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iPhone Q&A
Published March 2, 2025
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What are the major differences between the cheaper iPhone 16e and the "regular" iPhone 16? Is the iPhone 16e a lot worse?
There are twelve specific iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16e models -- four of each -- but this EveryiPhone.com Q&A primarily covers the collective differences to make it straightforward to select which is best for you.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Left to Right: iPhone 16e, 16, 16 Plus)
Apple formally has not defined the "e" in the iPhone 16e, but it given its lower price point and scaled back feature set, economy would not be inaccurate.
If you assume that the economy iPhone 16e model -- first introduced in 2025 -- would be worse than the more expensive iPhone 16/iPhone 16 Plus models -- first introduced in 2024 -- you would not be too far off the mark.
However, the iPhone 16e actually has better battery life than the iPhone 16 and some of the "downgrades" may not be important to you, either. Accordingly, a detailed comparison can be especially worthwhile. What is a lot worse to one person may not matter to someone else.
External Design & Functionality Differences
The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16e models can look quite similar on casual inspection -- rounded rectangles with flat sides, a glass front and back, and nearly edge-to-edge displays. The cases each are made of aluminum, too.
However, with a bit more inspection, you will notice the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models have the "Dynamic Island" interface feature at the top of the displays whereas the iPhone 16e has the static "notch" at the top that hides cameras and sensors less subtly.
All three have a physical programmable "Action" button, but only the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have the physical "Camera Control" button -- essentially a modern take on a camera shutter release -- to make photography potentially easier.
All of these models have a "Ceramic shield" on the front side for durability and are waterproof to the IP68 standard (IEC standard 60529) for up to 30 minutes of water exposure to a depth of six meters. They also all have stereo speakers, a built-in microphone, a USB-C port, and support for wireless charging.
However, the wireless charging on the iPhone 16e is slower -- merely up to 7.5W instead of up to 15W -- and the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus also support magnetic "MagSafe" charging. In a particularly miserly omission, the iPhone 16e does not support MagSafe at all.
All of these iPhone models sold outside of the United States additionally have a side-mounted access panel for physical SIM access (US models only support eSIM).
The iPhone 16 is just slightly larger and heavier than the iPhone 16e, but smaller than the iPhone 16 Plus:
 16 |
16 Plus |
 16e |
|
| Material: | Aluminum/Glass | Aluminum/Glass | Aluminum/Glass |
| Dynamic Island: | Yes | Yes | No |
| Action: | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Camera Control: | Yes | Yes | No |
| Qi Charging: | 15W | 15W | 7.5W |
| MagSafe: | Yes | Yes | No |
| Height (In.): | 5.81 | 6.33 | 5.78 |
| Width (In.): | 2.82 | 3.06 | 2.82 |
| Depth (In.): | 0.31 | 0.31 | 0.31 |
| Weight (Oz.): | 6.00 | 7.03 | 5.88 |
Display Differences
The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16e all use quality displays.
The iPhone 16e appears to use a display that is essentially identical to that used by the iPhone 14 -- a teardown even swapped an iPhone 16e display into an iPhone 14 and it worked -- whereas the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus use newer display designs.
In addition to the "Dynamic Island" functionality, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus displays are a bit higher resolution and a bit brighter:
16 |
16 Plus |
16e |
|
| Interface: | Dynamic Island | Dynamic Island | Notch |
| Display Type: | XDR | XDR | XDR |
| Dimensions: | 6.1" | 6.7" | 6.1" |
| Resolution: | 2556x1179 | 2796x1290 | 2532x1170 |
| PPI: | 460 | 460 | 460 |
| Brightness: | 1000 nits | 1000 nits | 800 nits |
| HDR Max: | 1600 nits | 1600 nits | 1200 nits |
Housing Color Differences
There are color differences between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus and the economy iPhone 16e.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone 16/iPhone 16 Plus Colors)
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus (above) have Black and White -- as well as three vibrant color options -- Pink, Teal, and "Ultramarine" (Blue) (left to right).
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone 16e Colors; or Lack Thereof)
The iPhone 16e, on the other hand, only is available in White or Black options.
Camera Differences
The cameras in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus and the economy iPhone 16e likely are the most significant difference.
The front cameras are similar, but the iPhone 16e lacks some software functionality -- Cinematic mode most notably -- and also has older portrait mode and photographic styles capability. The rear cameras, on the other hand, are substantially more capable on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus than the iPhone 16e.
