Apple has long grappled with the challenge of creating a more affordable iPhone to attract new users without undermining sales of its premium models. The iPhone SE line previously addressed this need with a streamlined experience at half the price of the Pro models. This year, however, Apple introduces the iPhone 16e, marking a shift in strategy. While it might seem like a direct successor to the SE, the iPhone 16e serves a distinct purpose: delivering the core iPhone experience at a more accessible price point. It accomplishes this remarkably well, but with certain nuances potential buyers should consider. Surprisingly, it even surpasses other iPhones in a few key areas and boasts an exclusive feature. This review explores why the iPhone 16e is a great choice, particularly for first-time iPhone users.
The screen on the iPhone 16e in white with the Apple Silicone Pink case on
Design and Features: Familiar Yet Streamlined
The iPhone 16e’s design will feel instantly familiar to anyone acquainted with Apple’s recent smartphones. It shares the same design language, complete with the distinctive notch, but notably lacks the Dynamic Island found on its siblings. At a mere 167 grams, it’s refreshingly light, even compared to the 170-gram iPhone 16. The weight difference, especially when compared to the iPhone 16 Pro, is palpable and welcome.
The camera on the iPhone 16e
The back of the iPhone 16e features a glass panel available in two rather understated color options: Black and White. The single camera lens is a striking departure from the multi-lens setups of recent iPhones. The Action Button, replacing the traditional volume switch, is a prominent feature, offering quick access to customizable functions. However, the iPhone 16e lacks the dedicated camera control slider found on the Pro models.
The USB-C port on the iPhone 16e in White
The bottom edge houses the USB-C port, microphone, and loudspeaker. Antenna bands run along the aluminum frame, and the camera bump is remarkably slim. The iPhone 16e effectively blends the old and the new, incorporating modern features like the Action Button while omitting premium elements like multiple cameras, Dynamic Island, and the camera control slider.
The antenna lines on the Apple iPhone 16e in White
The buttons on the Apple iPhone 16e in White
Display: A Solid 60Hz OLED Screen
The iPhone 16e boasts a 6.1-inch OLED display, mirroring the size of the standard iPhone 16. The display is vibrant and engaging, with rich colors, deep blacks, and good visibility even in bright sunlight. It offers a peak brightness of 1200 nits, lower than the 2000 nits of the other iPhone 16 models.
The OLED display on the Apple iPhone 16e in White
The iPhone 16e screen displaying a movie with a sign that says relax
The iPhone 16e screen displaying a movie with a helicopter
One notable difference is the 60Hz refresh rate. While iOS animations mitigate some of the choppiness, it’s noticeably less smooth than the ProMotion displays of the iPhone 16 Pro models. This might be jarring for users transitioning from higher refresh rate devices, but less so for those upgrading from older iPhones. Despite the refresh rate, the iPhone 16e’s display is a high-quality offering with excellent color reproduction and Ceramic Shield protection.
Performance and Battery: Longevity and Efficiency
The iPhone 16e features the same powerful A18 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, built on TSMC’s 3nm process. This ensures excellent performance even under demanding workloads. It also comes with 8GB of RAM – the minimum required for Apple Intelligence – and storage options ranging from 128GB to 512GB.
The top edge on the iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e screen displaying a movie
Benchmark tests reveal that the A18 chip in the iPhone 16e performs slightly below the same chip in the regular iPhone 16, likely prioritizing battery life and longevity. However, real-world performance remains snappy and responsive.
| GeekBench 6 Test | iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration | A18, 8GB RAM | A18, 8GB RAM | A18 Pro, 8GB RAM |
| CPU single-core | 2929 | 3371 | 3549 |
| CPU multi-core | 4265 | 8073 | 8810 |
| GPU | 22113 | 27785 | 33174 |
| 3DMark Test | iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Bay | 5852 | 7201 | 7923 |
| Solar Bay Stress Test | 4456 | 7277 | 8117 |
| Battery Drain | 9% | 10% | 9% |
A key differentiator is the Apple C1 modem, marking its debut in the iPhone 16e. This in-house developed modem contributes significantly to the phone’s exceptional battery life. Real-world testing shows no discernible difference in performance compared to the Qualcomm modems used in other iPhone 16 models.
