Apple’s February 19th announcement introduced a new iPhone to the family: the iPhone 16e. Positioned below the iPhone 15 and replacing the iPhone SE 3, the 16e becomes Apple’s most affordable iPhone option. This new “e” variant combines a powerful A18 processor (similar to the iPhone 16) with the familiar notched display design reminiscent of pre-iPhone 14 models. Notably, the iPhone 16e supports Apple Intelligence, a feature absent in the slightly pricier iPhone 15. This begs the question: Does the $600 iPhone 16e, with its AI capabilities and latest processor, outperform the $700 iPhone 15? Our initial comparison yielded a surprising result.
iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 15: Specifications
Feature | iPhone 16e | iPhone 15 |
---|---|---|
Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm |
Weight | 167g | 171g |
Display | 6.1″ XDR OLED (60Hz) | 6.1″ XDR OLED (60Hz) |
Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2556 x 1179 |
OS | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
MicroSD Slot | No | No |
Payment | Apple Pay | Apple Pay |
Processor | Apple A18 | Apple A16 |
RAM | 8GB | 6GB |
Rear Camera | 48MP | 48MP, 12MP Ultrawide |
Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
Video Recording | 4K@60fps, FHD@240fps | 4K@60fps, FHD@240fps |
Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Port | USB-C | USB-C |
Biometrics | Face ID | Face ID |
Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Battery | TBC | 3,349mAh |
Network | 5G | 5G |
Colors | Black, White | Astral Trail, Nebula Noir |
Price | From $599 | From $700 |
Availability | Apple, Amazon, Best Buy | Apple, Amazon, Best Buy |
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iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 15: Design
Apple’s design prowess is evident in both the iPhone 16e and iPhone 15. However, the iPhone 15 boasts a more modern aesthetic with its Dynamic Island, a pill-shaped cutout that houses the front camera and sensors while cleverly displaying contextual information. This contrasts with the iPhone 16e, which revives the once-ubiquitous notch. While some may appreciate the nostalgic appeal of the notch, it undeniably feels dated compared to the Dynamic Island’s innovative use of screen space. Both phones feature IP68 water and dust resistance, offering comparable durability.
While design preferences are subjective, the iPhone 15’s Dynamic Island gives it a clear edge in modern appeal.
Winner: iPhone 15
iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 15: Display
Both iPhones offer virtually identical 6.1-inch XDR OLED displays with similar resolutions. Disappointingly, both are limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, lagging behind the smoother displays found on many Android competitors. The key differentiator here, again, is the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 15. Additionally, the iPhone 15 boasts a higher peak brightness, making it significantly more legible in sunlight. This practical advantage solidifies the iPhone 15’s win in this category.
Winner: iPhone 15
iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 15: Performance
The iPhone 16e features the newer A18 processor, albeit a slightly modified version with one less GPU core compared to the standard A18. The iPhone 15 utilizes the older but still powerful A16 chip. While the A18 might have a slight edge in benchmarks, both processors deliver exceptional performance for everyday tasks and demanding apps. The iPhone 16e does benefit from 8GB of RAM (compared to the iPhone 15’s 6GB), primarily to support Apple Intelligence features.
Winner: Tie
iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 15: Battery and Charging
While Apple claims improved battery life for the iPhone 16e, real-world testing is needed to verify this. The iPhone 15 offers a solid day of use. A significant difference lies in charging: the iPhone 15 supports faster 15W wireless charging, MagSafe, and Qi2, while the iPhone 16e is limited to 7.5W wireless charging without MagSafe or Qi2 support. This gives the iPhone 15 a clear advantage for users who rely on wireless charging.
Winner: iPhone 15
iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 15: Cameras
The iPhone 15 features a dual-camera system with a 48MP main lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens, delivering excellent image quality. The iPhone 16e inherits the 48MP main lens but lacks the ultrawide lens and some of the iPhone 15’s Portrait mode features. While the 16e benefits from Apple Intelligence’s Visual Intelligence capabilities, the iPhone 15’s versatile dual-camera setup remains superior.
Winner: iPhone 15
iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 15: Software and Updates
Both phones run iOS 18 and will receive long-term software updates. The iPhone 16e’s defining feature is its access to Apple Intelligence, including AI-powered features like enhanced Siri functionality, tone suggestions for writing, and photo editing tools. This gives the 16e a distinct advantage for users interested in exploring Apple’s AI ecosystem.
Winner: iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 15: Price and Availability
The iPhone 16e starts at $599, while the iPhone 15 is available from $700. Both are readily available from major retailers.
iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 15: Verdict
While the iPhone 16e offers a compelling entry point to Apple Intelligence and boasts the latest processor, the iPhone 15 emerges as the stronger overall device. The iPhone 15’s superior camera system, faster wireless charging with MagSafe support, Dynamic Island, and brighter display make it the better choice for most users, despite the higher price. The iPhone 16e’s primary appeal lies in its AI capabilities, making it a worthwhile consideration for those seeking affordable access to Apple’s latest AI features.