Front Cameras
The front-facing camera on all three of these models -- which Apple has dubbed "TrueDepth" -- support "Face ID" authentication, still photos, and 4K video recording:
16 |
16 Plus |
16e |
|
| Megapixels: | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Aperture: | f/1.9 | f/1.9 | f/1.9 |
| Video: | 4K | 4K | 4K |
| Cinematic Mode: | Yes | Yes | No |
Rear Cameras
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus rear each have an "advanced dual camera system" with a 48 megapixel "Fusion" and 12 megapixel "Ultra Wide" lenses that shoot still photos and 4K video with a variety of filters and processing options.
The economy iPhone 16e rear only has a "2-in-1 camera system" with a single 48 megapixel "Fusion" camera. It shoots still photos and 4K, but lacks the 12 megapixel "Ultra Wide" lens and accordingly lacks Macro photography, spatial photo and video capability, and the 0.5x simulated optical zoom. It is noticeably slower and low light performance is reduced:
16 |
16 Plus |
16e |
|
| Megapixels: | 48/12 MP | 48/12 MP | 48 MP |
| Fusion: | f/1.6 | f/1.6 | f/1.6 |
| Ultra Wide: | f/2.2 | f/2.2 | None |
| Macro Support: | Yes | Yes | No |
| Optical Zoom: | 0.5x, 1x, 2x | 0.5x, 1x, 2x | 1x, 2x |
Identification Differences
The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16e all are easy to mix up with any number of other iPhone models.
It is not possible to identify specific models within each line by appearance alone, either.
Accordingly, one relatively easy way to uniquely identify these models is by the Model Number listed on the cardboard shipping box and within the iOS "Settings" app among other places.
Consequently, for the purpose of this Q&A, it is sufficient to note that the following model numbers refer to these iPhone devices:
iPhone Model |
Model Number |
EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iLookup feature also can precisely identify these iPhone models by Order Number (referred to as "Model" within the iOS "Settings" app under General > About), and other identifiers, as well.
Battery Life Differences
The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16e all have superb battery life:
16 |
16 Plus |
16e |
|
| Local Video: | 22 Hours | 27 Hours | 26 Hours |
| Streaming: | 18 Hours | 24 Hours | 21 Hours |
| Audio: | 80 Hours | 100 Hours | 90 Hours |
The larger iPhone 16 Plus has the largest battery and provides the longest runtime in all tasks, but the iPhone 16e has a larger battery than the iPhone 16 and provides more runtime in essentially the same size housing.
All of these devices are "fast-charge capable" of charging to 50% capacity in 30 minutes, but remember that the iPhone 16e provides slower wireless charging and does not support MagSafe like the other models.
Wireless Connectivity & Data Differences
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus provide the same connectivity. The economy iPhone 16e uses a new "Apple C1" modem and lacks some of the more advanced connectivity provided by the regular models.
All of these models provide 5G support, Gigabit LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC capability. However, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models support 5G mmWave (in the US), Wi-Fi 7, Ultra Wideband, and Thread networking support, whereas the iPhone 16e supports the older Wi-Fi 6 standard and does not support 5G mmWave, Ultra Wideband, or Thread networking.
There also are a few 5G and 4G LTE bands that are supported by some models and not others.
Supported 4G and 5G bands vary accordingly:
iPhone Model |
Model No |
Additional 4G/5G |
14 (700 PS) n14 (700 PS) n258 (26 GHz) |
||
11 (1500 MHz) n14 (700 PS) |
||
No Differences |
||
No Differences |
||
14 (700 PS) n14 (700 PS) |
||
53 (TD 2500) |
||
No Differences |
All models support at least dual SIMs, but specifics vary. Models sold in the United States support only dual eSIMs and models sold in China support only dual physical Nano SIM. Models sold just about everywhere else have dual eSIMs and a single physical Nano SIM.
Internal Differences
Although specific parts are quite different -- a teardown noted that the interior layout of the iPhone 16e was more reminiscent of the iPhone 15 -- these models also have a great deal in common internally:
16 |
16 Plus |
16e |
|
| Clockspeed: | 4.0 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 4.0 GHz |
| Processor: | A18 | A18 | A18 |
| CPU: | 6 Cores | 6 Cores | 6 Cores |
| GPU: | 5 Cores | 5 Cores | 4 Cores |
| RAM: | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage: | 128/256/512 | 128/256/512 | 128/256/512 |
| USB-C: | USB 2 | USB 2 | USB 2 |
In terms of overall performance, these models are essentially the same, but with one fewer GPU cores, the iPhone 16e is about 15% slower in graphics benchmarks.
