Apple has introduced its newest ‘price range’ iPhone, changing the ageing iPhone SE and the iPhone 14 with the model new iPhone 16e. This boasts a design extra just like the iPhone 14 than the iPhone SE, and trendy {hardware} that might show tempting for these with an older mannequin which can be pondering of upgrading.
We have a look at how this newest addition to the Apple catalogue compares to the iPhone 14 so see whether or not you need to lastly commerce in that handset in case your contract is winding down and if the iPhone 16e could be an appropriate alternative as a alternative.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 14: Design & Construct
Whereas the iPhone 16e is kind of a unique trying machine to the iPhone SE, there’s little or no to distinguish it from the iPhone 14, which itself bears a strikingly acquainted aesthetic to the iPhone 12 launched again in October 2020. Which means you get flat edges across the body, an aluminium chassis with a glass again, all of which holds a 6.1-inch show replete with the previous notch (no Dynamic Islands right here).
Obtainable in black or white, the iPhone 16e.
Apple
Dimensions are equivalent to the iPhone 14, at 146.7mm (5.78-inch) x 71.5mm (2.82-inch) x 7.8mm (0.31-inch); however the newer machine has misplaced a number of the weight, coming in at 167g which is 5g lighter than the iPhone 14.
There are just a few hints that that is an up to date mannequin although, as Apple has switched (as a consequence of EU legal guidelines) to USB-C for the charging port, whereas the iPhone 14 makes use of a Lightning connector. These are flanked by the identical stereo speaker preparations on both machine. The 16e additionally replaces the mute change on its older sibling with the Motion button that was launched on the iPhone 15 Professional and iPhone 15 Professional Max (so is lacking from the iPhone 15). This lets you assign devoted capabilities to the button (say, launching the digital camera or turning on a flashlight) to avoid wasting you having to open a menu or app.
Macwelt/Apple
The obvious distinction is discovered on the rear, the place the twin digital camera module on the iPhone 14 is changed with a solitary lens on the 16e. Apple does state that it is a 2-in-1 Fusion digital camera, although, so the efficiency distinction just isn’t as stark because it my first seem. We’ll talk about the benefits of the Fusion digital camera in additional element under.
Colours have been simplified to simply Black or White on the 16e, whereas the iPhone 14 boasted six totally different hues when it launched, together with (PRODUCT) RED, Starlight, Midnight, Yellow, Purple, and Blue. If you need enjoyable colours you’ll be able to, in fact, simply stick it in a case. See our spherical up of the very best circumstances for the iPhone 16 sequence.
Each gadgets include IP68 water and mud resistance, so they need to survive a fast dip or a visit to the seaside.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 14: Show
Plainly the panel within the new iPhone 16e is precisely the identical because the one used on the iPhone 14. So, you get a 6.1-inch Tremendous Retina XDR OLED show with a Ceramic Defend entrance, 2532×1170 decision (460ppi), 2,000,000:1 distinction ratio, HDR, True Tone, Extensive coloration (P3), and Haptic Contact. Illumination ranges are additionally unsurprisingly the identical at 800 nits most brightness (typical) or 1,200 nits of HDR peak brightness.
Foundry
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 14: Processors and Storage
One of the important upgrades Apple bestows upon the iPhone 16e is the processor. The brand new machine comes geared up with an A18 chip, decked out with a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. That’s an enormous step up from the A15 Bionic within the iPhone 14, albeit with the one notable distinction in that the A15 has a 5-core GPU (as does the A18 chip within the iPhone 16).
The largest advantage of this processor replace is the truth that this processor signifies that the iPhone 16e can help the brand new Apple Intelligence options, in contrast to each the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 (the latter on sale for $100 extra, see: Why I can’t suggest the iPhone 15 to anybody). Apple Intelligence is Apple’s title for the AI powered options that embody writing instruments, picture technology, ChatGPT integration, Siri enhancements and extra. There are prone to be much more Apple Intelligence options coming in iOS 19 later in 2025.
With the brand new silicon being three generations on from the A15 Bionic, it’s secure to say that it ought to be extra highly effective and vitality environment friendly. This does appear to be the case when it comes to battery life, however we’ll get to that somewhat later.
Once we reviewed the iPhone 16 (with it’s A18 chip), we seen efficiency enhancements of round 30% over the A16 chip within the iPhone 15. So, despite the fact that the variant within the iPhone 16e lacks that extra GPU core, you need to nonetheless see efficiency will increase over the A15 Bionic within the iPhone 14.
