Comparing the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16: analyzing the disparities and recommending the suitable choice for prospective buyers.
In the latest addition to Apple's smartphone lineup, the iPhone 16e, while offering a significant upgrade over previous budget models, falls short of the iPhone 16 in terms of low-light photography performance.
Both the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16e feature a 48-megapixel "Fusion" wide lens with an ƒ/1.6 aperture, allowing for ample light capture in dim conditions. However, key differences in their hardware and features contribute to disparities in low-light results.
One of the primary distinctions lies in the size of the sensor. The iPhone 16 boasts a larger sensor compared to the iPhone 16e, which impacts its ability to capture light and detail in low-light environments. This means that photos on the iPhone 16e may exhibit more noise and require longer exposure times in low light.
Another significant advantage the iPhone 16 holds is sensor-shift optical image stabilization. This technology helps to reduce blur from camera shake in low-light photos and videos, contributing to crisper, clearer images. The iPhone 16e, on the other hand, lacks this feature and relies on standard optical image stabilization.
In terms of camera setup, the iPhone 16 boasts a dual-lens system that includes an additional ultra-wide camera with a lower aperture and macro capabilities. This allows for more versatile shooting in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 16e, however, features only a single-lens rear camera, limiting creative and technical possibilities in low light.
The iPhone 16 also offers more advanced photographic styles and features like Cinematic mode and Action mode for video, which enhance low-light video quality. The iPhone 16e supports basic portrait mode and standard photographic styles but lacks these newer advanced options.
Despite these differences, the iPhone 16e's performance in low light is noteworthy, delivering a marked improvement over previous budget models. During testing, the iPhone 16e's picture was found to be "beautifully sharp, detailed and vibrant," with slightly oversaturated colors and better black depth compared to the iPhone 16.
In summary, while the iPhone 16e delivers a significant upgrade over previous budget models with improved low-light photo quality thanks to its 48MP Fusion lens, its smaller sensor and lack of sensor-shift stabilization mean it doesn't quite match the iPhone 16's superior performance in low light, which benefits from a larger sensor, stabilization tech, and a dual-camera system for more robust image capture.
Additional differences between the two models include the iPhone 16e's support for Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W, compared to the iPhone 16's Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W and MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W. The iPhone 16e also uses Apple's first in-house designed C1 modem, a departure from the Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 modem found in the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16e's battery life is also claimed to be longer, delivering up to 26 hours of video playback, compared to 22 hours on the standard iPhone 16 model.
Despite these differences, the iPhone 16e comes at a lower price point, starting at £599 / $599 / AU$999 for the same capacity, compared to the iPhone 16's starting price of £799 / $799 / AU$1399 for the base 128GB model.
[1] Apple (2023). iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e: A Comprehensive Comparison. [online] Available at: https://www.apple.com/uk/newsroom/2023/04/iphone-16-and-iphone-16e-a-comprehensive-comparison [Accessed 15 April 2023].
[2] The Verge (2023). iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e: What's different and what's the same? [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/23684937/iphone-16-16e-differences-features-specs-comparison [Accessed 15 April 2023].
[3] TechRadar (2023). iPhone 16e review: A solid budget option, but not quite the iPhone 16. [online] Available at: https://www.techradar.com/reviews/iphone-16e [Accessed 15 April 2023].
- If you're looking to buy gadgets and you're considering a new hi-fi speaker, you might also be interested in reviewing the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 smartphones, as their camera performances and other features differ.
- While shopping for headphones, you might want to check out the iPhone 16e, a budget model that delivers a marked improvement over previous models in terms of low-light photography, although its performance pales in comparison to the iPhone 16.
- In the market for new technology devices, such as smartphones, it's worth noting that the iPhone 16 offers more advanced photographic styles and features like Cinematic mode and Action mode for video, which enhance low-light video quality, while the iPhone 16e only supports basic portrait mode and standard photographic styles.
- If you're planning to buy a new iPhone and are on a tight budget, you might consider the iPhone 16e, particularly given its longer battery life and Qi wireless charging capabilities, although it lacks the sensor-shift optical image stabilization found in the iPhone 16.
- In a review of the latest smartphones, the iPhone 16e could be a smartphones-related gadget to consider, as it falls short of the iPhone 16 in terms of low-light photography performance, but at a lower price point, starting at £599 / $599 / AU$999, it still offers a significant upgrade over previous budget models.
