The iPhone 16e has officially launched, marking a significant evolution for Apple’s affordable smartphone lineup. While every iPhone launch generates excitement, the 16e holds particular importance. It bridges the gap between the budget-friendly SE series and the flagship models, offering a modern iPhone experience at a lower price point. At $599, the 16e boasts features like Face ID, an OLED display, and the latest A18 processor, but also comes with some strategic cutbacks. After spending a few hours with it, I’m pleasantly surprised. Here’s why.
A Modern, Compact Design
Alt: The iPhone 16e’s vibrant OLED display showcases its modern design.
Unlike the previous SE models with their home button, the iPhone 16e embraces the all-screen design of modern iPhones. It feels instantly familiar, sharing the ergonomic design of the standard iPhone 16.
Alt: The iPhone 16e rests on grass, highlighting its slim profile and compact form factor.
While the color options are limited, the 16e is a genuinely appealing, compact device. Its 6.1-inch display, only slightly smaller than the 16 Pro, combined with its lighter weight and thinner profile, makes it exceptionally comfortable to hold. It strikes a balance between screen size and one-handed usability, addressing the concerns that led to the lukewarm reception of the Mini series.
A Great Display, with a Caveat
Alt: A close-up view of the iPhone 16e’s Super Retina XDR OLED display.
The most noticeable compromise is the 60Hz refresh rate. Compared to the smooth 120Hz of the iPhone 16 Pro, scrolling feels less fluid. However, the quality of the Super Retina XDR OLED panel largely compensates for this. It’s a significant upgrade from the SE’s LCD, offering vibrant colors and a peak brightness of 1200 nits. The absence of an Always-On Display, despite the hardware supporting it, is another drawback. Its impact on battery life remains to be seen.
Powerful Hardware and Promising Battery Life
Alt: The USB-C port on the iPhone 16e, enabling fast charging and data transfer.
Powered by the same A18 processor as the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, the 16e’s performance is impressive. Early indications suggest it handles tasks with ease, and the expected 8GB of RAM should ensure smooth multitasking and support Apple Intelligence features. The focus on Visual Intelligence during setup highlights Apple’s ambition to bring AI capabilities to a wider audience.
Alt: The Action Button and volume controls on the side of the iPhone 16e.
The introduction of Apple’s C1 modem is intriguing. While early tests suggest slightly slower speeds compared to the 16 Pro, more thorough testing is needed. The biggest highlight is the battery. Boasting a 26-hour video playback rating, it surpasses all other iPhones of this size and even rivals the larger 16 Pro Max.
A Compelling Option for Budget-Conscious Users
Alt: The single camera lens on the rear of the iPhone 16e.
The iPhone 16e targets users prioritizing battery life and affordability. While comparable Android phones offer better specs for the price, the 16e appeals to those seeking a long-lasting iPhone experience without the premium camera features.
Alt: A sample photo taken with the iPhone 16e’s main camera at 1x zoom, showcasing its image quality.
The single camera, while lacking an ultrawide lens, performs surprisingly well, particularly the 2x zoom.
Alt: A sample photo captured with the iPhone 16e at 2x zoom, demonstrating its digital zoom capabilities.
Initial impressions suggest the 16e is the best affordable iPhone yet. While $600 isn’t necessarily cheap, carrier deals can significantly reduce the upfront cost. These early findings are based on limited usage, and further testing will provide a more comprehensive evaluation.
