Presented by Uniq: Explore the latest rugged cases from Uniq, featuring the glow-in-the-dark Combat Active iPhone case designed with a textured grip for enhanced control and a reflective lanyard. Also, discover the Stride SE, a high-performance sports band for Apple Watch, crafted from durable FKM materials.
Just yesterday, Apple unveiled the new iPhone 16e, marking the most affordable new addition to their iPhone lineup. This model includes Apple Intelligence, Face ID, USB-C, a 48MP Fusion camera, and more, all starting at just $599.
Clearly, the iPhone 16e offers a significant enhancement over the iPhone SE 3. Additionally, comparisons can be drawn to older entry-level iPhone models such as the iPhone 12, 13, 14, and even the iPhone 15, for many compelling reasons. We will explore these comparisons further.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16e
The iPhone 12 introduced the first redesign since the iPhone X, establishing a boxy design language that persists in today’s iPhone lineup. It was the first iPhone to support 5G, utilizing an early generation Qualcomm modem. In contrast, the iPhone 16e incorporates Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, which significantly improves power efficiency.
With features like USB-C, a minimized notch, Apple Intelligence, and a larger camera sensor, upgrading to the iPhone 16e is a straightforward decision.
| iPhone 12 | iPhone 16e | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1″ OLED with larger notch – 625 nits brightness |
6.1″ OLED with smaller notch – 800 nits brightness |
| Camera | Wide: 12MP Ultrawide: 12MP |
Wide: 48MP Ultrawide: N/A |
| Processor | Apple A14: – 6-core CPU – 4-core GPU – 16-core Neural Engine |
Apple A18: – 6-core CPU – 4-core GPU – 16-core Neural Engine |
| Charging | Lightning up to 20W MagSafe up to 15W |
USB-C up to 20W Qi charging up to 7.5W |
| Apple Intelligence | No support | Fully supported |
| Connectivity | – Wi-Fi 6 – Bluetooth 5.0 – Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G |
– Wi-Fi 6 – Bluetooth 5.3 – Sub-6GHz 5G |
| Battery | 17 hours video playback | 26 hours video playback |
| Additional Features | – Ring/mute switch – Emergency SOS – N/A – N/A |
– Action Button – Emergency SOS via Satellite – Crash Detection – Photographic Styles |
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e brings several significant upgrades compared to the iPhone 13 from 2021. Generally, these enhancements are universally beneficial, except for the removal of the ultrawide camera on the rear. However, thanks to the 48MP camera sensor from the iPhone 15, the iPhone 16e can take photos with 2x zoom while maintaining “optical quality,” a capability the iPhone 13 lacks.
| iPhone 13 | iPhone 16e | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1″ OLED with smaller notch – 800 nits brightness |
6.1″ OLED with smaller notch – 800 nits brightness |
| Camera | Wide: 12MP Ultrawide: 12MP |
Wide: 48MP Ultrawide: N/A |
| Processor | Apple A15: – 6-core CPU – 4-core GPU – 16-core Neural Engine |
Apple A18: – 6-core CPU – 4-core GPU – 16-core Neural Engine |
| Charging | Lightning up to 20W MagSafe up to 15W |
USB-C up to 20W Qi charging up to 7.5W |
| Apple Intelligence | No support | Fully supported |
| Connectivity | – Wi-Fi 6 – Bluetooth 5.0 – Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G |
– Wi-Fi 6 – Bluetooth 5.3 – Sub-6GHz 5G |
| Battery | 19 hours video playback | 26 hours video playback |
| Additional Features | – Ring/mute switch – Emergency SOS – N/A – Photographic Styles |
– Action Button – Emergency SOS via Satellite – Crash Detection – Photographic Styles |
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 16e
Considering the similarities that exist between the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14, there are not many prominent differences to highlight. However, here’s a comprehensive overview:
| iPhone 14 | iPhone 16e | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1″ OLED with smaller notch – 800 nits brightness |
6.1″ OLED with smaller notch – 800 nits brightness |
| Camera | Wide: 12MP Ultrawide: 12MP |
Wide: 48MP Ultrawide: N/A |
| Processor | Apple A15: – 6-core CPU – 5-core GPU – 16-core Neural Engine |
Apple A18: – 6-core CPU – 4-core GPU – 16-core Neural Engine |
| Charging | Lightning up to 20W MagSafe up to 15W |
USB-C up to 20W Qi charging up to 7.5W |
| Apple Intelligence | No support | Fully supported |
| Connectivity | – Wi-Fi 6 – Bluetooth 5.3 – Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G |
– Wi-Fi 6 – Bluetooth 5.3 – Sub-6GHz 5G |
| Battery | 20 hours video playback | 26 hours video playback |
| Additional Features | – Ring/mute switch – Emergency SOS via Satellite – Crash Detection – Photographic Styles |
– Action Button – Emergency SOS via Satellite – Crash Detection – Photographic Styles |
iPhone 15 vs iPhone 16e
The iPhone 15 represented a significant advancement over the iPhone 14, bringing USB-C and Dynamic Island to the entry-level iPhone. It also included the upgraded 48MP wide-angle lens from the iPhone 14 Pro, which is also a feature of the iPhone 16e.
| iPhone 15 | iPhone 16e | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1″ OLED with Dynamic Island – 1000 nits brightness |
6.1″ OLED with smaller notch – 800 nits brightness |
| Camera | Wide: 48MP Ultrawide: 12MP |
Wide: 48MP Ultrawide: N/A |
| Processor | Apple A16: – 6-core CPU – 5-core GPU – 16-core Neural Engine |
Apple A18: – 6-core CPU – 4-core GPU – 16-core Neural Engine |
| Charging | USB-C up to 20W MagSafe up to 15W |
USB-C up to 20W Qi charging up to 7.5W |
| Apple Intelligence | No support | Fully supported |
| Connectivity | – Wi-Fi 6 – Bluetooth 5.3 – Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G |
– Wi-Fi 6 – Bluetooth 5.3 – Sub-6GHz 5G |
| Battery | 20 hours video playback | 26 hours video playback |
| Additional Features | – Ring/mute switch – Emergency SOS via Satellite – Crash Detection – Photographic Styles |
– Action Button – Emergency SOS via Satellite – Crash Detection – Photographic Styles |
Conclusion
In summary, the overarching theme is that upgrading to the iPhone 16e from any model older than the latest-generation iPhone 16 is advantageous—provided that the absence of official MagSafe support is not a concern for you.
You’ll enjoy benefits like USB-C, support for Apple Intelligence, along with a range of enhancements, mainly foregoing the ultrawide lens. The only exception to this is the iPhone 15, where you would also miss out on the Dynamic Island feature. No matter which iPhone you’re upgrading from, you will experience the best battery life available in a 6.1-inch iPhone.
Presented by Uniq: Explore the latest rugged cases from Uniq, featuring the glow-in-the-dark Combat Active iPhone case designed with a textured grip for enhanced control and a reflective lanyard. Also, discover the Stride SE, a high-performance sports band for Apple Watch, crafted from durable FKM materials.
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