Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Apple iPhone 16e

Our Verdict: For Apple iPhone 16 Plus versus Apple iPhone 16e, the recommendation depends mostly on what you want from the hardware. The 16 Plus is ahead for screen size, with a larger 6.7-inch screen, a larger 4,674 mAh battery, and a 4.2/5 expert-review average from 12 reviews; the 16e is the better match for a lighter 167g body. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. The 16 Plus is the better fit for screen size, while the 16e is the one to consider for portability.

The 16e is the cheaper one to own: around £595 over a typical contract, £177 less than the 16 Plus.

Expert Rating
4.2
12 reviews
3.7
12 reviews
Screen
6.7" 6.1"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
2796 x 1290 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch
460 457
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Apple A18 (3 nm)
Battery
4,674 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/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight
199 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
£31.79/mo (£9.00 upfront) £22.99/mo (£9.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£499.00 £379.99
Apple iPhone 16 Plus Apple iPhone 16 Plus Apple iPhone 16e Apple iPhone 16e
Expert Rating 4.2
12 reviews
3.7
12 reviews
Screen 6.7" 6.1"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 2796 x 1290 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch 460 457
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Apple A18 (3 nm)
Battery 4,674 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/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight 199 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 £31.79/mo
£9.00 upfront
£22.99/mo
£9.00 upfront
SIM-free £499.00 £379.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Apple iPhone 16 Plus

24 Months

128GB

Black

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£31.79 per month, £9 upfront.

Apple iPhone 16e
Apple iPhone 16e

24 Months

128GB

White

200GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£22.99 per month, £9 upfront.

Use code: CASH2 (£2 off)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper on contract at £594.76 over the life of the deal from £22.99 per month with £9.00 upfront.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 16e's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 460 pixels per inch, and both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Plus features a 48 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 16 Plus or Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £379.99.

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Apple iPhone 16e uses the Apple A18 (3 nm).

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

The Apple iPhone 16e is the more portable of the two: it's 32g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus and Apple iPhone 16e run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.