In a stunning twist, Apple has expanded the iPhone 16 vary months after launch with the brand new iPhone 16e. Not like the iPhone SE it changed, the iPhone 16e is part of the “iPhone 16 household,” according to Tim Cook. Meaning you might have a staggering 5 completely different iPhone 16 fashions to select from: iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, they usually vary from $599 unlocked to $1,199.
In the event you’re planning to improve and are not certain which mannequin is best for you, don’t be concerned, I am right here to assist. I’ll break down the variations and similarities of every mannequin on this information so you can also make a extra knowledgeable alternative about your next iPhone.
Up to date February 2025: We have added particulars concerning the iPhone 16e and up to date the provider offers.
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Ought to You Improve?
Ah, the age-old query. Must you get the brand new iPhone? Our philosophy right here at WIRED is that it’s best to solely improve in the event you want to. Is your present cellphone working completely wonderful? If the expertise is OK for probably the most half however possibly your battery life has deteriorated, strive doing a battery swap first—Apple presents a battery replacement program for a modest charge—and this might breathe new life into your system. There are additionally extra methods to repair an iPhone than ever before.
But when your present cellphone is irritating to make use of, improve! Just like the iPhone 15 range, the whole iPhone 16 lineup has a USB-C port. These units may benefit from Apple Intelligence (alongside the iPhone 15 Professional)—if that is one thing you care about.
In the event you’ve determined to do it, learn our information on how to sell your iPhone. Ensure you back up your iPhone first, and factory reset it to erase your knowledge from the system. We even have recommendations on how to set up your new iPhone to get probably the most out of your new handset.
Which iPhone 16 Mannequin Is Proper for You?
The iPhone 16 range contains the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are similar aside from display screen dimension and battery life. The identical is true for each Professional fashions. Between these two pairs, the choice comes down as to whether you need a small or massive cellphone.
How does the iPhone 16e evaluate? It is the identical dimension because the iPhone 16, however because it’s the most affordable, Apple has lower a number of options to hit that $599 value. The design is notably completely different—there is not any color-infused glass again right here. It is powered by the A18 chip, however it lacks one GPU core for a complete of 4 versus the five-core GPU on the usual iPhone 16. Meaning a slight hit to graphics efficiency, impacting video games and different demanding duties. Not like the remainder of the vary, this iPhone doesn’t have the Dynamic Island floating selfie digicam system however as an alternative makes use of the notch digicam design like on the unique iPhone X.
