In February 2025, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, a new addition to its iPhone 16 lineup, positioned as the most affordable option at $599. Replacing the iPhone SE, the 16e aims to deliver a modern iPhone experience with a few compromises to keep costs down. After spending time with the device, here’s an in-depth look at what makes the iPhone 16e a compelling choice for budget-conscious Apple fans and where it falls short.
Design and Build: Familiar Yet Modern
The iPhone 16e borrows heavily from the iPhone 14’s design, featuring a sleek aluminum chassis and a glass back with a matte finish, available in just two colors: black and white. Measuring 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches and weighing 5.88 ounces, it’s nearly identical in size to the iPhone 14, making it compact and lightweight for a modern smartphone. The front is protected by Apple’s previous-generation Ceramic Shield, which remains tougher than most smartphone glass, and it carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, surviving submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
However, the 16e lacks the vibrant color options (like Pink, Teal, or Ultramarine) found on the iPhone 16 and uses the older Face ID notch instead of the Dynamic Island, giving it a slightly dated look compared to pricier models. The absence of the Camera Control button, a feature on the iPhone 16, is another notable omission. On the plus side, it includes the Action Button, a customizable feature previously exclusive to higher-end models, which allows users to trigger shortcuts such as launching the camera, flashlight, or Visual Intelligence with a single press.
Display: Solid but Not Stellar
The iPhone 16e sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170, nearly identical to the iPhone 16’s screen. It’s a significant upgrade from the iPhone SE’s smaller, lower-resolution display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks suitable for watching videos or gaming. However, it misses out on the iPhone 16’s brighter display (800 nits typical, 1200 nits peak for HDR) and can’t dim to 1 nit for nighttime use, which could be a drawback in low-light settings. The 60Hz refresh rate also feels outdated when compared to mid-range Android phones, which offer smoother 120Hz displays.
Performance: Power-Packed with a Catch
At the heart of the iPhone 16e is the A18 chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 16, albeit with a four-core GPU instead of the five-core GPU found in the iPhone 16. This slight downgrade impacts graphical performance in benchmarks (e.g., 3,783 frames at 58.8fps in GFXBench vs. 3,864 frames at 60.1fps for the iPhone 16), but for everyday tasks and most mobile games, the difference is negligible. The A18 ensures snappy performance, smooth app switching, and support for Apple Intelligence features, making the 16e future-proof for iOS updates.
The standout addition is Apple’s custom C1 modem, a first for an iPhone. Designed in-house, it supports sub-6GHz and C-band 5G but lacks the faster mmWave 5G found in other iPhone 16 models. It also omits Ultra Wideband and Thread radios, limiting features like precision finding for lost items. Wi-Fi 6 (not Wi-Fi 7) and Bluetooth 5.3 round out the connectivity options, which are adequate but not cutting-edge.
Battery Life: A Major Win
One of the iPhone 16e’s strongest suits is its battery life, which Apple claims is the best among 6.1-inch iPhones. With a larger battery than the iPhone 16’s 3,561mAh cell and power efficiencies from the A18 chip and C1 modem, the 16e delivers up to 26 hours of video playback or 36 hours of heavy usage in testing. This is a significant leap over the iPhone SE and even outpaces the iPhone 16, making it ideal for users who prioritize endurance.
Charging, however, is a mixed bag. The 16e supports USB-C charging at USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mbps) and Qi wireless charging. Still, it lacks MagSafe compatibility, meaning it is incompatible with magnetic accessories, such as wallets or chargers, that require a third-party case. This omission feels like a step back, especially since MagSafe has been standard since the iPhone 12.
Camera: Quality Over Quantity
The iPhone 16e features a single 48MP Fusion camera on the back, paired with a 12MP front-facing camera. Unlike the iPhone 16’s dual-camera setup, the 16e lacks an ultrawide lens, relying on computational photography to simulate a 2x telephoto zoom. The 48MP sensor delivers sharp, well-balanced images in most lighting conditions, supporting both Night mode and Portrait mode and records 4K Dolby Vision video at up to 60 frames per second. While it’s a significant upgrade from the iPhone SE, the lack of an ultrawide lens limits creative flexibility, and it doesn’t match the versatility of the iPhone 16 or Pro models.
Apple Intelligence and Software
Running iOS 18, the iPhone 16e supports Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of AI features, including writing tools, notification summaries, and Visual Intelligence, which lets users identify objects or translate text via the Action Button. While these features are novel, their execution is mixed—writing tools can be hit-or-miss, and Siri’s ChatGPT integration is still evolving. The 16e’s A18 chip ensures it can handle these features, unlike older models like the iPhone 15, and promises years of software updates.
Value Proposition: Worth the Price?
Priced at $599, the iPhone 16e is $170 more than the iPhone SE it replaces, sparking debate about its “budget” status. Compared to the $799 iPhone 16, it’s $200 cheaper but sacrifices MagSafe, an ultrawide camera, a brighter display, and the Dynamic Island. For users upgrading from an iPhone SE, iPhone 11, or older, the 16e feels like a substantial leap, offering a modern design, powerful performance, and exceptional battery life. However, those who value MagSafe or require a second camera may find the iPhone 15, often available for around $699, a more attractive option.
Who Is It For?
The iPhone 16e is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious Apple loyalists who want a new iPhone with modern features.
- Users upgrading from older iPhones (e.g., iPhone SE or iPhone 11) seeking better performance and battery life.
- Android switchers looking for an affordable entry into iOS with Apple Intelligence.
However, tech enthusiasts or those needing advanced camera features may prefer the iPhone 16 or 16 Pro. The $599 price point, while higher than the SE, aligns with Apple’s strategy of offering a stripped-down but capable device, reminiscent of the successful iPhone XR.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 16e is a solid, no-frills iPhone that delivers where it counts: performance, battery life, and a reliable camera. Its modern design and Apple Intelligence compatibility make it a worthy upgrade for older iPhone users. Still, the lack of MagSafe, an ultrawide camera, and a higher refresh rate screen stings at $599. For those who prioritize simplicity and longevity, the 16e is a great choice, but if you’re willing to spend a bit more, the iPhone 16 offers a fuller experience. Ultimately, the 16e proves Apple can still make a compelling entry-level phone—don’t call it cheap.
