Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 16e, and the biggest question on everyone’s mind is how it stacks up against the iPhone 16—previously the most affordable new iPhone in Apple’s lineup.
If you’re trying to decide which model is the best fit for you, here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16, including pricing, display, design, camera, and features.
Price: iPhone 16e is $200 Cheaper
One of the most significant differences is pricing. The iPhone 16e starts at $599, making it $200 cheaper than the iPhone 16, which starts at $799.
Both models offer 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, so you’re not losing out on space even if you go for the budget-friendly option.
If affordability is your main concern, the iPhone 16e is an appealing choice.
The entire iPhone 16 lineup pic.twitter.com/JTUzBYapU5
— Apple Hub (@theapplehub) February 20, 2025
Design & Display: Notch vs. Dynamic Island
At first glance, the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 look quite similar, but there are some major design differences:
✅ iPhone 16e uses an older notched display design.
✅ iPhone 16 features Dynamic Island, the interactive cutout that first appeared on the iPhone 14 Pro.
Both models use OLED technology, but Apple has given the iPhone 16 a slight edge in brightness:
- iPhone 16e: 1,200-nit peak HDR brightness
- iPhone 16: 1,600-nit peak HDR brightness
This means the iPhone 16 will offer better visibility in bright sunlight and HDR content.
Camera: Single vs. Dual Lens
If you’re a photography enthusiast, the iPhone 16 is the clear winner:
📸 iPhone 16e has a single rear camera.
📸 iPhone 16 features a dual-camera system, allowing for better depth, zoom, and wide-angle shots.
For casual users, the iPhone 16e’s single lens should be sufficient for everyday photos and social media. But if you want more versatility, the iPhone 16’s camera setup is a big advantage.
Features: What’s Missing on the iPhone 16e?
Apple has cut a few features from the iPhone 16e to keep the price lower:
❌ No Camera Control button (exclusive to the iPhone 16).
✅ Action Button is available on both models (lets you set a shortcut like opening the camera or turning on silent mode).
The iPhone 16 also offers more color choices: black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine, while the iPhone 16e is limited to just black and white.
Release Date: When Can You Buy?
- iPhone 16e pre-orders open on February 21 and the official release is February 28.
- iPhone 16 has been available since September 2024, so you can buy it right away without waiting.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the iPhone 16e or iPhone 16?
📌 Choose the iPhone 16e if:
✔️ You want a cheaper iPhone without major sacrifices.
✔️ You don’t need a dual-camera system or Dynamic Island.
✔️ You’re happy with a classic notch display.
📌 Choose the iPhone 16 if:
✔️ You want a brighter, more modern display with Dynamic Island.
✔️ You take a lot of photos and need dual cameras.
✔️ You want more color choices and premium features.
If budget is your main concern, the iPhone 16e is an excellent deal. But if you want the best features without going for the Pro models, the iPhone 16 is still worth the extra $200.
Which one are you planning to buy? Let us know! 🚀
