Apple iPhone 14 vs Apple iPhone 16e

Our Verdict: Look first at a higher-resolution 48MP main camera, where the Apple iPhone 16e has the stronger claim; the Apple iPhone 14 pushes back with a lower current starting price, about £234 versus £359. Apple iPhone 14 is currently cheaper to buy outright by roughly £125. Camera resolution favours Apple iPhone 16e at 48MP, though megapixels alone do not decide image quality. Choose the Apple iPhone 14 for keeping the upfront or SIM-free spend lower; choose the Apple iPhone 16e if its extra hardware advantages line up with how you use your phone.

Over a full contract, the 14 5G works out around £511 all-in, about £65 less than the 16e.

Expert Rating
4.0
10 reviews
3.7
12 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.1"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
1170 x 2532 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch
457 457
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) Apple A18 (3 nm)
Battery
3,279 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
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight
172 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£14.99/mo (£129.00 upfront) £22.79/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£229.00 £359.00

Prices updated 17 July 2026

Apple iPhone 14 Apple iPhone 14 Apple iPhone 16e Apple iPhone 16e
Expert Rating 4.0
10 reviews
3.7
12 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.1"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch 457 457
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) Apple A18 (3 nm)
Battery 3,279 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 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight 172 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts £14.99/mo
£129.00 upfront
£22.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £229.00 £359.00
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 14
Apple iPhone 14

24 Months

128GB

Midnight

Refurbished

10GB

Data

£14.99 per month, £129 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10)

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 14 or Apple iPhone 16e cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 14 is cheaper on contract at £511.16 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £129.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 14 or Apple iPhone 16e?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 457 pixels per inch, and both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 14 or Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 14 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 14 or Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 14 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £229.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 14 and Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 14 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 16e comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 14 and Apple iPhone 16e use?

The Apple iPhone 14 is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 16e uses the Apple A18 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 14 or Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 16e is the more portable of the two: it's 5g lighter at 167 grams, both are similar in overall footprint.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 14 or Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 14 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 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 14 and Apple iPhone 16e run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.