A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family. The successor to Apple’s SE arrives with modern features, but not an entry-level price
Apple has just introduced its latest “budget” iPhone, the iPhone 16e, though the pricing strategy has raised eyebrows in the tech community. While Apple hasn’t officially explained what the “e” designation stands for, the device’s positioning and price point have led some analysts to jest that it might stand for “expensive.”
iPhone 16e has the fast performance of the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, extraordinary battery life, and a 48MP camera system
The iPhone 16e mirrors the standard iPhone 16 design but introduces several key differences: it features a 6.1-inch display with the older-style notch instead of Dynamic Island, scales back to a single 48-megapixel camera (though it cleverly maintains two optical focal lengths), and debuts Apple’s new C1 modem, marking the company’s first departure from Qualcomm’s cellular technology.
While it retains the action button and houses the same A18 chip as its premium sibling—complete with Apple Intelligence support—several features have been trimmed. You won’t find MagSafe compatibility (though standard Qi1 wireless charging works, albeit without magnetic alignment), the Camera Control button, or the ultra-wideband locator chip.
The device also steps down to slightly slower Wi-Fi speeds and reduced display brightness. This thoughtful compromise makes it ideal for users seeking a modern iPhone experience without the premium features they may rarely use. It represents a significant evolution from the previous iPhone SE lineup, abandoning the compact screen and Touch ID in favor of a more contemporary design. However, while these changes mark substantial progress, the 16e still positions itself deliberately below the flagship iPhone 16 in Apple’s hierarchy.
Key Features and Differences
The iPhone 16e essentially presents itself as a stripped-down version of the standard iPhone 16, with several notable differences:
- A 6.1-inch display featuring the traditional notch instead of the Dynamic Island
- A single 48-megapixel camera system with dual optical focal lengths
- First implementation of Apple’s in-house C1 modem, replacing the traditional Qualcomm solution
The device maintains several premium features from its higher-end sibling, including:
- The Action Button
- The A18 chip, which supports Apple Intelligence (rolling out globally in April)
- Basic wireless charging capabilities
Notable Omissions
Compared to the standard iPhone 16, the 16e lacks:
- MagSafe compatibility (though it supports standard Qi1 wireless charging)
- The Camera Control button
- Ultra-wideband chip for precise location tracking
- Top-tier Wi-Fi speeds
- Maximum display brightness levels of the premium models
Pricing Structure (USD/EUR)
iPhone 16e:- 128GB: $599/€729
- 256GB: $699/€859
- 512GB: $899/€1109
For comparison, iPhone 16:- 128GB: $799/€979
- 256GB: $899/€1109
- 512GB: $1099/€1359
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Market Context
The pricing strategy positions the iPhone 16e in an interesting spot within the broader smartphone market. While it represents a $200/€250 savings compared to the standard iPhone 16, it still stands notably above its Android competitors. Mid-range devices from manufacturers like Samsung, Google (Pixel), OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Motorola typically retail around $500/€500, offering competitive features at a lower price point.
This new model effectively replaces the previous iPhone SE line, which featured TouchID and a smaller form factor at a lower price point (approximately $150/€200 less than the 16e’s starting price). While the 16e brings significant modernization to Apple’s entry-level offering, its price positioning has sparked debate about what truly constitutes an “entry-level” device in Apple’s ecosystem.
iPhone 16e – Pros
1. Performance And Apple Intelligence Ready
- The iPhone 16e is introduced as the latest iPhone, offering the most affordable price among those designed for Apple Intelligence. The 16e has 8GB of RAM and the cutting-edge Apple A18 chip. The internal storage starts at 128GB, which remains the same as the iPhone 15/16.
2. Good Battery Life
- As usual, Apple does not disclose the battery’s mAh capacity. However, video playback time is ensured for 26 hours (21 hours for streaming), while audio playback (music, podcasts) can last for 90 consecutive hours.
3. Action Button
- A feature exclusive to the iPhone 16 series (as well as the 15 Pro and Pro Max), the Action Button is more of a novelty but deserves mention. Apple describes it as “the quickest way to your favorite function,” and it can be set up as a shortcut for various actions.
4. USB-C Port
- USB-C charging and connecting accessories. There’s not much to say, except that the European Union’s decision was a good one and Lighting is dead.
5. Eco-Friendly And Durable
- The display is protected by Ceramic Shield, and it boasts IP68 certification, making it resistant to drops, splashes, and dust. The body is made with 85% Recycled Aluminum, making it an environmentally friendly product. Available colors are limited to white and black, and the design follows the iPhone 14 (with a notch).
iPhone 16e – Cons
1. No Multiple Cameras
- The 48MP Fusion Camera has the versatility of two cameras in one, according to Apple. This is not an excuse for the lack of additional lenses: the sensor is of high quality, promising up to four times the resolution of the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, and integrates a 2x telephoto lens with optical quality. The selfie camera remains the same as current models: a 12-megapixel camera capable of recording up to 4K videos at 60 fps.
2. Not Cheap
- For it to be a real deal, the iPhone 16e should not have cost more than 399 dollars or 599 euros. Currently available for 599$/729€ on the official website, we expect it to be found elsewhere for at least 100$/100€ less soon.
3. No ProMotion
- 60 Hz and the typical maximum brightness is only 800 nits, and the peak brightness (HDR) is equally disappointing at 1200 nits. Here, the iPhone 15 does better, with 1000 and 1600 nits respectively. No outdoor mode is available, which on the iPhone 15 instantly boosted the display to 2000 nits when exposed to direct sunlight.
4. No MagSafe, No Qi2 Standard
- That’s right, no MagSafe (unless using a dedicated magnetic case), and wireless charging is limited to Qi at 7.5 W.
5. No Ultra Wideband Chip
- AirTag users will be disappointed, as the iPhone 16e lacks the capability to provide precise directions when tracking an item with an AirTag. It still allows viewing the item on the map, of course, but the absence of the Ultra Wideband chip means that also the old iPhone 15 does better over the 16e in this aspect.
Conclusion
The iPhone 16e represents a clear technical evolution from the SE line, offering modern features and design elements while maintaining some differentiation from the premium models. However, its pricing structure positions it closer to premium devices than traditional mid-range offerings, potentially challenging its appeal as an entry-level option in Apple’s lineup.