If you’re eyeing the new iPhone 16e but hesitant about its single-lens camera in a multi-camera world, this review is for you. While prioritizing battery life over camera specs is understandable, a single lens in 2025 might seem like a step back. However, Apple’s 48MP Fusion main camera with 2x telephoto zoom on the 16e delivers surprisingly impressive results, especially for casual photography. Let’s dive into a detailed analysis of its performance.
The top edge of the iPhone 16e
2x Zoom Performance: A Head-to-Head Comparison
The iPhone 16e achieves 2x optical zoom through in-sensor cropping, a technique also used across the entire iPhone 16 lineup. This ensures consistency in image quality across the different models. In a side-by-side comparison with the iPhone 16 Pro, the 16e’s 2x zoom holds its own remarkably well.
1x photo captured on the iPhone 16e
2x photo captured on the iPhone 16e
1x photo captured on the iPhone 16 Pro
2x photo captured on the iPhone 16 Pro
In some test shots, the 16e even surpassed the 16 Pro in terms of edge sharpness and color accuracy. This was unexpected and highlights the 16e’s capable camera system.
iPhone 16e vs. 16 Pro: Zoom Range and Image Quality
The iPhone 16e offers a maximum 10x digital zoom, similar to the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, while the 16 Pro extends to 25x. However, the 25x zoom on the Pro can be quite unusable at its extreme. Comparing images captured at 1x, 2x, 5x, and 10x on both devices reveals interesting results.
1x photo captured on the iPhone 16e
2x photo captured on the iPhone 16e
5x photo captured on the iPhone 16e
10x photo captured on the iPhone 16e
The camera lens on the iPhone 16e.
The 16e’s 1x and 2x images are crisp and vibrant, ideal for social media sharing. While the 16 Pro offers superior dynamic range and better 5x and 10x zoom, the 16e’s performance is surprisingly good for everyday use.
Further Testing and Final Thoughts
Extensive testing of the 1x and 2x zoom capabilities reinforces the iPhone 16e’s impressive image quality. While finer details might be lacking compared to multi-lens systems, the results are perfectly acceptable for casual photography. The absence of an ultra-wide lens is noticeable, requiring some adjustments in shooting style.
The iPhone 16e Display
1x image on the iPhone 16e
2x image on the iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e’s camera surprised us with its capabilities. While not a replacement for the Pro models, it excels for casual users upgrading from older iPhones. It proves that a single-lens system can still deliver compelling results in 2025. Further testing, especially in night mode, will provide a more comprehensive evaluation.
