Apple has officially bid farewell to the iPhone SE series and has introduced the iPhone 16e, a budget-friendly smartphone that joins the iPhone 16 lineup.
While the iPhone SE was known for its compact size and affordability, the iPhone 16e takes a different approach by adopting a larger form factor, a more powerful chip, and Apple Intelligence capabilities.
With a starting price of $599, this device brings flagship features at an accessible cost.
Design and Display
The iPhone 16e adopts the body of the iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. This means vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp visuals thanks to a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels and a peak brightness of 1200 nits. The Ceramic Shield protection ensures enhanced durability against drops and scratches, and the device retains the wide notch and slightly thick bezels seen in previous models.
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel
- Resolution: 1170 x 2532 pixels
- HDR10 and Dolby Vision support
- Ceramic Shield front and back
- Standard 60Hz refresh rate
Although some might wish for a higher refresh rate, Apple has kept it at 60Hz, maintaining a smooth experience without exceeding the budget constraints.
Performance and Software
One of the biggest upgrades in the iPhone 16e is its A18 chipset, the same silicon found in the flagship iPhone 16 series. Built on a 3nm process, this hexa-core processor delivers impressive performance and efficiency gains. This allows users to run demanding apps, play high-end games, and take advantage of Apple Intelligence capabilities.
- A18 Chipset (3nm process)
- Hexa-core CPU (2×4.04 GHz + 4×2.20 GHz)
- Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
- Minimum 8GB RAM for optimal multitasking
- 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options
The iPhone 16e ships with iOS 18, providing access to the latest features, security enhancements, and AI-driven functionalities through Apple Intelligence. From advanced Siri interactions to on-device machine learning, the new AI-powered experience makes multitasking seamless.
Camera: The 2-in-1 Camera System
The iPhone 16e ditches the dual-camera setup of the iPhone 14 and introduces a single 48MP sensor. Apple calls it a “2-in-1 camera system”, as it enables lossless 2x zoom without the need for an additional lens.
Main Camera Features:
- 48MP wide sensor (f/1.6 aperture)
- 2x lossless zoom with optical image stabilization (OIS)
- Smart HDR 5 and Deep Fusion for enhanced details
- 4K video recording up to 60fps
The front camera remains a 12MP sensor, capable of delivering sharp selfies and FaceTime calls with improved night mode performance.
Battery Life: Longer-Lasting Power
Apple claims that the iPhone 16e lasts 6 hours longer than the iPhone 11. While specific mAh figures haven’t been disclosed, we can expect a similar battery capacity to the iPhone 14, with optimized power efficiency thanks to the A18 chip.
Battery and Charging Features:
- All-day battery life with power-efficient A18 chip
- Supports MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging
- 20W fast wired charging (50% charge in 30 minutes)
- USB-C port for charging and data transfer
Connectivity and Additional Features
The iPhone 16e offers a comprehensive set of connectivity features, ensuring users have access to fast and reliable network speeds.
Key Connectivity Features:
- 5G connectivity with improved signal reception
- Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless speeds
- Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless pairing
- Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM) support
- Face ID for secure authentication
Color Options and Pricing
The iPhone 16e is available in classic Black and White color options. It starts at $599, making it an attractive option for those who want a premium Apple experience at a mid-range price.
Price Breakdown:
- 128GB – $599
- 256GB – $699
- 512GB – $799
