Apple iPhone 16e vs HONOR Magic V5 5G

Our Verdict: The HONOR Magic V5 5G has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, plus a 20MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the V5 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 5820mAh against 4005mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The V5 5G has the bigger screen at 8" against 6.1", while the Apple iPhone 16e has the sharper one at 457 PPI, and the iPhone 16e is the lighter phone at 167g against 222g. Only pay up for the V5 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the iPhone 16e makes more sense.

Over a full contract, the iPhone 16e works out around £481 all-in, about £821 less than the V5 5G.

Expert Rating
3.7
12 reviews
4.3
10 reviews
Screen
6.1" 7.95"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Foldable LTPO AMOLED
Resolution
1170 x 2532 2172 x 2352
Pixels Per Inch
457 403
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 20 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
4,005 mAh 5,820 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Android
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/6e/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 156.8 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm
Weight
167 grams 222 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP58/IP59 dust protected and water resistant (high pressure water jets; immersible up to 1m for 30 m
Contracts
£14.99/mo (£99.00 upfront) £13.00/mo (£979.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£359.99 £1133.00

Prices updated 27 July 2026

Apple iPhone 16e Apple iPhone 16e HONOR Magic V5 5G HONOR Magic V5 5G
Expert Rating 3.7
12 reviews
4.3
10 reviews
Screen 6.1" 7.95"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Foldable LTPO AMOLED
Resolution 1170 x 2532 2172 x 2352
Pixels Per Inch 457 403
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 20 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 4,005 mAh 5,820 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 512GB
OS Apple iOS Android
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/6e/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 156.8 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm
Weight 167 grams 222 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP58/IP59 dust protected and water resistant (high pressure water jets; immersible up to 1m for 30 m
Contracts £14.99/mo
£99.00 upfront
£13.00/mo
£979.00 upfront
SIM-free £359.99 £1133.00
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16e
Apple iPhone 16e

24 Months

128GB

White

Refurbished

Unlimited

Data

£14.99 per month, £99 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

HONOR Magic V5 5G
HONOR Magic V5 5G

24 Months

512GB

Dawn Gold

100GB

Data

£13 per month, £979 upfront.

Use code: 30JNOFF (£30)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16e or HONOR Magic V5 5G cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper on contract at £481.16 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £99.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16e or HONOR Magic V5 5G?

The HONOR Magic V5 5G has the bigger screen at 8" compared to the Apple iPhone 16e's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16e has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 403, and the Apple iPhone 16e uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the HONOR Magic V5 5G has a Foldable LTPO AMOLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16e or HONOR Magic V5 5G?

The Apple iPhone 16e features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the HONOR Magic V5 5G has a 50 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 16e or HONOR Magic V5 5G?

The Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £359.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16e and HONOR Magic V5 5G?

The Apple iPhone 16e is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the HONOR Magic V5 5G comes in 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16e and HONOR Magic V5 5G use?

The Apple iPhone 16e is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the HONOR Magic V5 5G uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16e or HONOR Magic V5 5G?

The Apple iPhone 16e is the more portable of the two: it's 55g 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 16e or HONOR Magic V5 5G?

The Apple iPhone 16e is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the HONOR Magic V5 5G is rated IP58/IP59 dust protected and water resistant (high pressure water jets; immersible up to 1m for 30 m.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16e and HONOR Magic V5 5G run?

The Apple iPhone 16e runs Apple iOS and the HONOR Magic V5 5G runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.