Highlights

• The iPhone 16e has a 6.1-inch OLED display with a traditional notch, while the iPhone 16 features Dynamic Island.
• Both have an IP68 rating and Ceramic Shield but the iPhone 16 uses a newer version.
• Both models use the A18 chip but the iPhone 16e has a 4-core GPU, while the iPhone 16 has a 5-core GPU.
• The iPhone 16e offers longer battery life with Apple’s C1 5G modem but lacks MagSafe support.
• The iPhone 16 supports 15W Qi2 wireless and 25W MagSafe charging, while the iPhone 16e is limited to 7.5W Qi wireless charging.

Apple has officially introduced the iPhone 16e replacing the iPhone SE (3rd Gen), which is now discontinued. While the iPhone 16e shares many features with the iPhone 16, it comes at a lower price. ₹20,000 less, to be exact!

But does the price cut mean major compromises? Let’s break down the key differences.

iPhone 16e VS iPhone 16 – Design & Display

The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch OLED display, a big upgrade from the 4.7-inch LCD on the previous SE model. It shares a similar size with the iPhone 16, but there are some differences –

• The iPhone 16e has a traditional notch, while the iPhone 16 gets the more advanced Dynamic Island.
• Both phones have Ceramic Shield for durability, but the iPhone 16 uses a newer version.
• Water and dust resistance are the same with an IP68 rating.
• Colour options differ – the iPhone 16e comes in White and Black, while the iPhone 16 offers Ultramarine, Teal and Pink.

This marks the end of Touch ID on iPhones as the iPhone 16e fully adopts Face ID.

iPhone 16e VS iPhone 16 – Performance & Chipset

Both models are powered by Apple’s latest A18 chip, making them significantly faster than previous budget iPhones. This chip enables –

• Apple Intelligence features include notification summaries and Genmoji.
• A 6-core CPU and a 16-core Neural Engine for better AI and performance.

The only difference? The iPhone 16e has a 4-core GPU, while the iPhone 16 gets a slightly more powerful 5-core GPU. For everyday use, most users won’t notice a difference.

iPhone 16e VS iPhone 16 – Camera

Both models feature a 48MP main camera, but the iPhone 16 has an extra 12MP ultra-wide lens.

• The iPhone 16e still offers 2x “optical-quality” zoom but lacks ultra-wide shots.
• The iPhone 16 has better portrait mode features, macro photography, and a dedicated camera control button.
• Optical image stabilisation differs as the iPhone 16 has sensor-shift stabilisation, while the 16e has standard OIS.
• Both have a 12MP front camera with autofocus for sharp selfies and Face ID.

If you love wide-angle shots or advanced photography features, the iPhone 16 is the better choice.

iPhone 16e VS iPhone 16 – Battery Life

Surprisingly, the iPhone 16e offers better battery life than the iPhone 16, thanks to Apple’s new C1 5G modem.

• The iPhone 16e lasts up to 26 hours of video playback, 4 hours longer than the iPhone 16.
• Apple’s first in-house 5G modem (C1) is more power-efficient than previous Qualcomm modems.
• iOS 18’s power management further boosts battery life.

For those who prioritise battery life, the iPhone 16e is the clear winner.

iPhone 16e VS iPhone 16 – MagSafe & Charging

One noticeable omission in the iPhone 16e is MagSafe support.

• The iPhone 16 supports 15W Qi2 wireless charging and 25W MagSafe charging.
• The iPhone 16e is limited to standard 7.5W Qi wireless charging.
• Both have USB-C—Apple has officially moved on from Lightning.

If MagSafe accessories are important to you, the iPhone 16 is the better pick.

iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16: Which One Should You Buy?

After going through the key features, we believe you can choose the iPhone 16e at ₹59,900 if you want a modern iPhone at a lower price with great battery life, the latest A18 chip and a solid 48MP camera. On the other hand, you can consider the iPhone 16 at ₹79,900 if you want Dynamic Island, an ultra-wide camera, MagSafe charging and slightly better GPU performance.

If you’re looking for value and battery life, the iPhone 16e is an excellent choice. But if you want extra features and don’t mind paying more, the iPhone 16 is worth it.

FAQs

Q1. What are the design and display differences between the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16?

Answer. The iPhone 16e has a 6.1-inch OLED display with a traditional notch, while the iPhone 16 features Dynamic Island. Both have an IP68 rating and Ceramic Shield, but the iPhone 16 uses a newer version. Colour options differ: iPhone 16e in White and Black, iPhone 16 in Ultramarine, Teal, and Pink.

Q2. How do the performance and chipset differ between the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16?

Answer. Both models use the A18 chip, but the iPhone 16e has a 4-core GPU, while the iPhone 16 has a 5-core GPU.

Q3. What are the camera features of the iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16?

Answer. Both models feature a 48MP main camera but the iPhone 16 has an additional 12MP ultra-wide lens and better camera features like portrait mode, macro photography and a dedicated camera control button.

Q4. Which model offers better battery life, the iPhone 16e or iPhone 16?

Answer. The iPhone 16e offers better battery life, lasting up to 26 hours of video playback, thanks to Apple’s C1 5G modem.

Q5. Does the iPhone 16e support MagSafe charging?

Answer. No, the iPhone 16e does not support MagSafe charging. The iPhone 16 supports 15W Qi2 wireless charging and 25W MagSafe charging, while the iPhone 16e is limited to standard 7.5W Qi wireless charging.

Also Read: Apple iPhone 16e Launched: Affordable iPhone Gets a Big Upgrade

Also Read: Grab Apple iPhone 16 Now Under ₹65,000 – Here’s How