Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone 17e

Our verdict: On contract, the Apple iPhone 17e works out £26.00 cheaper overall than the Apple iPhone 16. If you'd rather buy outright, the Apple iPhone 16 starts at £481.00 SIM-free. The Apple iPhone 16 gives you more flexibility with 3 storage options to choose from.

Screen
6.1" 6.1"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
2556 x 1179 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch
461 457
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Apple A19 (3 nm)
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight
170 grams 169 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£26.99/mo (£19.00 upfront) £25.99/mo (£9.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£481.00 £597.00
Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 17e Apple iPhone 17e
Screen 6.1" 6.1"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 2556 x 1179 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch 461 457
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Apple A19 (3 nm)
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight 170 grams 169 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts £26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront
£25.99/mo
£9.00 upfront
SIM-free £481.00 £597.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 17e cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 17e is cheaper on contract at £652.93 over the life of the deal from £25.99 per month with £9.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 17e?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 461 pixels per inch, and both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 17e?

The Apple iPhone 16 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 17e 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 or Apple iPhone 17e?

The Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £481.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone 17e?

The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 17e comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone 17e use?

The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Apple iPhone 17e uses the Apple A19 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 17e?

They weigh about the same (170 grams vs 169 grams), both are similar in overall footprint.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone 17e?

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 and Apple iPhone 17e run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.