Compare models

iPhone 16e Vs iPhone 17e

  • 1-year minimum warranty
  • Free delivery on all items
  • Free 30-day returns
iPhone 16e
Starting at

Refurbished price:£390.99

Versus £599.00 new

See options
iPhone 17e
Starting at

Refurbished price:£572.00

Versus £699.00 new

See options

Differences at a glance

The iPhone 16e (2025) and iPhone 17e (2026) represent consecutive generations of Apple's streamlined smartphone line designed to offer core features in an accessible format. While both devices share a similar physical footprint and display size, the newer model introduces an upgraded processor generation, expanded base storage capacity, and integrated magnetic wireless charging capabilities that distinguish it from its predecessor.

Both smartphones operate on the iOS ecosystem, ensuring access to current software features, security tools, and virtual assistant functionalities. Choosing between them depends on how you weigh hardware refinements against everyday usability.

Available Models

Colour

Storage (GB)

Scores

Durability

When evaluating hardware longevity and support timelines, both devices offer robust build qualities and extended software backing, though their release years introduce slight differences in total active lifespan.

  • Software support duration: Both models receive multi-year operating system upgrades, with the iPhone 17e maintaining an extra year of extended active support simply due to its newer release schedule.
  • Repairability and durability: Each device features an IP68 water and dust resistance rating alongside durable glass panels, and both score similarly in standard device repair assessments.
  • Expected practical lifespan: Users can expect many years of reliable daily operation from either model, making quality-assured refurbished options from Back Market a sustainable choice that extends device utility.

Year of Release

2025

2026

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Underneath the exterior, both devices manage multitasking, demanding applications, and daily browsing smoothly, though they differ slightly in processing generations and storage configurations.

  • Storage configurations: The iPhone 16e begins with smaller base storage tiers, whereas the iPhone 17e starts with higher baseline storage capacity to accommodate large media libraries.
  • Processing and multitasking: Both handsets handle resource-intensive apps, gaming, and background processes without noticeable stutter, though the newer processor in the iPhone 17e offers minor efficiency gains.
  • Battery behavior: Both units house similarly sized batteries capable of sustaining a full day of typical mixed usage, though heavy media consumption or navigation may require an occasional top-up by evening.

Screen quality

Visual output across both smartphones relies on similar display frameworks designed for clear text rendition and vibrant media playback.

  • Display technology: Both devices feature a 6.1-inch OLED screen that delivers deep black levels, high contrast ratios, and sharp text clarity for reading or browsing.
  • Outdoor visibility: Peak brightness levels on both models allow for comfortable outdoor viewing under direct sunlight, ensuring navigation and messages remain legible outdoors.
  • Refresh rate and interaction: Both displays utilize standard refresh rates for smooth scrolling through web pages, social feeds, and system menus.

Resolution

2532x1170

2532 x 1170

Audiovisual

Multimedia capabilities on these devices cater to everyday photography, video recording, and audio output without unnecessary complexity.

  • Rear camera performance: Both models utilize a high-resolution main camera sensor capable of capturing detailed daylight photos and handling low-light environments with automated processing.
  • Video and audio recording: Video capture supports high-resolution recording formats with steady image stabilization, paired with clear multi-microphone setups for voice calls and video notes.
  • Media consumption: Built-in stereo speakers provide balanced sound output for casual video watching, podcasts, and hands-free calls.

Front camera

TrueDepth 12MP

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Physical dimensions and connectivity options remain closely aligned, maintaining familiar handling characteristics while introducing subtle utility upgrades.

  • Design and handling: Both smartphones share identical height, width, and thickness measurements, resulting in nearly identical ergonomics and pocketability.
  • Charging methods: While both models support wired charging via USB-C, the iPhone 17e adds built-in magnetic wireless charging support that was omitted on the predecessor.
  • Connectivity and security: Both variants include 5G cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi networking standards, and secure facial recognition for unlocking the device and authorizing secure actions.

Weight

167 g

169 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C (USB 2)

What the community thinks

The iPhone 16e and iPhone 17e offer practical entry points into the iOS ecosystem, catering to users who prioritize core smartphone functionality over excessive hardware extras. Users prioritizing baseline storage capacity and convenient magnetic charging will find the iPhone 17e well-suited to their needs, while those focusing on core processing performance at an accessible level often look toward the iPhone 16e as a reliable alternative.

Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option provides an eco-friendly way to acquire either model while supporting sustainable technology consumption. Ultimately, your decision should rest on which specific hardware features align best with your day-to-day routine.