NIE, TIE

Is there any specific difference between the NIE and TIE, and what purposes do they serve?

I've used Google, but it's giving different answers, as I am confused right now.

The NIE (Numero de Identificacion Extranjera) is your ID number which is a bit like the UK National Insurance number. It is not an ID card but simply a number that is used for tax and financial purposes. eg buying a house or car or opening a bank account. It is simply a piece of paper showing the number and bears no relationship to your residency status.

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identficacion Extranjera) is the actual ID card which you get when taking out residency in Spain. It is an ID card and shows if you are temporary or permanent resident in Spain. It also contains biometric information like fingerprints and eye scans. It contains your picture as well.

So yes, they are totally different.