Apple iPhone 16vsApple iPhone 16e
TOO CLOSEUpdated September 8, 2026
Your call
Verdict
Too close to call — it comes down to your priorities
Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone 16e trade category wins — Apple iPhone 16 in Camera; Apple iPhone 16e in Price. Decide by the category you actually use most, then check the price.
- Too close to call between Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone 16e.
- Apple iPhone 16 takes Display — led by peak brightness (2,000 nits).
- Apple iPhone 16 takes Camera — led by video score (94 pts).
- Apple iPhone 16e takes Battery — led by battery (4,005 mAh).
- Apple iPhone 16e takes Price — led by price (599 USD).
Scores follow our published methodology · v2026.09
In plain English
Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want…
- Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want a faster phone for apps and games — 1,400,000 pts vs 1,350,000 pts.
- Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want a sharper screen — 460 ppi vs 457 ppi.
- Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want a screen you can read in sunlight — 2,000 nits vs 1,200 nits.
- Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want better video quality — 94 pts vs 90 pts.
- Choose Apple iPhone 16 if you want a better camera — 142 pts vs 136 pts.
Choose Apple iPhone 16e if you want…
- Choose Apple iPhone 16e if you want longer battery life — 4,005 mAh vs 3,561 mAh.
- Choose Apple iPhone 16e if you want a lower price — 599 USD vs 799 USD.
At a glance
- Apple iPhone 16
- Apple iPhone 16e
Click a label to jump to that section ↓
Best price now
The cheap alternative
Full record
Every spec, side by side — winners get a check and a proportional bar. Ties share the badge.
Performance score
Approximate benchmark score of the chipset — higher is faster for apps, games and AI.
Chipset
The processor inside — shown for reference, never decides a winner.
RAM
More RAM keeps more apps alive in the background.
Storage
Base onboard storage for photos, apps and media.
Screen size
Diagonal screen size — bigger is better for media, smaller is easier to hold.
Pixel density
Sharpness of the screen — above ~400 ppi looks crisp.
Refresh rate
How smooth scrolling and motion feel. 120 Hz is the modern standard.
Peak brightness
Peak brightness in sunlight — higher stays readable outdoors.
Main camera
Resolution of the primary rear camera — photo quality is judged by the Camera quality score, not megapixels.
Selfie camera
Resolution of the front camera.
Telephoto
A dedicated zoom lens for distant subjects without quality loss.
Video score
Composite video rating — stabilisation, 4K/8K support and colour.
Camera score
Composite camera quality from independent testing — how good the photos actually are.
Battery
Battery capacity — higher generally lasts longer.
Charging speed
Wired charging speed — higher refills faster.
Wireless charging
Whether the phone charges wirelessly.
Price
Typical MSRP in US dollars — lower is better value.
Which one should you buy?
Apple iPhone 16
Choose Apple iPhone 16 if camera matters most. It costs USD 799.
Apple iPhone 16e
Choose Apple iPhone 16e if price matters most. It costs USD 599, the lowest price in this group.
Pros & cons
Apple iPhone 16
- A18 speed
- Camera Control button
- Strong resale value
- 60 Hz display
- Slow 20 W charging
- No telephoto lens
Apple iPhone 16e
- A18 chip
- Cheapest new iPhone
- Long software support
- 60 Hz display
- Single rear camera
- 20 W charging