Storage choices stay the identical as on the iPhone 14, with alternative of 128GB, 256GB or 512GB capacities. There may be, fortunately, no 64GB model. There was a 64GB iPhone SE, which is the mannequin that value $429. The 128GB iPhone SE was $479 when it was discontinued, $499 at launch.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 14 :Cameras
At first look, the one lens on the iPhone 16e would appear to make it much less spectacular than the duel providing on the iPhone 14. However, it’s not fairly that straightforward.
The 14 does supply twin 12Mp sensors – a f/1.5 important and f/2.4 extremely large – which might ship 0.5x and 1x optical zooms, and likewise options sensor-shift optical stabilisation. It is a good vary of choices, with the extremely large characteristic being useful for those who’re in a good area and wish to get extra of your topic in focus.
Apple
The solitary lens within the 16e although is one in every of Apple’s Fusion cameras, as discovered on the iPhone 16, which acts as a 2-in-1. The 26mm, f/1.6 setup means that you can shoot in full 48Mp for pictures that comprise 4 occasions the element of these on the iPhone 14 important digital camera, however by cropping in and lowering the dimensions to 12Mp you get a 52mm, f/1.6 2x telephoto zoom. So, if you wish to get additional away, the iPhone 14 is for you, if you wish to beef issues up and get nearer – the iPhone 16e is the one you need.
Should you’re pondering of upgrading from an iPhone 14, then it will be properly value contemplating which digital camera you utilize essentially the most, because it won’t be an choice on the newer mannequin. Personally we discover that the ultra-wide digital camera creates an unattractive perspective distortion on the edges of the picture, the place individuals look wider, so we favor to not use it.
For video, each gadgets are able to 4K/60fps Dolby Imaginative and prescient video, together with Slo-mo, Time-lapse, Night time mode Time-Lapse, QuickTake, and Audio Zoom, however the iPhone 14 additionally boasts the Cinematic mode that enables shallow depth of subject (presumably as a result of extremely large digital camera) together with Motion mode for unbelievable picture stabilisation when you’re recording video when shifting (little doubt delivered by the sensor-shift tech). Then again, the iPhone 16e has Wind noise discount and an Audio Combine options that may enhance sound high quality on recordings.
So, for those who’re into film-making in your iPhone, then the older mannequin would appear to have the benefit right here, at the very least when it comes to visible options.
The FaceTime entrance digital camera is nearly the identical in each, with the 16e variant able to Good HDR5 reasonably than the HDR4 most on the iPhone 14. However, the latter does have Cinematic mode, which the 16e doesn’t, in addition to focus management in Portrait mode. In any other case, it’s as you had been.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 14: Battery Life and Charging
Should you’ve had an iPhone 14 for a few years, the battery life could also be beginning to diminish. So, the attraction of a brand new cell may very well be important. That’s earlier than you take into account one of many iPhone 16e’s arguably finest options – higher battery efficiency. Apple is promoting the virtues of it’s new C1 5G modem, which is promised to make use of much less energy than the usual module within the iPhone 14.
There’s additionally the improved effectivity of the A18 chip and iOS, plus it’s potential, however not confirmed, that the 16e comes with a better capability cell.
Apple
No matter it’s that’s happening below the hood, Apple states that the iPhone 16e can final for as much as 26 hours of video playback. That’s a whopping 6 hours greater than the iPhone 14, and that’s when that machine was model new. Should you’re extra of a music/podcast/audiobook fan, then the ten extra hours of audio playback on supply from the iPhone 16e may very well be the factor that pushes you in direction of an on the spot improve. We’ll be testing the battery life in our evaluate.
Wired recharging is analogous on each, with Quick Cost help that means that you could rise up to 50% of cost in half-hour (for those who’re utilizing a 20W charger or increased – which in fact Apple doesn’t provide). One complicated alternative is that whereas the older iPhone 14 helps MagSafe wi-fi charging, the a lot newer 16e doesn’t. As an alternative, you get Qi charging help. This appears very odd, as the corporate has spent the previous couple of years establishing MagSafe as an amazing characteristic on iPhone, solely to depart it off of its newest mannequin.
Anyway, when you’ve got any MagSafe chargers or battery packs, you gained’t have the ability to use them on the iPhone 16e.
