Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, a new addition to the iPhone 16 lineup that raises some big questions. While previous SE models were clearly budget-friendly, the iPhone 16e blurs the line between affordable and premium, leaving many to wonder if it’s worth the price.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the iPhone 16e, including its features, drawbacks, comparisons, and whether it’s worth buying.
Table of Contents
- 1 iPhone 16e: Key Specs & Features
- 2 Display & Design
- 3 Performance: A Binned A18 Chip
- 4 Camera: A Mixed Bag
- 5 Battery & Charging
- 6 Connectivity: A Few Cuts
- 7 Pricing & Storage Options
- 8 iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16: Essential Features Comparison
- 9 What's Good and Bad About the iPhone 16e?
- 10 Final Thoughts: Is the iPhone 16e Worth It?
- 11 Sources & References
- 12 Stuf To Buy
iPhone 16e: Key Specs & Features
Here’s what Apple has packed into the iPhone 16e:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532x1170 pixels, 60Hz refresh rate |
| Brightness | 800 nits (typical), 1200 nits (HDR peak) |
| Build | Aluminum frame, glass back |
| Colors | Matte Black, Matte White |
| Processor | A18 chip (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine) |
| Rear Camera | 48MP main (ƒ/1.6, OIS) + 2x telephoto (52mm, ƒ/1.6) |
| Front Camera | 12MP (ƒ/1.9), autofocus, Night mode, 4K Dolby Vision |
| Camera Features | Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5, Night mode, 4K Dolby Vision |
| Battery Life | Up to 26 hours video playback |
| Charging | USB-C (USB 2 support), Wireless charging |
| Apple Intelligence | AI-powered features for improved user experience |
| Security | Face ID facial recognition |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (6m for up to 30 minutes) |
| Missing Features | No MagSafe, No Ultra-Wideband (UWB), No Wi-Fi 6E/7 |
| Price | Starts at $599 |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
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Display & Design
The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, the same size as the standard iPhone 16. However, unlike the Pro models, it lacks ProMotion technology (120Hz refresh rate) and an Always-On Display, meaning animations won’t be as smooth, and notifications won’t stay visible on a dimmed screen.
Build Quality:
- Aluminum frame with a glass back.
- Available in Matte Black and Matte White (No fun color options).
- No Dynamic Island, sticking with the classic notch.
Action Button:
- The new Action Button from the iPhone 15 Pro makes its way to the 16e, allowing customizable shortcuts like launching the camera, activating voice memos, or running Shortcuts.
Performance: A Binned A18 Chip
Under the hood, the iPhone 16e runs on a binned version of the A18 chip. This means Apple is using a slightly underpowered version of the A18 with one less GPU core. Despite this, performance remains strong for everyday tasks, gaming, and photography.
Apple Intelligence:
- Supports Apple’s latest AI-powered features, but some advanced tools may be limited compared to the Pro models.
Camera: A Mixed Bag
The iPhone 16e features a single-lens 48MP main camera, offering:
- 24MP & 48MP Super-high resolution photos.
- Portrait mode with Depth Control.
- Dolby Vision HDR video recording (up to 4K at 60 fps).
However, Apple has cut some features to keep costs down:
❌ No Macro Photography
❌ No Spacial Photos & Videos (for Apple Vision Pro)
❌ No Camera Control feature from Pro models
Battery & Charging
Battery life on the iPhone 16e has seen improvements, thanks to the introduction of Apple’s first in-house C1 modem, which enhances efficiency.
Battery Performance:
- Up to 26 hours of video playback
- USB-C port (Supports USB 2.0 speeds, no Thunderbolt)
- No MagSafe (uses standard Qi wireless charging)
Connectivity: A Few Cuts
While the iPhone 16e includes Emergency SOS via satellite, Crash Detection, and Roadside Assistance via satellite, it lacks some advanced connectivity options:
❌ No Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support
❌ No Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7
Pricing & Storage Options
The iPhone 16e starts at $599, making it one of the most affordable iPhones in recent years. However, upgrading storage can quickly push the price higher.
Storage Options & Pricing
| Storage | Pricing |
|---|---|
| 128 GB | $599 USD |
| 256 GB | $729 USD |
| 512 GB | $899 USD |
iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 16: Essential Features Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR with Dynamic Island |
| Chip | A18 chip with 4-core GPU | A18 chip with 5-core GPU |
| Camera System | 2-in-1 camera system 48MP Fusion camera 2x Telephoto | Advanced dual-camera system Advanced 48MP Fusion camera 2x Telephoto 12MP Ultra Wide camera |
| Camera Control | Not Available | Available |
| Battery Life | Up to 26 hours video playback | Up to 27 hours video playback |
| Charging | Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W | MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher |
| Design | Aluminum with glass back | Aluminum with color-infused glass back (Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, Black) |
| Action Button | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Intelligence | Yes | Yes |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (6 meters up to 30 minutes) | IP68 (6 meters up to 30 minutes) |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
What's Good and Bad About the iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16e brings a mix of great features and compromises, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. On the positive side, it offers a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, the powerful A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence features, ensuring smooth performance and future-proof AI capabilities. It also boasts strong battery life and a 48MP camera that captures high-quality photos and videos.
However, there are some notable drawbacks—the display is limited to 60Hz, meaning no ProMotion for smoother scrolling, and Dynamic Island is missing, sticking with the older notch design. Camera limitations include no ultrawide or telephoto lens, making it less versatile than higher-end models. Additionally, connectivity options are weaker, with no MagSafe, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), or Wi-Fi 6E/7 support. Ultimately, the iPhone 16e is a solid mid-range option, but those looking for a more premium experience might want to consider the standard iPhone 16 or last year’s iPhone 15 instead.
Final Thoughts: Is the iPhone 16e Worth It?
The iPhone 16e is a strategic addition to Apple’s lineup, targeting users who want a powerful, modern iPhone at a lower cost. While it makes a few compromises—especially in refresh rate, camera versatility, and connectivity—it still delivers a solid experience with great battery life, a high-quality display, and Apple’s latest AI-driven software.
If you don’t need high-end camera features, ProMotion, or MagSafe, the iPhone 16e is an excellent value at $599. However, if you can stretch your budget, the standard iPhone 16 or last year’s iPhone 15 might offer a better balance of features.
The iPhone 16e will be available starting February 28, 2025, with pre-orders having begun on February 21, 2025.
Sources & References
Stuf To Buy
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