The iPhone 16e has been an interesting addition to Apple’s lineup, offering a blend of old and new technologies at a more affordable price point. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the standard iPhone 16 or the iPhone 16 Pro, it still manages to deliver strong performance and great battery life in a clean design.
Design & Build:
The iPhone 16e features a clean and simple design with a notched 6.1-inch display and a single rear camera. The phone is IP68-certified for dust and water resistance and features a toughened Ceramic Shield glass on the front. The construction of the phone feels solid, with a lightweight feel and comfortable grip in hand.
One notable omission from the iPhone 16e is the lack of MagSafe, which is a disappointment for users who enjoy the convenience of magnetic accessories. However, the phone still supports Qi wireless charging and comes with improved repairability features.
Screen & Speakers:
The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which offers vibrant visuals and true blacks. However, the display is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which may disappoint users looking for a higher refresh rate experience. The phone also features clear sound from its earpiece and down-firing speaker pair, but lacks depth in bass response.
Specs & Performance:
Powered by the 3nm Apple A18 chipset with a 4-core GPU variant, the iPhone 16e offers flagship-class performance. The phone runs smoothly and handles high-fidelity tasks with ease. The A18 chipset also enables Apple Intelligence support, although some key features are still missing from the experience.
Cameras:
The iPhone 16e features a single 48Mp Fusion camera on the back, which captures decent shots in well-lit conditions. However, the smaller sensor and weaker OIS affect low-light performance. The phone lacks some of the advanced camera features found in its siblings, but still manages to deliver good quality images.
Battery Life & Charging:
With a 4005mAh battery, the iPhone 16e offers great battery life, lasting up to two days with normal use. The phone supports around 25W wired charging, but lacks MagSafe compatibility for faster charging speeds. Despite this, the phone delivers a reliable and long-lasting battery performance.
Software & Apps:
Running on iOS 18, the iPhone 16e offers a familiar iOS experience with added Apple Intelligence support. While the AI features are still evolving, the phone provides a customizable and creative platform for users. The Action Button is a useful addition, offering quick access to features like Visual Intelligence.
Price & Availability:
The iPhone 16e is priced starting at £599/$599 for the base 128GB model, making it the most affordable new iPhone in Apple’s lineup. While the phone offers good value for those looking for a budget-friendly iPhone, it faces tough competition from Android phones with more features at similar or lower prices.
Should you buy the iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16e may be a good choice for those looking for a budget-friendly iPhone with strong performance and great battery life. However, users interested in advanced camera features, higher refresh rate displays, or MagSafe compatibility may find better options in the standard iPhone 16 or the iPhone 16 Pro. The decision to purchase the iPhone 16e ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities.
