We recently saw the launch of the iPhone 16e , Apple’s new so-called “budget” smartphone, and while it may be tempting to see that it’s priced lower than the iPhone 16, there are actually reasons not to buy it.
Looking at the technical specifications of both, it is clear why it costs slightly less than the iPhone 16.
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.1-inch OLED, 2,532 x 1,170 px resolution, 1,200 nits peak brightness and 60 Hz refresh rate | 6.1-inch OLED, 2,556 x 1,179 px resolution, 2,000 nits peak brightness and 60 Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Apple A18 | Apple A18 |
| Memory | Not confirmed | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
| Rear camera | 48 MP main sensor and f/1.6 aperture that integrates a 12 MP x2 telephoto sensor | 48MP main sensor with f/1.6 aperture + 12MP x2 telephoto sensor with f/1.78 aperture + 12MP ultra-wide-angle sensor with f/2.2 aperture |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP and f/1.9 aperture | 12 MP and f/1.9 aperture |
| Connectivity | 4G/5G with eSIM, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC (limited by Apple), SMS via satellite for emergencies | 4G/5G with eSIM, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC (limited by Apple), SMS via satellite for emergencies |
| Ports and sensors | USB-C, facial recognition, barometer, gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity sensor, dual ambient light sensor. | USB-C, facial recognition, barometer, gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity sensor, dual ambient light sensor. |
| Battery | Capacity to be confirmed and charging up to 20W with cable | 3,561 mAh and charges up to 25W with cable and wireless charging |
| System | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
As you can see, the main shortcomings of the iPhone 16e compared to the iPhone 16 are that the screen is dimmer, its rear camera is limited to a single sensor and it does not have MagSafe technology. Let’s look at all this in more detail.
Limited screen brightness
Its maximum brightness reaches 1,200 nits , compared to 1,600 nits on the iPhone 16. This figure is lower than that of many mid-range or even low-end Android phones.
This means that if you intend to use your smartphone in bright environments, such as outside in direct sunlight, you will have a harder time seeing the screen.
This may not be the most important point for most users who tend to use their mobile phones indoors, but it is always desirable to have the highest possible brightness in all types of spaces.
Less photographic power
On the other hand, the iPhone 16e has a single 48 MP rear camera, while the iPhone 16 includes two cameras, a 48 MP main camera and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle camera.
Additionally, iPhone 16 has more features for shooting and taking professional-grade photos, such as Portrait mode with greater depth and focus control and more advanced video recording with 4K Cinematic mode.
So if you’re looking for a more complete and versatile photography experience, where you can take more panoramic photos, better portraits and other advanced uses, the iPhone 16 will satisfy you more.
Slightly lower graphic performance
On the other hand, although both models have the A18 processor, the iPhone 16e has a version with a quad-core GPU, while the iPhone 16 has five GPU cores.
While it may not seem like much at first glance, if you want to play demanding games or perform other graphically intensive tasks, you might notice slightly lower performance.
For the price difference between both devices, which, as you will see below, is small, it is worth betting on the A18 of the iPhone 16.
Greater autonomy, but at what price?
On the other hand, one point in favor of the iPhone 16e is its autonomy . According to Apple, it can last up to 26 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 16 stays at 22 hours.
This may be due to its lower brightness screen and, in part, to its new Apple C1 modem , which has been designed to perform repetitive tasks that would otherwise consume more energy.
It also adjusts based on signal quality. If the connection is good, it uses less power ; if it is bad, it increases only what is necessary to maintain good communication.
Also, when the phone doesn’t need to transmit much data, the Apple C1 goes into a power-saving mode . All of this helps to increase the battery life of the iPhone 16e.
However, this new model does not support MagSafe , while the iPhone 16 does support MagSafe up to 25W with a 30W or higher charger.
Many users will think that four more hours of battery life might not be worth giving up the rest of the advantages that the iPhone 16 offers, especially if you find it on sale.
For this reason, below we list some online stores that offer the iPhone 16 at interesting prices and only slightly higher than that of the iPhone 16e.
