It's time to make a choice. After considerable anticipation following its announcement, the iPhone 16e has finally hit the shelves. This latest budget offering from Apple comes with plenty of appealing features, especially for those who resonate with the brand's target audience. However, if you’re in the market for a new iPhone, you might find that the iPhone 14 could be a better option for you.
Upon the announcement of the iPhone 16e, it became evident that it bears more resemblance to the iPhone 14 than to the iPhone SE 3, which many initially thought would be replaced by the rumored "iPhone SE 4." The iPhone 16e is poised to be a substantial upgrade overall. Unsurprisingly, this led to the discontinuation of both the iPhone SE 3 and the iPhone 14.
Why might you choose the iPhone 16e over the iPhone 14, which was first introduced in 2022? Here are some factors to consider.
Reasons to buy the iPhone 16e
Let’s explore what the iPhone 16e has to offer.
Affordability
The foremost advantage of the iPhone 16e is its pricing. You can purchase a brand-new model for $200 less than the previous price point. While the 128GB version retails for $599—$170 more than the base price of the now-discontinued iPhone SE 3—it's essential to compare the iPhone 16e directly with the iPhone 16 for a fair evaluation.
Battery Performance
Battery life is crucial when deciding on which iPhone to buy. The iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts an impressive 33 hours of battery life, but most consumers shopping for an affordable model likely aren't willing to pay $1,200. The iPhone 16e offers an excellent 26 hours of use, surpassing the iPhone 16 by four hours and just shy of the iPhone 16 Pro. In comparison to the iPhone 14, the iPhone 16e affords six hours more battery life, making it a compelling choice.
Apple Intelligence
Apple's AI capabilities are still evolving. While it has a way to go to compete with alternatives like Google’s Gemini, the addition of Apple Intelligence to the budget model is promising. This ensures the device will remain relevant for years, which is vital for anyone planning to keep their phone long-term.
A18 Chipset
Another notable feature is the A18 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, similar to the other iPhone 16 models. It has one less GPU core, which might affect gaming performance, but this detail may not be a concern for the average buyer of the iPhone 16e.
Long-Term Software Support
Both the iPhone 16e and the iPhone 14 support iOS 18, but the former comes pre-loaded with the latest version. Being two years younger, the iPhone 16e will likely receive more software updates over its lifespan. Apple provides between five to seven years of updates, making this a vital consideration for long-term users.
Visual Intelligence
The iPhone 16e also features Visual Intelligence, powered by Apple's AI. This feature utilizes machine learning to recognize and provide information on objects captured by the camera, making it useful for identifying animals, plants, and landmarks, and even extracting text from images. It enhances productivity by allowing users to add events to calendars with a simple photo.
Reasons you might want to consider the iPhone 14
The 2022 iPhone 14 might still appeal to buyers for various reasons, and these factors could significantly influence which iPhone you ultimately choose.
Affordability
Launched at $799, the iPhone 14 saw a price reduction to $699 a year later with the introduction of the iPhone 15. Up until recently, the price was set at $599, now the cost of the iPhone 16e. While there are compelling reasons to prefer the $599 iPhone 16e, Apple’s discontinuation of the iPhone 14 may lead to even lower prices on the older model as inventory diminishes.
Currently, prices are already dropping; for instance, an unlocked 128GB iPhone 14 can be found for $529 at Best Buy, with even lower prices for renewed models on Amazon. Expect these prices to continue to decrease. Hence, if you can snag an iPhone 14 for under $450, it could prove to be the better deal.
Ultra-Wide Camera
The lack of an ultra-wide camera on the iPhone 16e may deter some potential buyers. An ultra-wide camera, which is present in the iPhone 14, enhances photography by allowing for more expansive landscapes and innovative shots. Additionally, since the iPhone 16e does not support two features found on the iPhone 14—cinematic mode and Action mode—video enthusiasts might prefer the older model.
MagSafe Capability
MagSafe wireless charging, a feature available on the iPhone 14, is absent from the iPhone 16e. While Apple believes this will not deter most buyers, MagSafe provides a convenient and efficient way to charge wirelessly, enabling faster and more reliable recharging compared to traditional Qi charging. However, with the iPhone 16e's superior battery life, the absence of MagSafe may not be a significant concern.
Color Options
The iPhone 14 also shines in terms of variety, offering six color options, whereas the iPhone 16e is limited to just black and white. For many users, this limited color palette could be a deciding factor in favor of the iPhone 14.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, there are valid reasons to favor the iPhone 16e over the iPhone 14, and vice versa. If the prices are equivalent, it's usually wiser to opt for the newer model. However, should you find the iPhone 14 at a considerably lower price, it’s worth serious consideration.
The iPhone 16e excels in areas such as battery life, chipset performance, and software support. Meanwhile, the iPhone 14 appeals to those looking for a more advanced camera system and MagSafe compatibility. The array of color choices available with the iPhone 14 may also sway your decision. Ultimately, weigh these factors based on your priorities and preferences.
