The iPhone 16E and iPhone 16 both have a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The 16E has a peak brightness of 1,200 nits, while the 16 reaches 2,000 nits. A ceramic shield front and glass back are featured on each phone.

One of the primary reasons the iPhone 16e is less expensive than the iPhone 16 is due to the differences in their camera systems. While both models feature a 48MP main camera, the iPhone 16 has a slightly larger sensor, which typically produces better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.