Apple has officially introduced the iPhone 16e, replacing the iPhone SE (3rd generation), which has now been formally discontinued. The iPhone 16e looks like an intriguing value proposition and shares numerous features with the iPhone 16, while maintaining a price difference of 20,000 INR. But is the savings worth the compromises? Let’s see what sets these iPhones apart as we compare the iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16 and check out what’s new.
The iPhone 16e comes with a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, which is a major upgrade from the 4.7-inch LCD screen of its predecessor, the iPhone SE. While both the iPhone 16e and standard iPhone 16 share similar dimensions, there are subtle differences in their design language.
The iPhone 16e sports a traditional notch design, integrating Face ID and effectively ending Apple’s production of iPhones with a Touch ID Button, while the standard 16 features the more sophisticated Dynamic Island. This shift represents the final departure from a design that had been a staple of Apple’s smartphones for years.
Both iPhones feature Ceramic Shield protection for durability, though the iPhone 16 has a newer generation of this technology. The iPhone 16e also has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The iPhone 16e is available only in white and black while the iPhone 16 comes in a wider range of colours including Ultramarine, Teal, and Pink.
At the heart of both devices lies Apple’s cutting-edge A18 chip, marking a significant departure from previous entry-level iPhones. The A18 chip enables support for Apple Intelligence features such as notification summaries and Genmoji, which allows users to create custom emojis. The A18 chip in the iPhone 16e consists of a 6-core CPU and a 16-core Neural Engine. The main difference lies in the GPU configuration – the 16e features a 4-core GPU, while the 16 comes with a slightly more powerful 5-core GPU. For most users, this difference will be negligible in day-to-day usage.
Perhaps the most unexpected advantage of the iPhone 16e, considering its lower price point is its superior battery life, thanks to Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, the C1. This modem is designed to be more power-efficient than the Qualcomm modems used in other iPhones. Apple claims that this results in the longest battery life ever seen on a 6.1-inch iPhone, with the 16e achieving an impressive 26 hours of video playback, 4 hours more than the standard iPhone 16. Apple says that the C1 modem, combined with advanced power management in iOS 18, leads to its long battery life.
While both phones share the same 48-megapixel main camera, the standard 16 pulls ahead with its additional 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens. The iPhone 16e still manages to deliver impressive photography capabilities, including a 2x “optical-quality” telephoto option, though it lacks some of the more advanced features like macro photography, the latest generation of portrait mode controls and the camera control button. The iPhone 16 also features sensor-shift optical image stabilization, while the iPhone 16e only has standard optical image stabilization. On the front, the iPhone 16e is equipped with a 12-megapixel camera that supports autofocus, ensuring sharp and clear selfies and the Face ID biometric system.
One of the more noticeable omissions in the iPhone 16e is the lack of MagSafe support. While it still offers wireless charging, it’s limited to 7.5W Qi charging, compared to the 16’s 15W Qi2 and 25W MagSafe capabilities. Both devices feature USB-C ports, marking Apple’s transition away from Lightning across its lineup.
At 59,900 INR, the iPhone 16e is a compelling option for those looking for a more affordable iPhone with modern features. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of the iPhone 16 such as the Dynamic Island, ultra-wide camera, and MagSafe support, it still maintains core features that matter most to average users: a powerful A18 chip, excellent 48-megapixel main camera, and surprisingly superior battery life.
For users who prioritize value and battery efficiency over additional camera features and display enhancements, the iPhone 16e represents a smart choice, offering the essential iPhone experience without the premium price tag. The standard iPhone 16, starting at 79,900 INR, makes sense for users who prioritize the expanded camera system, brighter display, Dynamic Island functionality or MagSafe compatibility.
