Apple iPhone 11 vs Apple iPhone 16e

Our Verdict: For shoppers focused on broader contract availability, the Apple iPhone 16e is the more natural fit; for a lower current starting price, about £110 versus £359, the Apple iPhone 11 stays in contention. Apple iPhone 11 is currently cheaper to buy outright by roughly £249. Camera resolution favours Apple iPhone 16e at 48MP, though megapixels alone do not decide image quality. The better buy is the Apple iPhone 11 for keeping the upfront or SIM-free spend lower; the Apple iPhone 16e is the better match if its extra hardware advantages line up with how you use your phone.

Over a full contract, the 11 works out around £486 all-in, about £90 less than the 16e.

Expert Rating
4.5
19 reviews
3.7
12 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.1"
Display
IPS LCD Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
828 x 1792 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch
324 457
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) Apple A18 (3 nm)
Battery
3,110 mAh 4,005 mAh
Storage
64GB, 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type
Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 4G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight
194 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance
IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£18.00/mo (£9.00 upfront) £22.79/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£118.00 £359.00

Prices updated 16 July 2026

Apple iPhone 11 Apple iPhone 11 Apple iPhone 16e Apple iPhone 16e
Expert Rating 4.5
19 reviews
3.7
12 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.1"
Display IPS LCD Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 828 x 1792 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch 324 457
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) Apple A18 (3 nm)
Battery 3,110 mAh 4,005 mAh
Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 4G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight 194 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts £18.00/mo
£9.00 upfront
£22.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £118.00 £359.00
Prices updated 16 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 11
Apple iPhone 11

24 Months

64GB

Green

100GB

Data

£18 per month, £9 upfront.

Apple iPhone 16e
Apple iPhone 16e

24 Months

128GB

Black

Refurbished

10GB

Data

£22.79 per month, £29 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 11 or Apple iPhone 16e cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 11 is cheaper on contract at £486.00 over the life of the deal from £18.00 per month with £9.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 11 or Apple iPhone 16e?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16e has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 324, and the Apple iPhone 11 uses a IPS LCD panel while the Apple iPhone 16e has a Super Retina XDR OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 11 or Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 11 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 16e has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 11 or Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 11 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £118.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 11 and Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 11 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone 16e comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 11 and Apple iPhone 16e use?

The Apple iPhone 11 is powered by the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+), while the Apple iPhone 16e uses the Apple A18 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 11 or Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 16e is the more portable of the two: it's 27g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 11 or Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 11 is rated IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, while the Apple iPhone 16e is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 11 and Apple iPhone 16e run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.