iPhone 16 Plus vs 16e – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPhone 16 Plus & iPhone 16e share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPhone 16 Plus rather than the iPhone 16e

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 16 Plus

  • The iPhone 16 Plus features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display for a larger, more immersive viewing experience, whereas the iPhone 16e has a smaller 6.1-inch OLED display.
  • iPhone 16 Plus comes with a dual-camera system including a 48 MP wide and 12 MP ultrawide lens for versatile photography and wide-angle shots, while the iPhone 16e has only a single 48 MP Fusion camera.
  • It includes a dedicated Camera Control button for quick access to zoom and capture functions, whereas the iPhone 16e does not include a Camera Control button.
  • The iPhone 16 Plus features a 5-core GPU in the A18 chip for stronger graphics performance in demanding apps and gaming, whereas the iPhone 16e includes a 4-core GPU.
  • iPhone 16 Plus supports MagSafe and Qi2 charging for faster and more convenient wireless charging with magnetic accessory compatibility, while the iPhone 16e only supports standard Qi charging up to 7.5 W.
  • It has a larger 4674 mAh battery for extended use and up to 27 hours of video playback, whereas the iPhone 16e has a smaller 4005 mAh battery.
  • iPhone 16 Plus uses a Qualcomm modem with support for mmWave 5G and Ultra Wideband connectivity for faster speeds and precise device tracking, while the iPhone 16e uses Apple’s C1 modem without mmWave or UWB support.

Maybe the iPhone 16e price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 16 Plus. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureiPhone 16 PlusiPhone 16e
Display size6.7-inch OLED6.1-inch OLED
Brightness (HDR)~2000 nitsHDR capable
GPU coresA18 with 5-core GPUA18 with 4-core GPU
Rear camera systemDual: 48 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawideSingle 48 MP Fusion lens
Ultrawide lensYesNo
Camera Control buttonDedicated physical buttonNot present
ModemQualcomm-basedApple C1 modem
Ultra-Wideband (UWB)YesNo
MagSafe / Qi2 supportMagSafe and Qi2 supportedOnly Qi standard
Wireless charging speedFasterSlower
Battery capacity~4674 mAh~4005 mAh
Video playback battery life~27 hours~26 hours
Weight~199 g~167 g
DimensionsTaller and widerMore compact
Color optionsUltramarine, Teal, Pink, White, BlackLimited (e.g., White, Black)
USB-C port with DisplayPort?YesUSB-C, but no DisplayPort output
Proximity to SE positioningFlagship-sized optionEntry-level positioning
Photographic features (e.g., Night mode, Deep Fusion)Full rangeSupported on main lens; lacks ultrawide and cinematic modes
PriceCheck iPhone 16 Plus PriceCheck iPhone 16e Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • A18 Chip: Both iPhones feature the Apple A18 chip with a Neural Engine, ensuring smooth performance, advanced AI processing, and efficient multitasking across apps.
  • 8GB RAM: Both models include 8GB of RAM, allowing for faster app switching, better background task handling, and improved support for iOS updates.
  • Storage Options: Both devices come in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities, giving users flexible choices based on storage needs.
  • Face ID: Both support Face ID facial recognition for secure authentication, enabling quick and safe unlocking as well as secure payments.
  • Apple Intelligence: Both include Apple Intelligence integration, enabling features like text summarization, image generation, and advanced Siri functions.
  • Emergency SOS via Satellite: Both support emergency SOS via satellite, letting users contact help in remote areas without cellular coverage.
  • Crash Detection: Both include crash detection, automatically contacting emergency services when severe collisions are detected.
  • IP68 Rating: Both are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, protecting the phones in wet or dusty environments.
  • USB-C Port: Both use USB-C ports instead of Lightning, simplifying charging and compatibility with modern accessories.
  • Wi-Fi: Both support fast Wi-Fi connections for smooth browsing, streaming, and app use.
  • Bluetooth 5: Both feature Bluetooth 5 connectivity, ensuring stable connections with wireless headphones and accessories.
  • NFC: Both include NFC technology with Apple Pay and Express Transit mode for seamless payments and quick card access.
  • Portrait Mode: Both support Portrait mode in the camera system, producing professional-looking shots with depth effects.
  • Night Mode: Both have Night Mode for brighter and clearer images in low-light conditions.
  • Deep Fusion: Both utilize Deep Fusion processing to enhance mid-light photography, improving texture and detail.
  • Smart HDR 5: Both include Smart HDR 5, delivering balanced photos with accurate highlights and shadows.
  • Spatial Audio and Video: Both support spatial audio and audio zoom during video recording, improving immersive sound quality.
  • iOS 18: Both launched with iOS 18, ensuring they share the same modern software features and interface improvements.
  • Software Updates: Both are expected to receive long-term iOS support, keeping them updated and secure for many years.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 16 PlusiPhone 16e
System-on‑a‑chipApple A18 with Neural EngineApple A18 with Neural Engine
RAM8 GB8 GB
Storage options128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
IP68 water & dust resistanceYesYes
USB‑C portYesYes
Face IDYesYes
Apple Intelligence supportYesYes
Emergency SOS via satelliteYesYes
Crash detectionYesYes
Wireless LAN capabilityWi‑FiWi‑Fi
NFC supportYesYes
Bluetooth versionBluetooth 5.xBluetooth 5.x
Portrait mode supportYesYes
Photographic stylesYesYes
Night Mode supportYesYes
Deep Fusion supportYesYes
Smart HDRYesYes
Spatial audio/video featuresYesYes
iOS 18 launch OSYesYes
Long-term software updatesYesYes
Price Check iPhone 16 Plus Price Check iPhone 16e Price

