Technologies

Apple iPhone 16E vs. iPhone 15: Which Lower-Cost iPhone Is Best for You?

Apple’s iPhone 16E and the iPhone 15 are both capable devices that cost less than a $799 iPhone 16, but each comes with different compromises.

Apple’s $599 iPhone 16E is the lowest-cost iPhone that the company sells, positioning itself as the most affordable way to get Apple Intelligence and other features seen in the $799 iPhone 16. But considering that it replaced the $429 iPhone SE, you could hardly call the iPhone 16E cheap with its higher starting price. If you’re hoping to save some money, there might be another option: Apple’s older, but still quite capable, iPhone 15. Sure, it was released in 2023, but depending on your priorities, it could be a compelling alternative. The iPhone 15 currently retails for $699, but it can be easily found on the secondary market for a lower price.

Of course, as the iPhone 16E is the newer model, it’ll have newer features such as the latest A18 chip and compatibility with Apple Intelligence, which introduces generative emoji, smarter notifications and (eventually) an improved Siri. But in some areas, like the cameras and charging capabilities, the older iPhone 15 edges it out. And those fundamentals might be more important to you than Apple’s developing AI features.

To help you decide, we’ve outlined a few key differences between the two.

Processor

The iPhone 16E ships with Apple’s latest A18 chip, which is also in the $799 iPhone 16. This gives it a touch more power and speed than the iPhone 15, which only has the much older A16 Bionic first seen in the iPhone 14 Pro. That newer A18 processor allows the iPhone 16E to run more graphically intensive games, such as the Resident Evil 4 Remake as well as Apple Intelligence tools and features. The A16 Bionic is still a fast chip that runs nearly every other app in Apple’s App Store, but the A18 chip will likely receive software and new feature updates for longer.

Apple Intelligence

One of the more impressive features of the iPhone 16E is that it supports Apple Intelligence, which was previously only available on iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 16. In addition to providing the smarter Siri planned for a future update, Apple Intelligence offers writing tools and a Clean Up tool that removes unwanted elements from photos. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, doesn’t support Apple Intelligence despite its higher price tag.

While you cannot access Apple’s new AI features on the iPhone 15, you can use other services like ChatGPT and Gemini by downloading apps that include those AI platforms. They’ll just run entirely in the cloud instead of on-device.

Cameras: One vs. two

The iPhone 16E and the iPhone 15 both have 48-megapixel cameras on the rear and a 12-megapixel camera on the front. The big difference, however, is that the iPhone 15 has a secondary 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. Instead of relying on a second camera for its wide shots, the iPhone 16E uses sensor cropping for better zoomed-in shots.

Battery and charging

Apple claims that the iPhone 16E can play video for up to 26 hours (21 hours streamed), while the iPhone 15 supposedly has up to 20 hours of video playback (16 hours streamed). The iPhone 16E apparently has a longer battery life due to a new power-efficient 5G modem called the C1.

However, a huge downside of the iPhone 16E is that it doesn’t support MagSafe wireless charging. It is only compatible with Qi wireless charging capped at 7.5W. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, supports 15W MagSafe charging, which means it can wirelessly charge at twice the speed. The iPhone 15 also natively supports all kinds of magnetic phone accessories like wallets and stands, while a third-party case will be needed to use these with the iPhone 16E.

Both phones support USB-C fast charging up to 20W.

A note on pricing and buying refurbished

While the iPhone 15 retails for $100 more than the iPhone 16E, you can buy it refurbished at comparable or even lower prices depending on the store. For example, at the time of this writing, you can purchase a «renewed» 128GB iPhone 15 from Amazon for roughly $500 to $530, which is nearly $100 less than the iPhone 16E’s starting price. But as is the case with buying anything in the secondary market, be aware that the phone might not be in tip-top shape when you get it. Additionally, warranties vary from store to store, so be sure to read the store policies.

Apple iPhone 16E vs. Apple iPhone 15

	Apple iPhone 16E	iPhone 15
Display size, resolution	6.1-inch OLED display; 2,532×1,170 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate	6.1-inch OLED; 2,556×1,179 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate
Pixel density	460 ppi	460 ppi
Dimensions (inches)	5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 in.	5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 in.
Dimensions (millimeters)	146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm	147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm
Weight (ounces, grams)	167g (5.88 oz.)	171 g (6.02 oz.)
Mobile software	iOS 18	iOS 18
Camera	48-megapixel (wide)	48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)
Front-facing camera	12-megapixel	12-megapixel
Video capture	4K	4K
Processor	Apple A18	A16 Bionic
RAM/Storage	RAM unknown + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Expandable storage	None	None
Battery/Charger	Up to 26 hours video playback, 21 hours streamed video playback, 90 hours of audio playback. 20W wired charging, 7.5W Qi wireless charging	Undisclosed; Apple claims up to 20 hours of video playback (16 hours streamed). 20W wired charging, 15W MagSafe wireless charging
Fingerprint sensor	No, Face ID	No, Face ID
Connector	USB-C	USB-C
Headphone jack	None	None
Special features	Action button, Apple C1 5G modem, Apple Intelligence, Ceramic Shield, Emergency SOS, satellite connectivity, IP68 resistance	5G (mmw/Sub6), IP68 rating, MagSafe, Dynamic Island
Price off-contract (USD)	$599 (128GB), $699 (256GB), $899 (512GB)	$699 (128GB), $799 (256GB), $999 (512GB)
Price (GBP)	£599 (128GB), £699 (256GB), £899 (512GB)	£699 (128GB), £799 (256GB), £999 (512GB)
Price (AUD)	AU$999 (128GB), AU$1,199 (256GB), AU$1,549 (512GB)	AU$1,249 (128GB), AU$1,449 (256GB), AU$1,799 (512GB)

Apple’s New iPhone 16E in 8 Photos

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Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube

Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im

Technologies

Why Travelers Are Switching to Verum E-SIM This Summer

Summer Travel, Freedom, and Seamless Connectivity: Why Verum E-SIM Is Becoming the New Standard for Travelers

Summer is the peak season for vacations, long-distance trips, and new experiences. Millions of people travel abroad, explore new countries, plan adventures, and try to stay connected with family, work, and social media. And in the middle of all this comes a familiar question: how do you stay online without expensive roaming or the hassle of buying local SIM cards?

The answer is already here — eSIM.

Why eSIM Is So Convenient

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a built-in digital SIM card that lets you activate mobile internet without a physical card. All you need is an app — choose a plan and connect in just a couple of minutes.

No more:

* searching for local SIM cards at airports
* paying expensive roaming fees
* swapping physical SIMs every time you travel

Now your internet travels with you.

Internet in 150+ Countries

Modern eSIM solutions provide coverage in 150+ countries worldwide, helping tourists, freelancers, and business travelers stay connected almost anywhere on the planet.

Among the services offering these capabilities:

Verum E-SIM — https://esim.verum.im
World E-SIM — https://worldesim.me
USA E-SIM — https://usa.esim.verum.im
Euro E-SIM — https://euro.esim.verum.im
Canada E-SIM — https://canada.esim.verum.im
Balkan E-SIM — https://balkan.esim.verum.im
Ukraine E-SIM — https://ukraine.esim.verum.im
London E-SIM — https://london.esim.verum.im
E-SIM Africa — https://africa.esim.verum.im