The iPhone 16e is a more affordable member of the iPhone 16 family, offering a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, a 48MP Fusion camera, and the powerful A18 chip. It features a durable design with aerospace-grade aluminum and Ceramic Shield, making it resistant to splashes, water, and dust. The iPhone 16e also boasts impressive battery life, with up to 26 hours of video playback. While it lacks some advanced features like MagSafe and a second camera lens, it provides a great balance of performance and value, making it an excellent choice for those looking to experience the iPhone ecosystem at a lower price point.
The Apple iPhone 16e, introduced on February 19, 2025, serves as the entry-level model in the iPhone 16 series, replacing the previous iPhone SE line.
It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering vibrant visuals and an edge-to-edge design reminiscent of the iPhone 14.
Key Specifications
- Processor: Equipped with the latest Apple A18 chip, the iPhone 16e ensures smooth performance and efficient multitasking.
- Storage Options: Available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations, catering to various storage needs.
- Camera: The device boasts a 48-megapixel Fusion camera with a 2x telephoto lens, enabling high-quality photos and videos.
- Battery Life: Offers up to 26 hours of video playback, ensuring extended usage without frequent charging.
- Connectivity: Features the Apple-designed C1 modem, supporting 5G networks for fast and reliable connectivity.
- Charging: Includes a USB-C port, aligning with modern charging standards. However, it lacks MagSafe compatibility.
- Operating System: Ships with iOS 18.3.1, providing the latest features and security updates.
Here is the iPhone 16e specifications table:
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Design and Display | |
| Dimensions | 147.5 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 164 grams |
| Display | 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels, 460 ppi |
| Brightness | Up to 800 nits (typical), 1200 nits (HDR) |
| Material | Aluminum frame with glass front and back |
| Performance | |
| Chipset | A17 Bionic chip |
| CPU | 6-core (2 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores) |
| GPU | 5-core Apple GPU |
| RAM | 6 GB |
| Storage Options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB (non-expandable) |
| Camera System | |
| Rear Cameras | Dual 12 MP system (Wide and Ultra Wide) |
| Wide Camera | f/1.6 aperture |
| Ultra Wide Camera | f/2.4 aperture, 120° field of view |
| Front Camera | 12 MP TrueDepth camera with Night mode |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K at 60 fps with HDR |
| Battery and Connectivity | |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours talk time, up to 15 hours internet use |
| Charging | Supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging |
| Ports | USB-C |
| 5G Support | Yes, with sub-6 GHz and mmWave |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E support |
| Software | |
| Operating System | Ships with iOS 17, featuring enhanced privacy, improved multitasking, and new widgets |
Design and Display
The iPhone 16e features a classic design reminiscent of earlier iPhone models, with squared-off edges and an aluminum frame that ensures durability. Its compact form factor makes it comfortable to hold, catering to users who prefer a more manageable device. The back panel, however, tends to attract fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance.
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display offers a resolution of 2532×1170 pixels, providing sharp and vibrant visuals. While the display operates at a 60Hz refresh rate, it may feel less fluid compared to higher-end models with 120Hz displays2. The brightness levels are adequate for indoor use, but outdoor visibility can be challenging, particularly in direct sunlight.
Despite these compromises, the iPhone 16e’s design and display offer a balance of practicality and affordability, making it a suitable choice for users looking for a budget-friendly option within the iPhone 16 series
Colours Available
The iPhone 16e is available in two elegant colour options: Black and White. The Black colour offers a sleek and stealthy look, while the White colour provides a clean and polished appearance. Both colours feature a matte texture on the back glass and contrasty flat edges, giving the iPhone 16e a modern and sophisticated design.
Performance
Equipped with the Apple A18 processor, the iPhone 16e delivers robust performance suitable for daily tasks and multitasking. However, it has one less GPU core compared to the standard iPhone 16, which may result in slightly reduced graphics performance.
Camera
The device includes a single 48-megapixel Fusion camera capable of 2x optical-quality zoom. While it lacks an ultra-wide camera found in higher-end models, the primary camera performs well in various lighting conditions.
Battery Life
The iPhone 16e offers impressive battery life, with reports indicating up to 52 hours of general usage, making it a reliable choice for users requiring extended battery performance.
Connectivity and Features
The device incorporates Apple’s custom C1 modem, supporting 5G connectivity. However, it lacks certain features present in higher-end models, such as MagSafe compatibility, ultra-wideband (UWB) support, and the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard. Additionally, it replaces the traditional mute switch with a customizable Action Button.
Pricing
The iPhone 16e is priced at $599 in the US, ₹59,900 in India, CAD 899 in Canada, £599 in the UK, and AUD 999 in Australia24. These prices are for the base models with the lowest storage options and may vary based on storage capacity and any ongoing promotions or discounts.
Pros and Cons of the iPhone 16e
Pros
- Powerful Performance: The A17 Bionic chip ensures lightning-fast processing speeds, making it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Excellent Camera Quality: With advanced computational photography features, the iPhone 16e excels in low-light conditions and offers impressive video recording capabilities.
- Stunning Display: The Liquid Retina LCD provides vibrant colours and sharp details, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Solid Build Quality: The premium materials and design make the iPhone 16e feel robust and luxurious in hand.
- 5G Connectivity: Future-proof your device with 5G capabilities for faster internet speeds.
Cons
- Price Point: The iPhone 16e is positioned at a premium price, which may be a barrier for some consumers.
- No Expandable Storage: The lack of microSD support can be limiting for users who require extensive storage for media and applications.
- No Major Design Overhaul: The design is quite similar to its predecessor, which may not excite those looking for a fresh look.
- Battery Life: While decent, heavy users may find the battery life insufficient for all-day use without charging.
- Available only in 2 colours: The iPhone 16e is available in two colour options: Black and White.
Should You Buy the iPhone 16e?
Deciding whether to purchase the iPhone 16e ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are a tech enthusiast who values cutting-edge performance, a high-quality camera, and a premium design, the iPhone 16e is a compelling option. Its features make it suitable for gamers, photographers, and anyone who relies heavily on their smartphone for productivity.
However, if you’re on a budget or don’t need the latest technology, you might consider previous models or alternatives from other brands that offer similar features at a lower price point. Additionally, if expandable storage and a more unique design are priorities for you, it might be worth exploring other options.
In conclusion, the iPhone 16e stands out with its powerful performance and impressive camera system, making it an excellent choice for tech enthusiasts who want the best Apple has to offer. Whether you decide to buy it or not, understanding its specifications and capabilities will help you make an informed decision.
