iPhone 16
iPhone 16e
🏆 Verdict
iPhone 16 is the better pick overall by 3.6 points, leading in Camera, Charging and Display. iPhone 16e remains a strong contender elsewhere.
iPhone 16e offers more for the money ($599 vs $799 at launch).
By category
Performance
Both run the Apple A18 with practically the same performance.
Camera
Only iPhone 16 has an ultrawide lens.
Battery
iPhone 16e's battery is 444 mAh larger (4,005 vs 3,561 mAh), about 12% more. Real battery life also depends on chip and display efficiency.
Charging
iPhone 16 charges faster over cable (30W vs 20W). Wireless charging is faster on iPhone 16 (25W vs 7.5W).
Display
iPhone 16's screen gets brighter (2,000 vs 1,200 nits), which shows outdoors.
Build & durability
Both are similar in durability and weight.
Updates
Both have about the same update window (6 years).
Specifications
| iPhone 16 | iPhone 16e | |
|---|---|---|
| Apple A18 | Chipset | Apple A18 |
| 8 GB | RAM | 8 GB |
| 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB |
| 6.1" OLED | Display | 6.1" OLED |
| 60 Hz | Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| 2556×1179 (461 ppi) | Resolution | 2532×1170 (457 ppi) |
| 2,000 nits | Peak brightness | 1,200 nits |
| 48 MP | Main camera | 48 MP |
| 12 MP | Ultrawide | None |
| None | Telephoto | None |
| 12 MP | Front camera | 12 MP |
| 3,561 mAh | Battery | 4,005 mAh |
| 30 W | Wired charging | 20 W |
| 25 W | Wireless charging | 7.5 W |
| IP68 | Water & dust rating | IP68 |
| aluminium | Frame | aluminium |
| 170 g | Weight | 167 g |
| 6 years | OS updates (estimated) | 6 years |
| $799 | Launch price | $599 |
| 2024-09 | Released | 2025-02 |
iPhone 16
Pros
- 2,000 nits peak
Cons
- No optical telephoto
- Smaller battery
- 60Hz display
- Pricier ($799)
iPhone 16e
Pros
- 4,005 mAh battery
- Lower price ($599)
Cons
- No optical telephoto
- No ultrawide lens
- 60Hz display
- Dimmer screen
How is the score calculated?
Each phone gets 0–100 points in seven categories (performance, camera, battery, charging, display, build, updates), computed only from its published specs, then combined with fixed, published weights. A gap under 2.5 points counts as a tie. The performance index is an estimate based on benchmark results published at launch.
Figures come from the manufacturers’ official pages. Some specs vary by market. We do not sell devices or earn commissions.