Apple iPhone 16e vs Apple iPhone XR

If we go back in time, the iPhone XR was the most affordable iPhone with the best feature of its time. Now, in 2025, Apple has its latest entry-level phone iPhone 16e, offering better performance, upgraded camera function, and 5G support. But iPhone XR is still backed by many users because it offers a really good day-to-day experience. In this situation, if you are confused whether Apple iPhone 16e is worth upgrading to or staying with your reliable Apple iPhone XR, then you have arrived at the right place. We will be going through a iPhone 16e vs iPhone XR comparison of both the phones based on their pros and cons.

iPhone 16e

Pros

• Battery: Features a bigger battery of 3961 mAh with 20W fast charging, offers better battery life.
• Performance: There is no comparison in terms of performance because the iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s A18 Bionic chipset, which is way more powerful and capable of various activities compared to the A12 Bionic chipset of the iPhone XR.
• Camera quality: Features a 48MP single rear camera with a 10X digital zoom feature, and it can shoot 4K video at 60 FPS, Full HD video at 240 FPS, which iPhone XR lacks.
• Phone variants: Comes in more storage variants of 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB, 8GB/512GB, whereas iPhone XR has all its variants with 3GB of RAM.

Cons

• Higher Price: iPhone 16e has its price of Rs. 59,990, which is very high compared to iPhone XR.
• Ultra-wide Camera: due to the single rear camera setup, there is no ultra-wide lens, which is a downside of this phone because all Android phones in this price range have it.

iPhone XR

Pros

• More Affordable: Comes at in more affordable price of Rs. 37,999, making it more appealing to budget users.
• Charging Features: Has 20W fast charging similar to iPhone 16e, which can charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes, and also has a wireless charging option available.
• Build quality: Features a Gorilla Glass back and IP67 dust/water resistance.
• OS: runs on iOS 12, but you can upgrade it to iOS 18.5 and have a faster and better experience.

Cons

• Battery life: Features a 2942mAh battery, which has become outdated and offers limited battery life.
• Display: In terms of display, there is a 6.1-inch display, but when we talk about screen-to-body ratio, it is only 79.79%, and the brightness level is also low, according to the standards, as iPhone XR offers 625 nits peak brightness.
• Weight: iPhone XR weighs 194 grams, which makes it heavier, and some users may find difficulty holding it for longer periods.

Verdict

That’s all about the iPhone 16e vs iPhone XR comparison. iPhone 16e is a clear step forward because it offers top-tier performance, a better visual experience, and a longer battery life. These features are made for 2025 and beyond, so if you want to upgrade your iPhone, then the iPhone 16e will be a smart choice.

Let’s talk about the other side of the story, surprisingly, iPhone XR still offers decent performance overall. If you don’t have any hurry to buy a new iPhone and your needs are fulfilled with this phone, then you can hold on to the iPhone XR for a little more amount of time.