iPhone 16e vs iPhone 8 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 16e
Starting at
£478.75£599.00 new
iPhone 8 Plus
Starting at
£100.56£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16e and iPhone 8 Plus?
iPhone 16e vs 8 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 Plus starts at £100.56, £378.19 less than the iPhone 16e. The iPhone 16e is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16e, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8 Plus.
- The iPhone 16e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 16e has a bigger battery: 4005 mAh vs 2691 mAh.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 8 Plus specs
The iPhone 16e and iPhone 8 Plus differ in key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 16e offers a larger battery, more memory, and a newer chipset, making it better for users who want smoother multitasking and longer daily use. Its screen uses OLED technology with higher resolution, ideal for clearer and more vibrant visuals. The iPhone 8 Plus has a larger screen size but lower resolution and LCD technology, which suits those wanting a bigger display for video and apps. The 16e supports 5G and eSIM alongside a physical SIM, while the 8 Plus uses 4G and a physical SIM only. The 16e is lighter and smaller overall, and comes with USB-C charging, unlike the 8 Plus's Lightning connector. Both run iOS and are unlocked, so your choice depends on which features matter most to you.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 8 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 8 Plus battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system are key durability factors. Both phones run iOS but have different battery sizes that affect daily use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16e has a 4005 mAh battery, which is considerably larger than the iPhone 8 Plus's 2691 mAh. This means the 16e will generally offer longer usage between charges, suiting users who need extended battery life throughout the day. The 8 Plus's battery capacity fits everyday use for those who may charge more frequently.
Operating System
Both the iPhone 16e and iPhone 8 Plus run iOS, so software experience and app compatibility are similar where supported. This ensures a familiar interface regardless of which device you choose.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 8 Plus performance
Performance is shaped by chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking.
Chipset
The iPhone 16e uses the Apple A18 (3 nm) chipset, a modern processor designed for efficient and fast performance. The iPhone 8 Plus has the Apple A11 Bionic chipset, which is capable but from an earlier generation. Users who run demanding apps or want smoother performance with newer features will appreciate the 16e's chipset.
Memory
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16e supports keeping more apps open and running smoothly, ideal for multitasking and heavier app use. The iPhone 8 Plus has 3 GB of RAM, which suits typical everyday app use and simpler multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 16e offers storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, providing more space for apps, photos, and files. The iPhone 8 Plus is stocked with 64GB and 256GB options, which may suit users with lighter storage needs or who prefer a lower priced option.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 8 Plus screen
Screen quality varies in resolution, size, and panel technology, affecting how images and videos appear.
Resolution and Clarity
The iPhone 16e features a 2532x1170 resolution on a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen. This provides sharper and more vibrant images with deeper contrasts. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 1080x1920 resolution on a 5.5 inch Retina IPS LCD screen, offering a larger display area but with lower pixel density and different colour presentation.
Screen Size
The iPhone 8 Plus's 5.5 inch screen is smaller than the 16e's 6.1 inch screen. The 8 Plus suits users who want a wider and taller display for watching videos or browsing content, while the 16e's screen is larger and sharper.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 8 Plus camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 8 Plus size and design
Additional features such as network support, SIM options, connectors, and device dimensions influence everyday use and compatibility.
Network and SIM Support
The iPhone 16e supports 5G networks and includes both a physical SIM and an eSIM, giving flexibility for different network setups and easier switching between plans. The iPhone 8 Plus supports 4G and uses a physical SIM only, fitting users who do not require 5G speeds or eSIM capabilities.
Connector Type
The iPhone 16e uses a USB-C connector, which is common for many modern devices and may simplify charging and accessory use. The iPhone 8 Plus features the Lightning connector, which is specific to many Apple devices before USB-C adoption.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 16e measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 7.8 mm in depth, weighing 167 g. The iPhone 8 Plus is taller and wider at 158.4 mm height and 78.1 mm width, with a depth of 7.5 mm and weight of 202 g. The 16e is therefore smaller and lighter, suiting users who prefer a more compact and portable phone.
Carrier compatibility
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Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
iPhone 16e or iPhone 8 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16e if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4005 mAh vs 2691 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.5 inch)
Buy the iPhone 8 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £100.56, £378.19 less than the iPhone 16e
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 16e often highlight its like-new condition and excellent battery health, with some phones showing very few charging cycles. Many appreciate the ease of switching from older iPhones, noting smooth data transfers and improved speed and battery life. The 16e's eSIM feature is mentioned positively for convenience, although a few found data transfers from Android phones more challenging. Several users also note the quality of the screen and camera, with one upgrading from an iPhone 12 mini and noticing a clear performance and display improvement. Overall, customers find the 16e reliable and well suited for everyday use and more demanding tasks.
For the iPhone 8 Plus, customers often comment on its solid condition and suitable performance for typical tasks. Some mention its larger screen size as ideal for gaming or staying connected, especially for younger or less tech-savvy users. A few users note that the phone can no longer update iOS fully, which affects app compatibility. Battery life and unlocking issues affected some experiences, but many found the phone good for everyday calls, messages, and familiar apps. Its build quality and appearance receive praise, making it a practical choice for those happy with a simpler device.
The iPhone 16e suits users seeking a more modern, faster phone with a sharper screen and longer battery life. The iPhone 8 Plus fits those who want a larger display and a lower priced option for everyday use without the latest features.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 8 Plus FAQs
iPhone 16e vs 8 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16e, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone 16e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone 8 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £100.56 compared with £478.75 for the iPhone 16e.
The iPhone 16e has a bigger battery: 4005 mAh vs 2691 mAh.
The iPhone 16e has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 16e is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone 8 Plus ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
The iPhone 16e adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (4005 mAh vs 2691 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £378.19 more (from £478.75 vs £100.56).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16e comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 8 Plus in 64GB and 256GB.
