iPhone XS vs iPhone 16e
Quick answer
The iPhone 16e is the same size as the iPhone XS, 10 grams0.35 ounces lighter.
The iPhone XS on Amazon (paid link) no longer receives iOS updates, so it is stuck on its last version. The iPhone 16e (paid link) runs the newest iOS and lasts significantly longer without adding bulk. If you need longevity and speed, move to the 16e; the renewed price is well below launch. You should also check out the iPhone 17 (paid link) for a more advanced option.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone XS
Pocket: Same
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone XS
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16e
from $599 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.5 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.3 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone XS: 143.6 by 70.9 by 7.7 millimetres, 177 grams. iPhone 16e: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.8 millimetres, 167 grams.
XS, 16e shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone XS
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16e
from $599 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: XS 143.6 millimetres, 16e 146.7 millimetres.Height: XS 5.65 inches, 16e 5.78 inches.Width: XS 70.9 millimetres, 16e 71.5 millimetres.Width: XS 2.79 inches, 16e 2.81 inches.Depth: XS 7.70 millimetres, 16e 7.80 millimetres.Depth: XS 0.30 inches, 16e 0.31 inches.Weight: XS 177 grams, 16e 167 grams.Weight: XS 6.24 ounces, 16e 5.89 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | XS | 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 143.6 millimetres5.65 inches | 146.7 millimetres, 3.1 millimetres more5.78 inches, 0.12 inches more |
| Width | 70.9 millimetres2.79 inches | 71.5 millimetres, 0.6 millimetres more2.81 inches, 0.02 inches more |
| Depth | 7.70 millimetres0.30 inches | 7.80 millimetres, 0.10 millimetres more0.31 inches, the same |
| Weight | 177 grams6.24 ounces | 167 grams, 10 grams less5.89 ounces, 0.35 ounces less |
| Volume | 78.4 cubic centimetres4.78 cubic inches | 81.8 cubic centimetres, 3.4 cubic centimetres more4.99 cubic inches, 0.21 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 83 percent | 86 percent, 3 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 5.8 inches | 6.1 inches, 0.3 inches more |
| Resolution | 1125 × 2436 | 1170 × 2532 |
| Pixel density | 458 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 2 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | Notch | Notch |
| Rear main | 12MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A12 Bionic | A18 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 14 hrs | 26 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP67 (1m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 512 GB | 128 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 999 dollars | 599 dollars, 400 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2018 | Feb 2025 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 16e is 3.1 mm (0.12 in) taller, 0.6 mm (0.02 in) wider, 0.10 mm thicker and 10 g (0.35 oz) lighter than the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS measures 143.6 × 70.9 × 7.70 mm (5.65 × 2.79 × 0.30 in) and weighs 177 g (6.24 oz). The iPhone 16e measures 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.80 mm (5.78 × 2.81 × 0.31 in) and weighs 167 g (5.89 oz).
Also compared with iPhone XS
Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone 16e than the iPhone XS?
The iPhone 16e is 3.1 mm taller and 0.6 mm wider than the iPhone XS. It also features a 6.1 inch screen compared to the 5.8 inch screen on the iPhone XS.
Which phone is lighter between the iPhone XS and iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16e is 10 grams lighter than the iPhone XS. This weight difference is noticeable according to the page verdicts.
What is the screen size difference between the iPhone XS and iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16e has a 6.1 inch display while the iPhone XS has a 5.8 inch display. The screen size difference is 0.3 inches.
Which phone is easier to use one-handed?
The iPhone XS is easier to use one-handed than the iPhone 16e. It is also rated as better for small hands.
Do the iPhone XS and iPhone 16e fit in jeans pockets?
Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket but not a typical women's jeans pocket. The verdicts consider them equally pocketable.
Is the iPhone 16e worth it over the iPhone XS?
The verdicts state that a size-only upgrade from the iPhone XS to the iPhone 16e depends on your needs. The choice comes down to whether you want the larger screen and lighter weight.