The antenna lines on the Apple iPhone 16e in White
The buttons on the iPhone 16e
Battery Life: A Multi-Day Champion
The iPhone 16e boasts exceptional battery life, thanks to its larger battery capacity and the efficient C1 modem. It comfortably lasts through a full day and well into the next, a significant improvement over smaller iPhones.
The USB-C port on the iPhone 16e
The 4005mAh battery is considerably larger than the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, offering comparable efficiency to the larger iPhone 16 Plus and Pro Max but in a more compact form factor. In testing, the iPhone 16e achieved impressive runtimes of up to 39 hours with 10 hours of screen-on time, rivaling even the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Charging speeds are adequate, reaching 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter, but taking an additional hour to reach full charge. A notable omission is MagSafe support, limiting wireless charging to 7.5W.
The back of the iPhone 16e in white
Software and AI: iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence
The iPhone 16e runs iOS 18, bringing a host of new features and improvements, including a redesigned Control Center, enhanced privacy options, and updates to core apps like Photos and Passwords. It also supports Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI platform, albeit with some limitations. While Visual Intelligence offers Google Lens-like functionality and AI features are integrated into various apps, the context-aware Siri is still under development. Standout Apple Intelligence features include improved Notification Summaries, live audio transcription in Notes, and AI-powered summaries in Mail and Safari.
The screen on the iPhone 16e in white with the Apple Silicone Pink case on
iOS 18 homescreen tint options on the iPhone 16 Pro
Apple Intelligence on-screen on the iPhone 16e
Apple Intelligence Call Recording in Apple Notes on iPhone 16 Pro
Camera: A Single Lens Solution
The iPhone 16e features a single 48MP camera with f/1.6 aperture, phase detection autofocus, and optical image stabilization (OIS). While a single camera might seem limiting, it delivers surprisingly good image quality, utilizing pixel binning for improved low-light performance.
The camera on the iPhone 16e
The lack of ultrawide and telephoto lenses is mitigated by a 2x digital zoom achieved through in-sensor cropping. Image quality remains acceptable at 2x, but degrades beyond that. Portrait mode with studio effects is available at both 1x and 2x focal lengths.
2x photo camera sample captured on the iPhone 16e
2x photo camera sample captured on the iPhone 16e
2x photo camera sample captured on the iPhone 16e
1x photo camera sample captured on the iPhone 16e
1x photo camera sample captured on the iPhone 16e
1x photo camera sample captured on the iPhone 16e
1x Zoom Camera Sample captured on the iPhone 16e
1x Zoom Camera Sample captured on the iPhone 16e
1x Zoom Camera Sample captured on the iPhone 16e
1x Zoom Camera Sample captured on the iPhone 16e
2x Zoom Camera Sample captured on the iPhone 16e
2x Zoom Camera Sample captured on the iPhone 16e
2x Zoom Camera Sample captured on the iPhone 16e
2x Zoom Camera Sample captured on the iPhone 16e
Selfie Camera Sample captured on the iPhone 16e
1x Camera Sample captured on the iPhone 16e
2x Camera Sample captured on the iPhone 16e
Selfie Camera portrait Sample captured on the iPhone 16e
1x portrait Camera Sample captured on the iPhone 16e
2x portrait Camera Sample captured on the iPhone 16e
Price and Availability: A Value Proposition?
The iPhone 16e starts at $599 for the 128GB model, with 256GB and 512GB options available for $100 and $200 more, respectively. While only $200 cheaper than the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16e prioritizes battery life and essential features over camera versatility and peak performance. AppleCare+ is available for an additional cost.
Conclusion: The Essential iPhone Experience
The iPhone 16e excels at delivering the core iPhone experience at a more affordable price. It’s a compelling choice for first-time iPhone users or those prioritizing battery life and longevity. Users heavily reliant on camera features or demanding top-tier performance might find the iPhone 16 or previous generation Pro models more suitable. The iPhone 16e embodies the essence of Apple’s smartphone philosophy, making it the ideal choice for those seeking a streamlined and efficient iPhone experience.
