If you’re debating whether to upgrade from the iPhone 13 to the iPhone 16E, the choice comes down to key improvements and a few trade-offs. Below, we break down exactly what’s changed so you can make an informed decision.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 13 | iPhone 16E |
| Display | 6.1” OLED, 800 nits | 6.1” OLED, 800 nits |
| Camera | 12MP wide + 12MP ultrawide | 48MP wide (no ultrawide) |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A18 Bionic |
| Charging | Lightning (20W), MagSafe (15W) | USB-C (20W), Qi (7.5W) |
| Battery | 19 hours video playback | 26 hours video playback |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, 5G | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G |
| Extra Features | Ring/mute switch, Emergency SOS | Action Button, SOS via Satellite, Crash Detection |
Should You Upgrade?
If you’re considering an upgrade, the iPhone 16E is a great choice if you want improved features. It offers a better camera with 2x optical zoom, extended battery life, and AI-powered Apple Intelligence. Additionally, it replaces Lightning with USB-C for charging and includes advanced safety features like Emergency SOS via Satellite.
However, sticking with the iPhone 13 might be the better option if you rely on the ultrawide camera, find your current performance sufficient, or don’t need Apple Intelligence and the new Action Button.