Touch Screen Not Working?)

4. Camera Configurations

The iPhone 16e has a 48MP Fusion camera and a built-in 2x telephoto lens, giving you two focal lengths at once. It includes Apple's imaging technologies, such as the Photon Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR, and Photography Styles, to ensure high-quality photos and videos.

However, the iPhone 16 upgrades to a dual-camera system: a 48MP Fusion main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. It supports sensor-shift stabilization, 0.5x zoom, macro shooting, and even space photos and videos - features that the iPhone 16e does not have.

Both phones record 4K and 1080p Dolby Vision at up to 60 fps, and include slow motion, time-lapse, and audio mixing. But the iPhone 16 adds movie mode and action mode for smoother, more professional videos. (iPhone Camera Not Working?)

5. Battery Life

The iPhone 16e stands out for its long-lasting battery, giving you up to 26 hours of video playback. That means you can easily go all day without worrying about charging. Plus, it supports fast charging, letting you juice up to 50% in just 30 minutes. However, there's a downside—Apple left out MagSafe, so you're limited to using only Qi wireless chargers. That's a bit disappointing!

On the other hand, the regular iPhone 16 doesn't last as long, offering up to 22 hours of video playback. So, if you love binge-watching or gaming, you might need to charge it more often. But the good news? It works with MagSafe, Qi2, and regular Qi wireless chargers, giving you more flexibility. (How to Improve iPhone Battery Life?)

6. Pricing and Availability

The iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 have different storage options. Here's a breakdown of their prices.

Further Reading:

• Top 4 Ways to Transfer Playlist from iPhone to iPhone

Part 2: iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16: Which One Should You Buy in 2025?

Based on our review and the performance of these two iPhones, we summarize the following purchase recommendations:

• If you want to own an iPhone in the most affordable way, have a longer battery life, and have access to Apple Intelligence, then choose iPhone 16e. It is a good choice for daily use.
• If you only need basic functions and don't mind the traditional bangs or fewer color options, iPhone 16e is also a good choice. It can meet all your needs without additional decorations.
• If you like photography and video recording, choose iPhone 16 - it has better camera functions to help you take amazing photos.
• If you want advanced features such as MagSafe charging, faster 5G and Wi-Fi, and Apple's Dynamic Island, then iPhone 16 is your best choice.

Part 3: How to Transfer Data from Old iPhone to New iPhone 16e

When you get a new iPhone 16e, transferring data from your old iPhone can be made easy with the right tool. The best solution for this is MobiKin Transfer for Mobile. This professional iPhone data transfer software offers a secure and fast wired transfer, helping you move data quickly, even though the iPhone 16e doesn't support mmWave 5G.

Free download this program and follow the guide below to transfer data from old iPhone to new iPhone 16/16e instantly:

Step 1. Launch Transfer for Mobile

Start by installing and running the utility on your computer. Then, connect both iPhones to your computer using two USB cables. When a popup message asks you to trust this computer, click "Trust" to make the connection.

Step 2. Confirm the Sending and Receiving Device

The program will automatically recognize your devices and display them as "Source iPhone" and "Destination iPhone". Confirm that the devices are in the correct positions. If not, click "Flip" to switch them.

Step 3. Transfer Files from iPhone to iPhone

Select the data types you wish to transfer by checking the corresponding boxes in the middle of the screen. At last, click "Start Copy" to instantly transfer the data from the source iPhone to the destination one.

Video Guide:

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