iPhone 16e or iPhone 15: which smartphone should you choose in 2025?

Apple has released its most affordable next-generation iPhone yet, the iPhone 16e. It sits between the iPhone 15 and the regular iPhone 16 in both features and price. But as the price of the iPhone 15 drops, the question is acute: Is it worth paying a little extra for the new iPhone 16e, or is it better to get the tried-and-true iPhone 16e?

Let’s find out how the models differ and which one gives you more for your money.

The design hasn’t changed much, but there are differences

The two smartphones are in the familiar Apple style: flat screen, glass front and back, aluminum frame, IP68 protection. The dimensions are nearly identical: the iPhone 15 measures 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm, while the iPhone 16e is slightly more compact at 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.8 mm. The difference in weight is also minimal: 171 grams versus 167.

But you can still tell the devices apart. The iPhone 15 has Dynamic Island and a dual camera on the back with diagonal sensors. The iPhone 16e has the usual notch in the screen and a single camera. The color options are different, too: The 15 offers more colorful options, while the 16e is limited to black and white.

Display: brighter on iPhone 15, refresh rate still 60Hz

The two models get a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. But in terms of brightness, the iPhone 15 wins – it maxes out at 2,000 nits, while the 16e only has 1,200 nits. That’s important if you use your smartphone outdoors a lot.

While both screens run at 60Hz – Apple still doesn’t implement a high refresh rate in base models.

Performance: the 16e has a fresher chip and more RAM

The iPhone 16e’s main advantage is its new A18 processor, made using a 3nm process. It’s slightly more powerful and energy efficient than last year’s A16 Bionic found in the iPhone 15. The 16e also has more RAM – 8GB versus 6GB for the ’15.

In day-to-day use, it’s hard to notice the difference: the interface, apps, and camera work stably on both models. But the performance margin and potentially longer iOS support is still a plus for the iPhone 16e.

The difference is hard to notice in day-to-day use: the interface, apps, and camera are stable on both models.

Cameras: iPhone 15 is more versatile

iPhone 15 gets a dual camera: a 48MP main module and a 12MP ultra-wide one. The iPhone 16e only has a single 48MP sensor. That means you can’t take a wide-angle shot on the 16e – and for many users, that’s a serious disadvantage.

But it does support spatial audio recording, like the Vision Pro. In everyday use, however, this feature looks more like an experiment than a useful tool.

Autonomy: iPhone 16e has bigger battery but worse charging

The iPhone 16e’s battery is noticeably more capacious, at 4,005 mAh versus the iPhone 15’s 3,349 mAh. Thanks to the new processor, that could give a couple extra hours of battery life in sparing mode. But the ’15 has MagSafe and wireless charging support for up to 15W, including reversible headphones and accessories.

The 16e has it simpler: Qi-only charging, a maximum of 7.5 watts, and no magnetic accessories. Wired charging is the same on both models – up to 50 percent in 30 minutes.

Communication and System

The two models run on iOS 18, with support for eSIM, Face ID, emergency satellite messaging and UWB. The iPhone 15 has a second-generation UWB module, and the 16e has support for NavIC satellite navigation (useful for users in India). Both models have stereo speakers and come with USB-C (USB 2.0).

Price and Sense of Purchase

In Russia, the iPhone 15 now sells from 58,999 rubles (with discounts), while the starting price of the iPhone 16e is about 60,000 rubles. That is, the extra payment for the novelty is minimal, but it is inferior in some things: no MagSafe, no ultrawide, lower screen brightness.

iPhone 16e is essentially a “lightweight iPhone 14” with a more modern processor and battery. And the iPhone 15 remains last year’s full-fledged model with more balanced specs.

Which model should I choose?

If autonomy is important, a slightly newer “stuffing” and you do not use ultra-wide photos – you can consider the iPhone 16e. But if you want a more versatile device with a better camera, a brighter screen, and full wireless charging, the iPhone 15 remains the smarter buy, especially at its current price.

The iPhone 16e or iPhone 15: Which smartphone should you choose in 2025 was first published on ITZine.ru.