The iPhone 16e is an affordable version of the iPhone 16, with a price gap of Rs 20,000. While they share many similarities, including design and core functionality, the differences between them cater to distinct user preferences. Here are five major distinctions to help you pick the right one.
Similar in size, almost similar in functionality
The new iPhone 16e offers the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone. It lasts up to six hours longer than the iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours longer than all generations of iPhone SE. (Image: Apple)
Both the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 feature a 6.1-inch 1080p OLED screen with a 60Hz refresh rate. However, the iPhone 16 has Dynamic Island, giving it a modern edge, while the iPhone 16e retains the notched design seen on the iPhone 14.
Both displays are protected by Ceramic Shield, making them resistant to scratches and physical damage. However, the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 16 offers a more interactive user experience, dynamically adapting to notifications and background activities, whereas the notch on the iPhone 16e remains static.
In terms of build, both phones share a glass-metal sandwich design with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. They also feature the Action Button, but the iPhone 16e lacks two key elements—Camera Capture and MagSafe.
Almost the same chip, but one has more graphical power
A18 powers the iPhone 16e and the iPhone 16. (Express Photo)
The iPhone 16e is powered by the same chip as the iPhone 16 but with two key differences. The iPhone 16’s graphics processing unit (GPU) has five cores, while the iPhone 16e has four. This makes the iPhone 16 (review) perform slightly better, especially while gaming.
The iPhone 16’s cellular networking capabilities are powered by the Snapdragon X75 modem, whereas the iPhone 16e is the first Apple device to feature an in-house C1 5G modem, offering slightly lower 5G uplink/downlink speeds.
The base variants of the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 come with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, with both also available in higher 256GB and 512GB storage options.
Major differences in the camera department
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The biggest difference between the iPhone 16e and the iPhone 16 lies in their camera capabilities. While both phones have a 48MP main camera, the iPhone 16 features a slightly larger 1/1.56-inch sensor compared to the iPhone 16e’s 1/2.55-inch sensor. A larger camera sensor generally results in better image quality, making the iPhone 16 superior in most lighting conditions.
The iPhone 16 also includes a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, enabling it to capture 3D or spatial videos when combined with the main camera. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16e lacks this ultra-wide lens. However, the selfie camera performance remains identical, as both models feature a 12MP front camera.
Battery life and charging
The iPhone 16 with its A18 chipset is way faster than the Pixel 9’s Tensor G4. (Express Photo)
According to Apple’s official website, the iPhone 16e can deliver up to 26 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 16 offers 27 hours—not a major difference.
Both devices support 20W wired charging and wireless charging. However, the iPhone 16 supports MagSafe wireless charging with up to 25W, while the same is limited to just 7.5W, as it lacks MagSafe.
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Conclusion
If you have a strict budget of less than Rs 60,000, the iPhone 16e will be a compelling choice. However, if you can extend your budget by another Rs 20,000, the iPhone 16 offers additional features and capabilities that will enhance the overall iPhone experience.
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