With the launch of theiPhone 16e , Apple discontinue the iPhone 14 and SE 3 as expected . Upon learn that the young entry - level iPhone now starts at a staggering $ 599 ( up from $ 429 ) , I was sure Apple would ignore the iPhone 15 to around $ 499 — effectively replacing the SE model for budget - witting buyers . Boy , was I wrong . rather , Apple has the courage to keep selling the iPhone 15 at the same $ 699 terms . It produce no sense .
What’s the same: The iPhone 15 and 16e share many specs
From afar , the iPhone 16e may seem a bit dated equate to the iPhone 15 . It is tainted by the controversial pass , packs a individual rear camera , and costs $ 100 less . In reality , both telephone share many internal specs and the same main set of features drug user typically expect — let in the ecumenical USB - degree Celsius connecter .
Despite being cheaper than the iPhone 15 , the all - novel 16e model put up a similar 6.1 - in Super Retina XDR show , letting you consume crisp medium and consider truthful black levels . The two iPhones are also built from aluminum and glass , gas the same IP68 military rank for water and dust resistance . So , in terms of durability and quotidian scrolling , the iPhone 15 and 16e are essentially comparable .
Given how outdated the iPhone SE 3 ’s rearward camera is , the 16e ’s single - electron lens setup may frighten away off possible purchaser . Well , occupy not , as Apple has outfit it with a 48MP camera , like to that included with the iPhone 15 . So , you’re able to capture 4 K video at 60fps , emulate 2x optic zoom without sacrificing the 12MP output timbre , take portraits , etc . Your Instagram Stories wo n’t take care mealy , and your followers wo n’t mistake it for an Android .
The iPhone 16e gives you the Action Button, the iPhone 15 does not.
Similarly , both the iPhone 15 and 16e pack a 12MP TrueDepth camera , enabling Face ID , Memoji , slo - mo video recording recording , HDR reenforcement , and more . So , the selfies you take on either twist should bet the same . The two iPhones both have a base memory board of 128 GB , and you could opt for 256 GB or 512 GiB .
Apple iPhone 16e
What’s different: Advanced features at a lower price
While the iPhone 15 and 16e are built on the same innovation , they naturally feature exclusive perks . astonishingly , the more affordable iPhone 16e include newer applied science absent from the 2023 theoretical account .
For starters , it ’s power by Apple ’s ( binned ) A18 chip , featuring 8 GB of RAM , 6 CPU cores , 4 GPU cores , and 16 Neural Engine meat . Consequently , the iPhone 16e supports the full Apple Intelligence retinue , including Writing Tools , Image Playground , ChatGPT consolidation , Genmoji , and more . For reference , the iPhone 15 packs an A16 chip , barricade it from running Apple ’s AI system .
The iPhone 16e replaces the classic mute switch with the multifunctional Action button , a feature of speech missing from the iPhone 15 . So , you get to remap the key to execute custom cutoff , including conditional tasks that adapt to your location , time of day , and other factors . you could even have it initiate Visual Intelligence , a perk curiously miss on the capable iPhone 15 Pro model .
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Speaking of chips , the iPhone 16e is the first to pack Apple ’s C1 modem . While this may sound like an undistinguished choice morsel aimed at geeks , it actually could impact nonchalant users ’ day-to-day life sentence . Thanks to its improved power efficiency , the iPhone 16e boasts the farsighted shelling life among 6.1 - column inch iPhones . harmonise to Apple ’s claims , the iPhone 15 and 16e can run video recording on a single tutelage for up to 20 hours and 26 time of day , respectively .
Another noteworthy iPhone 16e perquisite you wo n’t detect on the iPhone 15 is the Audio Mix feature . With this utility , you’re able to master the audio of your video footage to highlight a specific verbalizer or ambient dissonance . pair with wind noise diminution , you may create best - sounding substance without necessarily trust on professional microphones .
The iPhone 16e gives you the Action Button, the iPhone 15 does not.
What’s missing: Insignificant iPhone 16e no-shows
It goes without saying that the pricier iPhone 15 also pack some feature that are leave off from the 16e variant . However , they ’re arguably not deserving the above - mention trade - offs and $ 100 upcharge .
Perhaps the most noticeable omission is the Dynamic Island , which hold open Live Activities seeable at all times . As an alternative , you could merely check the Notification Center or Lock Screen on your iPhone 16e .
Another iPhone 16e absentee is the Ultra Wide genus Lens , which turn on the 0.5x zoom on the iPhone 15 . This permit users bewitch more subjects or element within the camera ’s frame . While a useful addition , it ’s hardly crucial , and many users rarely take advantage of it .
The iPhone 16e gives you the Action Button, the iPhone 15 does not.
In the TV section , the iPhone 15 supports the Action and Cinematic modes . The former stabilizes shaky videos , while the latter adds a depth of field to your footage for open isolation . Both features are utile — I personally rely on them — but choosing the more affordable iPhone 16e means going without them .
Otherwise , the iPhone 15 offers the U2 Ultra Wideband chip for Precision Finding and the mmWave technology for ranking connectivity . Still , the iPhone 16e offers received 5 GB and retrieve My functionality , so you should n’t be missing out on much .
A more notable con is the want of engraft magnets , meaning the iPhone 16e does n’t natively support MagSafe and is limited to Qi wireless charging . It also miss out on the vivacious color options and only comes in white and smutty . Fortunately , MagSafe subject can remedy both fault on the iPhone 16e .
Verdict: Apple should discount or discontinue the iPhone 15
Considering the professional and cons — and factorisation in the terms difference — the iPhone 16e clearly offers more value for less money . While the iPhone 15 does have a few sole features , they simply do n’t compare to the iPhone 16e ’s future - proof A18 processor . As Apple rolls out more AI - power tools with iOS 19 and beyond , the iPhone 15 will only become less relevant , as it wo n’t hold up any of them .
If you ’re not reckon to spend $ 799 on an iPhone 16 , the $ 599 iPhone 16e is the obvious choice . At $ 699 , I ca n’t urge the iPhone 15 to a single category of customers . Apple should have either drop its price to $ 499 or discontinued it solely .
For more advice about which iPhone to buy take a look at ouriPhone comparability chart where we compare every iPhone , or read ouriPhone purchasing guide . We also liken theiPhone 16e and iPhone 16 .
If you buy an iPhone 15, you won’t get Apple Intelligence features–current or future.
We also divvy up : Where to get the best iPhone 16 , Plus , Pro , and Pro Max deals in the U.S.andWhere to get the beneficial iPhone 16 , Plus , Pro , and Pro Maxdeals in the U.K.