Right here’s a breakdown of the comparative specs of each iPhones:
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 14 | |
|---|---|---|
| Show | 6.1-inch Tremendous Retina XDR OLED show, 2532×1170‑pixel decision at 460 ppi, 2,000,000:1 distinction ratio, HDR, True Tone, Extensive coloration (P3), Haptic Contact, 800 nits most brightness (typical) or 1,200 nits of HDR peak brightness | 6.1-inch Tremendous Retina XDR OLED show, 2532×1170‑pixel decision at 460 ppi, 2,000,000:1 distinction ratio, HDR, True Tone, Extensive coloration (P3), Haptic Contact, 800 nits most brightness (typical) or 1,200 nits of HDR peak brightness |
| Chassis | Aluminium with glass again | Aluminium with glass again |
| Controls | Motion button, Quantity buttons, Energy button | Ring/Silent change, Quantity buttons, Energy button |
| Processor | A18 chip (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine) | A15 Bionic chip (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine) |
| Rear Cameras | 2‑in‑1 digital camera system (48MP Fusion) | Twin-camera system (12MP Predominant, Extremely Extensive) |
| Apple Intelligence | Sure | No |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Imaginative and prescient video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps | 4K Dolby Imaginative and prescient video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps |
| Entrance Digital camera | TrueDepth entrance digital camera | TrueDepth entrance digital camera |
| Authentication | Face ID | Face ID |
| Mobile | 5G Superfast 5G mobile | 5G and Gigabit LTE |
| Water Resistance | Water-resistant to a depth of 6 metres for as much as half-hour | Water-resistant to a depth of 6 metres for as much as half-hour |
| Battery | As much as 26 hours video playback | As much as 20 hours video playback |
| Connectivity | USB-C | Lightning |
| MagSafe/Wi-fi Charging | Qi wi-fi charging as much as 7.5W | MagSafe and Qi wi-fi charging |
| Different Options | Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc, Crash Detection | Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc, Crash Detection |
| SIM Card | Twin SIM (two lively eSIMs, or nano-SIM and eSIM) | Twin SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) |
| Obtainable colors | Black, White | Blue, Purple, Yellow, Midnight, Starlight and (PRODUCT)RED |
| Capability | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Dimension and Weight | 146.7mm (5.78-inch) x 71.5mm (2.82-inch) x 7.8mm (0.31-inch); 167g | 146.7mm (5.78-inch) x 71.5mm (2.82-inch) x 7.8mm (0.31-inch); 172g |
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 14: Software program
Apple does a very good job of protecting older iPhones on the most recent variations of iOS. With the iPhone X fashions capable of improve to iOS 18, you will be fairly certain that the iPhone 14 will supported for just a few years but. That being mentioned, older fashions don’t essentially get the most recent options, usually as a consequence of {hardware} necessities. That is the case with Apple Intelligence, which wants the newer processors and at the very least 8GB of RAM to run the advanced techniques that permit options like Writing Instruments, Genmoji, the upgraded Siri expertise, e-mail summaries, audio transcription, and the assorted digital camera upgrades.
Apple
The iPhone 16e meets these standards, and that could be an vital improve immediate in order for you the most recent software program instruments that Apple has to supply, and to be future proofed for the following few years of improvements.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 14: Worth and Availability
Maybe the most important shock in regards to the iPhone 16e (which, bear in mind, was anticipated to be a alternative for the now retired iPhone SE that began at $429/£429 for 64GB, and $479/£479 for 129GB) is the worth. Apple has leapt up from that inexpensive sum to a a lot heftier $599/£599 for it’s new entry degree machine.
True, it’s nonetheless $200/£200 cheaper than the full-fat iPhone 16, however for these hoping to not get stung by probably the most worthwhile corporations on the planet in these tough occasions, Cupertino doesn’t appear interested by serving to you out. If you need greater than the 128GB base storage quantity, put together to even be stung by Apple’s over-priced improve prices.
Right here’s how the assorted fashions stack up:
- iPhone 16e 128GB – $599/£599
- iPhone 16e 256GB – $699/£699
- iPhone 16e 512GB – $899/£899
Apple now not presents the iPhone 14, so that you’d want to go searching for previous inventory that’s promoting via or second-hand fashions if you wish to purchase your first (or second) occasion of that mannequin. See: Finest iPhone 14 offers, get one when you nonetheless can.
The iPhone 15 does stay within the Apple catalogue, beginning at $699/£699, however though it boasts some higher specs than the iPhone 16e, it doesn’t have the package to run Apple Intelligence. So, if that issue is vital to you then you definitely’ll want to take a look at the iPhone 16 vary or the Professional variations of the iPhone 15 vary (though these are now not on sale from Apple). See our comparability of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16s.
Verdict: Do you have to improve from the iPhone 14 to the iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16e has some good issues going for it. Apple Intelligence future proofs the machine (at the very least for some time), and the prolonged battery life does look very interesting. There are some drawbacks although. It’s priced as a mid-range mannequin now, however doesn’t embody the fundamental belongings you’d count on of a mannequin that costly – MagSafe and at the very least two cameras for a begin.
Should you’re coming from an previous iPhone 14, and don’t have the additional money to purchase the iPhone 16, then it should positively be a step up in efficiency and battery life, however we’re not satisfied that it presents nice worth.