FAQ

What chip do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16e use?
Both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16e are powered by the Apple A18 chip with a Neural Engine, which delivers strong performance for apps, gaming, photography, and advanced AI-driven features.

Do both models have the same amount of RAM?
Yes, both iPhones include 8GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking, efficient memory management, and support for future iOS updates without performance lag.

Are the storage options the same for both models?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16e are available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage configurations, giving users the same flexibility to choose capacity.

Do both phones support Face ID?
Yes, both models use Face ID facial recognition for secure unlocking, authentication, and payments, providing a fast and safe way to access the device.

Is Apple Intelligence available on both the iPhone 16 Plus and 16e?
Yes, both devices support Apple Intelligence features, such as on-device AI assistance, text summarization, and image-based intelligence tools.

Do both iPhones include Emergency SOS via satellite?
Yes, both support Emergency SOS via satellite, enabling users to connect with emergency services in remote areas without standard cellular coverage.

Do both models feature crash detection?
Yes, crash detection is built into both devices, automatically alerting emergency services when a serious car crash is detected.

Are the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16e water-resistant?
Yes, both models are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, meaning they can handle submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.

Do both iPhones use USB-C?
Yes, both iPhones replace the Lightning connector with a USB-C port, making them compatible with modern charging cables and accessories.

Do the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16e support Wi-Fi?
Yes, both devices support fast Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing seamless browsing, streaming, and app usage, although the Plus model supports a newer version.

Do both models have Bluetooth 5?
Yes, both support Bluetooth 5 technology, ensuring stable and efficient connections with wireless headphones, speakers, and accessories.

Is NFC available on both models?
Yes, NFC is present on both phones, supporting Apple Pay and Express Transit mode for fast and convenient tap-to-pay functionality.

Do both support Portrait Mode in photography?
Yes, both devices include Portrait Mode with depth control, enabling professional-style photos with blurred backgrounds.

Do both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16e have Night Mode?
Yes, both models support Night Mode, which captures brighter and clearer images in low-light environments.

Will both devices get long-term iOS updates?
Yes, both are expected to receive Apple’s long-term iOS update support, typically lasting five years or more, ensuring they stay secure and current.