iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Budget could be better

So it isn't called the iPhone SE, it is now the iPhone 16e and the iPhone 16 is officially quaking in its boots. While the 16e is still be a step down from the main flagship models, the gap isn't looking too significant, especially for a solid saving.

One thing is consistent about the iPhone SE range, and that is its single camera format. While the iPhone 16 has both a 48MP primary lens, and a 12MP ultrawide, the iPhone 16e has a 48MP primary camera with some extras.

Even though it is a lesser set up than the flagships, this is a big upgrade from the last "e" model which still had a 12MP primary. When Apple pumped up its MP numbers on the iPhone 14 Pro we could see the difference between. The details were clearer on the new lens, so chances are we will see the same thing here. Expect a crisper shot from the iPhone 16e than any other iPhone SE before.

But the iPhone 16e's 48MP camera isn't just that, it is a Fusion camera with an intelgrated 2x telephoto zoom. It also handles 4K video. 

Despite the higher MP count and the telephoto integration, avid phone photographers may still feel limited by the single camera. For those who just want to snap and go the iPhone 16e will likely do better than you expect, but for anyone who wants more granular control you'll be better off with the iPhone 16.

All up the iPhone 16e 2025 borrowed the iPhone 14 design. It finally has an edge-to-edge display, with no home button, and thin bezels. Its screen has improved from an LCD panel, to OLED, but it will keep the camera notch over the Dynamic Island, and add the Action Button as opposed to the mute switch. Once again compared to the old iPhone SE, this is a huge step up.

The iPhone 16 has much of the above, but also comes with the Capture Button, and Dynamic Island. Pretty much everything new Apple has rolled out design wise since the iPhone 14. None of these are essentials to the user, but they are nice to have.

If you're not too fussed on the physical buttons, or the Dynamic Island then you won't miss out on much by opting for the iPhone 16e over the iPhone 16. Neither include ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, and they're both 6.1-inches.

Both the iPhone 16e and the iPhone 16 will share the A18 chipset and iOS 18. This, plus an extra 4GB of RAM makes the 16e powerful enough to handle Apple Intelligence.

Apple Intelligence is only available on iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 models, and there is no difference between them in functionality. The iPhone 16e will get the same slew of AI features as the rest of the family, and it looks like the battery might just be able to handle it.

The new iPhone has a "supersized battery life" which Apple claims to have six hours more than iPhone 11. This number is based on the video playback hours however, and not the practical use. How that actually translates is yet to be seen.