Apple has officially launched the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e, providing consumers with an option between a high-end flagship and an affordable option. Although both devices are similar in terms of performance, significant variations in price, screen, and camera features may affect your choice.
The iPhone 16 is priced at US$799 with 8GB of RAM, 128GB storage, and an A18 chip with a 5-core GPU. For increased space, the cost rises to US$1,099 for 512GB. iPhone 16e costs US$599, which is a cheaper alternative with very similar specs. It keeps the same 8GB RAM and A18 chip but with a 4-core GPU. The graphical performance difference is small for most people.
Both Apple phones have the same 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen but with a difference in brightness level. 1000 nits versus 800 nits and a Dynamic Island versus traditional notch for iPhone 16 vs the iPhone 16e. The latter retains the former's standard notch. Color varieties for the phones are Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black on the iPhone 16, as opposed to merely Black and White on the 16e.
The iPhone 16 packs a dual-camera system, including a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP Ultra Wide lens, along with optical zoom and next-gen portrait mode. The iPhone 16e retains the 48MP main sensor but lacks the Ultra Wide lens, meaning fewer options for wide-angle shots and computational photography features.
Battery life is in favor of the iPhone 16e, which offers 26 hours of video playback, as opposed to 22 hours on the iPhone 16. Both handsets feature Apple Intelligence, further improving AI-enhanced image processing and real-time optimizations.
Here is a quick comparison table of iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16e to help understand the different offerings:
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16e |
| Basic Price | US$799 | US$599 |
| Storage | 128GB (up to 512GB) | 128GB (up to 512GB) |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Processor | A18 chip, 5-core GPU | A18 chip, 4-core GPU |
| Display | 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Notch Style | Dynamic Island | Standard Notch |
| Camera | 48MP (Main) + 12MP (Ultra Wide) | 48MP (Main) |
| Optical Zoom | 2x in, 2x out (4x range) | 2x Telephoto (digital zoom up to 10x) |
| Battery Life | 22 hours video playback | 26 hours video playback |
| Color Options | Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, Black | Black, White |
| Extra Features | Camera Control Button, Action Button | Action Button |
| Apple Intelligence (AI) | Yes | Yes |
If battery longevity and cost are top concerns, the iPhone 16e is a good bet at US$599. However, for people who desire a better camera, a more vivid screen, and Dynamic Island, then the iPhone 16 is worth its US$799-US$1,099 price tag. The decision ultimately comes down to whether the added features of a premium camera are worth US$200 or if the less expensive 16e is sufficient.