Apple recently revamped its iPhone lineup, introducing the iPhone 16e, the spiritual successor to the budget-friendly iPhone SE. This new tier combines the SE concept with a modern design, Apple’s A18 chip, the latest iPhone 16 camera technology, and Apple Intelligence support. How does it stack up against a leading competitor in the affordable smartphone arena, the Google Pixel 8a? Let’s dive in.
iPhone 16e vs. Pixel 8a: Specifications
| Feature | iPhone 16e | Google Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm | 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 167g | 189g |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.1-inch Actua OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) | 2400 x 1080 pixels (430 ppi) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| MicroSD | No | No |
| Tap-to-Pay | Apple Pay | Google Wallet |
| Processor | Apple A18 | Google Tensor G3 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| OS | iOS 18 | Android 15 |
| Rear Camera | 48MP Fusion Camera | 64MP Wide, 13MP Ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 13MP |
| Video | Up to 4K Dolby Vision HDR at 60fps | Up to 4K at 60fps |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Under-display fingerprint |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery | 20W fast charging, 7.5W Qi wireless | 4,992mAh, 18W fast charging, 7.5W Qi wireless |
| App Store | Apple App Store | Google Play Store |
| Network | 5G (sub-6GHz), Wi-Fi 6 | 5G (mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E |
| Colors | Black, White | Aloe, Bay, Porcelain, Obsidian |
| Price (Starting) | $599 | $499 |
Alt text: A press image of the Apple iPhone 16e.
Design and Durability
The iPhone 16e inherits the familiar iPhone aesthetic, but with a simplified single-lens camera and limited color options (black and white). The Pixel 8a offers a more diverse color palette. The 16e features a USB-C port and the new Action button, though it lacks the Camera Control of the higher-end iPhones.
Alt text: A person holding a Google Pixel 8a smartphone.
Both phones offer IP68 water and dust resistance, although the Pixel 8a has a slightly lower rating. The iPhone 16e uses Apple’s Ceramic Shield glass, while the Pixel 8a opts for Gorilla Glass 3 and a plastic back.
Display Comparison
The iPhone 16e features a Super Retina XDR OLED display, a significant upgrade from the previous SE models. However, it reuses the iPhone 14’s display technology, including the notch and 1200-nit peak brightness.
Alt text: Apple iPhone 16e display.
The Pixel 8a boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and 2000-nit peak brightness, along with an always-on display feature, giving it a distinct advantage in this category.
Alt text: Google Pixel 8a display showing user interface.
Performance and Power
The iPhone 16e utilizes a slightly modified A18 chip with four GPU cores, compared to the five-core version in the standard iPhone 16. Despite this, its performance is expected to be robust, capable of handling demanding tasks and games.
Alt text: iPhone 16e being used near a HomePod mini.
The Pixel 8a’s Tensor G3 prioritizes machine learning and AI capabilities, delivering smooth everyday performance. However, the A18’s raw power and efficiency give the iPhone 16e a significant edge.
Alt text: Google Pixel 8a running a mobile game.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 16e leverages the A18’s efficiency and Apple’s new C1 5G modem for impressive battery life. While charging speeds are comparable, the iPhone 16e surprisingly lacks MagSafe support.
Alt text: iPhone 16e with USB-C cable connected for charging.
Alt text: Back view of the Google Pixel 8a.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 16e features a single 48MP Fusion camera with computational photography features like Smart HDR 5 and Deep Fusion. However, it lacks some of the advanced features found on higher-end iPhones, such as macro photography and Cinema mode.
Alt text: Close-up of the iPhone 16e's rear camera lens.
The Pixel 8a’s dual-camera system, with a 64MP primary lens and a 13MP ultrawide, gives it versatility. Google’s computational photography prowess is well-established, making this a close competition.
Alt text: Google Pixel 8a in Aloe green color.
Software and Special Features
The iPhone 16e runs iOS 18, featuring Apple Intelligence and its AI capabilities. Visual Intelligence, accessible through the Action button, allows for object identification and information retrieval.
Alt text: Two iPhone 16e units held up for display.
The Pixel 8a benefits from Android 15 and Google’s mature AI features, including Gemini Live assistant and advanced photo editing tools like Magic Eraser and Magic Editor.
Alt text: Using the AI wallpaper generator on a Google Pixel 8a.
Price and Availability
The iPhone 16e starts at $599, while the Pixel 8a offers a lower starting price of $499 and is often available at discounted prices.
Alt text: Multiple iPhone 16e units arranged in a pattern.
The Verdict
The iPhone 16e excels in performance and battery life. However, the Pixel 8a’s lower price, superior AI capabilities, and versatile camera system make it a compelling alternative, especially for those outside the Apple ecosystem.
