Which iPhone 16 Model Should You Buy?

In a surprising twist, Apple has expanded the iPhone 16 range months after launch with the new iPhone 16e. Unlike the iPhone SE it replaced, the iPhone 16e is a part of the “iPhone 16 family,” according to Tim Cook. That means you have a staggering five different iPhone 16 models to choose from: iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, and they range from $599 unlocked to $1,199.

If you’re planning to upgrade and aren’t sure which model is right for you, don’t worry, I’m here to help. I’ll break down the differences and similarities of each model in this guide so you can make a more informed choice about your next iPhone.

Updated February 2025: We’ve added details about the iPhone 16e and updated the carrier deals.

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Should You Upgrade?

Ah, the age-old question. Should you get the new iPhone? Our philosophy here at WIRED is that you should only upgrade if you need to. Is your current phone operating perfectly fine? If the experience is OK for the most part but maybe your battery life has deteriorated, try doing a battery swap first—Apple offers a battery replacement program for a modest fee—and this could breathe new life into your device. There are also more ways to repair an iPhone than ever before.

But if your current phone is frustrating to use, upgrade! Like the iPhone 15 range, the entire iPhone 16 lineup has a USB-C port. These devices can also take advantage of Apple Intelligence (alongside the iPhone 15 Pro)—if that’s something you care about.

If you’ve decided to do it, read our guide on how to sell your iPhone. Make sure you back up your iPhone first, and factory reset it to erase your data from the device. We also have tips on how to set up your new iPhone to get the most out of your new handset.

Which iPhone 16 Model Is Right for You?

The iPhone 16 range includes the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are identical except for screen size and battery life. The same is true for both Pro models. Between those two pairs, the decision comes down to whether you want a small or big phone.

How does the iPhone 16e compare? It’s the same size as the iPhone 16, but since it’s the cheapest, Apple has cut a few features to hit that $599 price. The design is notably different—there’s no color-infused glass back here. It’s powered by the A18 chip, but it lacks one GPU core for a total of four as opposed to the five-core GPU on the standard iPhone 16. That means a slight hit to graphics performance, impacting games and other demanding tasks. Unlike the rest of the range, this iPhone does not have the Dynamic Island floating selfie camera system but instead uses the notch camera design like on the original iPhone X.