iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 17: which one is right for you?

Phone 16e vs. iPhone 17: The main differences

The iPhone 16e is perfect for users who want a reliable iPhone, at an affordable price. The iPhone 17 is especially interesting for people who are willing to pay more for the newest improvements, such as:

• A larger screen (6.3 inches instead of 6.1 inches)
• A new A19 chip with support for Apple Intelligence
• Better cameras on both the front and the back
• A refresh rate up to 120Hz instead of 60Hz

We know we're comparing apples to oranges when comparing a budget iPhone to a standard model. Still, it should be interesting to see how the budget-friendly iPhone 16e performs compared to a newer generation iPhone.

Design comparison: iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 has a renewed design with thinner screen edges, making the display a little larger. The iPhone 17 looks a lot like the iPhone 16. On the front you have the Dynamic Island ahd there's the same oval camera island on the back. Apart from that, there aren't many differences between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16e, however, does not have a Dynamic Island, so that is a big difference. Instead, it still has the notch.

Compared with the iPhone 17, the main design difference with the iPhone 16e is the camera. The iPhone 16e only has one lens, which sits on the device without a camera island. The iPhone 17 has two lenses in a camera island.

Colors of the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16e

• The iPhone 17 is available in: light purple, green, light blue, white, and black.
• The iPhone 16e is available in: black and white.

Comparing the iPhone 16e and iPhone 17's displays

The iPhone 16e has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 60Hz. The iPhone 17 has a larger 6.3-inch display, with 120Hz ProMotion technology for a much smoother experience.

The display is one of the most noticeable differences between the two models. The iPhone 16e has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532 × 1170 pixels. This gives you a sharp image with vibrant colors, perfect for everyday use such as browsing and watching videos. The 60Hz refresh rate has been the standard for iPhones for years and is fine for your daily tasks.

The iPhone 17, of course, has a slightly larger display of 6.3 inches with a higher resolution (2622 × 1206 pixels). But more importantly, it comes with the upgrade to 120Hz ProMotion technology. This means scrolling, gaming, and videos all feel much smoother. Thanks to ProMotion, the display automatically adapts to what you’re doing, which saves battery. The screen can also get brighter than the iPhone 16e, which means you will have a better view outdoors compared to the iPhone 16e.

Camera comparison of the iPhone 16e and iPhone 17

The iPhone 16e has a 48-megapixel Fusion main camera with a 12-megapixel selfie camera, while the iPhone 17 comes with a dual-camera system of 48 megapixels and a much stronger 18-megapixel selfie camera.

The camera of the iPhone 16e

The iPhone 16e only has one 48-megapixel Fusion main camera. It'll give you sharp photos, as you would expect from an iPhone. For everyday photography such as family snaps, landscapes, and social media, this camera is more than sufficient. The 12-megapixel selfie camera of the iPhone 16e also provides clear photos and video calls. Face ID works flawlessly for unlocking your device, even in different lighting conditions.

The cameras of the iPhone 17

Just like the standard iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 has a dual-camera system on the back. Next to the main camera, you also get an ultrawide lens for improved portrait mode and better zoom options. The 18-megapixel selfie camera is a clear upgrade compared to the 12-megapixel front camera of the iPhone 16e. This means sharper selfies, better low-light performance, and improved video quality for video calls.

Processor performance of the iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 17

The iPhone 16e runs on the powerful A18 chip. For a budget phone, this is a very up-to-date chip with great AI performances for Apple Intelligence. The iPhone 17 has the newer A19 chip, which offers improved AI performance and energy efficiency.

The iPhone 16e with A18

The A18 chip in the iPhone 16e gives you solid performance for all your daily tasks and can also handle demanding apps and multitasking with ease. When the iPhone 16e was launched, it stood out for having the A18 chip optimized for Apple Intelligence. This means you get all the AI features of the standard iPhone 16.

iPhone 17: faster and more efficient

The A19 chip in the iPhone 17 takes things a step further. This processor is faster, more powerful, and more efficient in advanced AI applications. That makes the iPhone 17 not only faster but also more energy-efficient than the 16e. If you often use heavy apps, you will definitely notice the difference.

Battery life: iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 17

The iPhone 16e offers up to 26 hours of video playback and has USB-C fast charging. The iPhone 17 can go up to 30 hours of video playback.

The iPhone 16e has a battery capacity of 3961 mAh. According to Apple, it provides up to 26 hours of video playback; about a day of intensive use. For average users who mainly text, call, and browse, the battery should easily last a full day. However, the iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe support, which makes wireless charging less efficient.

According to Apple, the iPhone 17 gives you up to 30 hours of video playback. The company has not revealed much more about the battery yet. The iPhone 17 should charge up to 50% in just 20 minutes. For this, you do need a charger of at least 40W. With wireless charging, the maximum is 30W.

New this year: the iPhone Air

For the first time, Apple is launching an Air model iPhone. This brand-new model is the thinnest iPhone yet. Besides the slim design, there is another unique feature: the iPhone Air can only use an eSIM.

Good news: you can get your eSIM at Simyo. You can make the switch and keep your current number. By going eSIM-only, Apple is making a big step forward. In the United States, you have not been able to buy an iPhone with a SIM card tray since 2022. Now, it's been introduced in the European market.

All specifications of the iPhone 16e and iPhone 17

Buying your new iPhone at Simyo

Does the iPhone 16e have everything you’re looking for? At Simyo, you can buy the iPhone 16e together with an affordable subscription. You can also still choose the iPhone 15 or a refurbished iPhone 14 .

Would you like to renew your current Simyo subscription with one of these devices? Then log in to Mijn Simyo to close your deal.

FAQ - iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 17