iOS Support Similarities
The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16e all originally shipped with a version of iOS 18, the current version of the iOS, and all support the Apple Intelligence (AI) feature.
iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, & iPhone 16e Comparison Chart
These differences as well as other details and pricing information is summarized below:
16 |
16 Plus |
16e |
|
| Introduced: | Sep 2024 | Sep 2024 | Feb 2025 |
| Discontinued: | Current | Current | Current |
| Processor: | A18 | A18 | A18 |
| GPU Cores: | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| RAM: | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage: | 128/256/512 | 128/256/512 | 128/256/512 |
| Battery Life: | 18-80 Hours | 24-100 Hours | 21-90 Hours |
| Display Size: | 6.1" | 6.7" | 6.1" |
| Display Type: | XDR | XDR | XDR |
| Resolution: | 2556x1179 | 2796x1290 | 2532x1170 |
| Dynamic Island: | Yes | Yes | No |
| Front Camera: | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Rear Camera: | 48/12 MP | 48/12 MP | 48 MP |
| Camera Control: | Yes | Yes | No |
| Material: | Al/Glass | Al/Glass | Al/Glass |
| MagSafe: | Yes | Yes | No |
| Qi Charging: | 15W | 15W | 7.5W |
| Wi-Fi: | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Ultrawide Band: | Yes | Yes | No |
| Thread: | Yes | Yes | No |
| USB-C: | USB 2 | USB 2 | USB 3 |
| Colors: | 5 Colors | 5 Colors | Black/White |
| SIM Card: | Nano/eSIM | Nano/eSIM | Nano/eSIM |
| Orig. iOS: | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Max. iOS: | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Apple AI: | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Orig. USD: | US$799 US$899 US$1099 |
US$899 US$999 US$1199 |
US$599 US$699 US$899 |
| Orig. GBP: | £799 £899 £1099 |
£899 £999 £1199 |
£599 £699 £899 |
| Orig. CAD: | C$1129 C$1279 C$1579 |
C$1279 C$1429 C$1729 |
C$899 C$1049 C$1349 |
| Orig. AUD: | A$1399 A$1599 A$1949 |
A$1599 A$1799 A$2149 |
A$999 A$1199 A$1549 |
| Orig. JPY: | ¥124,800 ¥139,800 ¥169,800 |
¥139,800 ¥154,800 ¥184,800 |
¥99,800 ¥114,800 ¥144,800 |
| Orig. CNY: | RMB 5,999 RMB 6,999 RMB 8,999 |
RMB 6,999 RMB 7,999 RMB 9,999 |
RMB 4,499 RMB 5,499 RMB 7,499 |
These original prices are for devices unlocked and paid in full upfront. Carrier subsidized options, leases, and trade-in discounts also are available.
For pricing in dozens of countries, see the "Global Prices" on the specs page for each iPhone as well as the "By Global Original Prices" section of EveryiPhone.com.
So, which is for me? Should I buy a better iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus or the cheaper iPhone 16e?
Compared only to one another, and ignoring other models, the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16e each are quality and capable.
None of these models are especially small by historical standards, but if you want the largest and least expensive new iPhone offered among the three, the iPhone 16 Plus is for you (although Apple still sells the older iPhone 15 Plus as new for US$100 less).
Of course, at a starting price of US$599, the iPhone 16e is not especially cheap by historical standards, either. There are a variety of iPhone models with a range of display sizes at lower prices on the used market.
For other users, the question is whether the clearly better iPhone 16 is worth an extra US$200 over the iPhone 16e. This extra money gets you (1) a slightly higher resolution and brighter display, (2) "Dynamic Island" functionality, (3) the "Camera Control" button, (4) an extra GPU core, (5) faster wireless charging, (6) MagSafe, (7) a much better rear camera, (8) faster Wi-Fi, (9) Ultrawide Band, and (10) Thread networking support. It also gets you (11) the option of more color choices.
This clearly is a lot of extra functionality, but the iPhone 16e does pop out better battery life, and whether or not those improvements are worth the extra money to you very much depends on your needs and income. For some users, the superior rear camera is worth the extra US$200 alone whereas others probably could better spend the money elsewhere.
Of course, for those on a budget, any number of other iPhone models are well worth considering on the used market to save more money, too.
In the US, site sponsor Other World Computing sell used and refurbished iPhone models also with free shipping. On the other hand, if you need to sell an iPhone, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPhone with an instant quote and prompt payment.
Please also see EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPhone model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.
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