iPhone 16e – A Basic Phone, or Is There an Even More Basic One?
We're comparing the iPhone 16e and iPhone 12 to see the key differences.
Apple has released a new model, the iPhone 16e, which seems to be the base model in their latest lineup. In this article, we’ll dive deep into how the iPhone 16e compares to the most affordable option in Apple’s refurbished lineup—the Apple iPhone 12 Refurbished Unlocked, available in our online store, CostPlusPhones.com.
We’ll compare them in four key categories: design, technical specifications, battery life, and camera. Let’s go!
Design
The iPhone 16e follows Apple’s standard design— a rectangular shape with rounded edges, just like the latest models. Nothing new here. Personally, I think this design is the best—comfortable in hand and stylish. I wouldn’t change a thing. But who knows? Maybe Apple will surprise us someday.
Both phones have the same 6.1-inch display.
Now, what’s different?
(All images in this article are sourced from Apple’s official website: www.apple.com)
Technical Differences
1. Ring/Silent switch replaced – The iPhone 16e swaps out the classic Ring/Silent switch for an Action button. Personally, I prefer the old switch.
2. Apple Intelligence – The iPhone 16e introduces Apple Intelligence, which integrates Siri and ChatGPT to assist with text writing, image and video creation.
3. Processor upgrade – The iPhone 16e runs on the A18 chip, while the iPhone 12 has the A14 Bionic. Both have a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, but the new chip is expected to be faster in subtle ways.
4. Charging port change – The iPhone 16e features USB-C, while the iPhone 12 still uses Lightning.
Battery Life
This is where the new model wins. Apple claims the iPhone 16e can play videos for up to 26 hours, while the iPhone 12 only lasts 17 hours. That’s a big difference!
However, there's a catch—the iPhone 16e doesn’t support MagSafe.
- It only supports Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W, whereas the iPhone 12 supports MagSafe charging up to 15W (with a 20W adapter or higher).
- Why did Apple remove MagSafe? It could be a cost-saving measure, a way to reduce heating during charging, or simply because users don’t find it essential. If you charge with a cable, it won’t matter.
Camera
The camera setup is clearly different:
- The iPhone 16e has just one large lens.
- The iPhone 12 has two lenses.
But does this mean worse photos? Not necessarily. Both phones capture high-quality images, and for everyday use, the difference may not be significant.
Final Thoughts
Both phones are identical in size, but here are the key differences between the iPhone 16e and iPhone 12:
✅ Fewer color options on the iPhone 16e
✅ Single-lens camera (but potentially better specs)
✅ Significantly better battery life on the iPhone 16e
✅ Similar processor, but the iPhone 16e is expected to perform better
✅ Action button replaces the silent switch
✅ USB-C charging, but lower wireless charging power
✅ Apple Intelligence onboard
And one more thing—the Refurbished iPhone 12 is significantly cheaper than the iPhone 16e!
Everyone has different needs, so I recommend choosing based on what’s most important to you. But one thing is clear—a refurbished Apple iPhone can still cover all your essential needs. Even the iPhone 12 runs iOS 18, meaning you'll still get many of the latest features.
Check out our online store and find the best model for your needs at the best price.
We also have the Apple iPhone 14 Refurbished Unlocked and Apple iPhone 14 Plus Refurbished Unlocked in stock!
See you soon at CostPlusPhones.com! 🚀
CostPlusPhones team
