Apple iPhone 13 mini vs Apple iPhone 16e

Our Verdict: The decision tilts toward the Apple iPhone 16e if broader contract availability is high on your list, though the Apple iPhone 13 mini has the advantage for a lower current starting price, about £175 versus £359. Apple iPhone 13 mini is currently cheaper to buy outright by roughly £184; the screen sizes are 5.4 inches for Apple iPhone 13 mini and 6.1 inches for Apple iPhone 16e. Go for the Apple iPhone 13 mini if keeping the upfront or SIM-free spend lower, but pick the Apple iPhone 16e when its extra hardware advantages line up with how you use your phone.

Over a full contract, the 13 Mini works out around £544 all-in, about £32 less than the 16e.

Expert Rating
4.3
10 reviews
3.7
12 reviews
Screen
5.4" 6.1"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch
477 457
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A15 Bionic Apple A18 (3 nm)
Battery
2,406 mAh 4,005 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e- SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight
141 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£20.00/mo (£19.00 upfront) £22.79/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£194.99 £359.00

Prices updated 19 July 2026

Apple iPhone 13 mini Apple iPhone 13 mini Apple iPhone 16e Apple iPhone 16e
Expert Rating 4.3
10 reviews
3.7
12 reviews
Screen 5.4" 6.1"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch 477 457
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A15 Bionic Apple A18 (3 nm)
Battery 2,406 mAh 4,005 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type nano-SIM and e- SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight 141 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts £20.00/mo
£19.00 upfront
£22.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £194.99 £359.00
Prices updated 19 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 13 mini
Apple iPhone 13 mini

24 Months

128GB

(PRODUCT) RED

100GB

Data

£20 per month, £19 upfront.

Apple iPhone 16e
Apple iPhone 16e

24 Months

128GB

White

Refurbished

10GB

Data

£22.79 per month, £29 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 13 mini or Apple iPhone 16e cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 13 mini is cheaper on contract at £544.00 over the life of the deal from £20.00 per month with £19.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 13 mini or Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 16e has the bigger screen at 6.1" compared to the Apple iPhone 13 mini's 5.4", the Apple iPhone 13 mini has the sharper display at 477 pixels per inch versus 457, and both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 13 mini or Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 13 mini 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 13 mini or Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 13 mini is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £194.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 13 mini and Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 13 mini is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 16e comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 13 mini and Apple iPhone 16e use?

The Apple iPhone 13 mini is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 16e uses the Apple A18 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 13 mini or Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 13 mini is the more portable of the two: it's 26g lighter at 141 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.7 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 mini or Apple iPhone 16e?

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 13 mini and Apple iPhone 16e run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.