Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 16e

Our verdict: You'll pay £544.34 less overall on contract with the Apple iPhone 16e than the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. With a 6.9" display, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max gives you more viewing area. Day-to-day comfort favours the Apple iPhone 16e at 167g. Going SIM-free keeps things simple, and the Apple iPhone 16e is the more affordable option at £374.00.

Expert Rating
4.4
11 reviews
3.7
12 reviews
Screen
6.9" 6.1"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
1320 x 2868 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch
458 457
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 Pro Apple A18 (3 nm)
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 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
163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight
227 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
£43.79/mo (£29.00 upfront) £20.99/mo (£19.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£618.00 £374.00
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple iPhone 16e Apple iPhone 16e
Expert Rating 4.4
11 reviews
3.7
12 reviews
Screen 6.9" 6.1"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 1320 x 2868 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch 458 457
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 Pro Apple A18 (3 nm)
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 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 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight 227 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 £43.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
£20.99/mo
£19.00 upfront
SIM-free £618.00 £374.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16e cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper on contract at £535.62 over the life of the deal from £20.99 per month with £19.00 upfront.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Apple iPhone 16e's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 458 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 16e has a Super Retina XDR OLED.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 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 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £374.00.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Apple iPhone 16e comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16e use?

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

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

The Apple iPhone 16e is the more portable of the two — it's 60g 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 16 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16e?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max 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 16 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16e run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.