iPhone 16e Review: A Week with Apple’s Latest Budget-Friendly Smartphone
At first glance, the iPhone 16e looks similar to the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup. Gone is the home button that was present in the SE series, replaced by Face ID and a 6.1-inch OLED display. This brings the iPhone 16e in line with Apple’s modern smartphone aesthetic.
The device has an aluminum body and comes in just two color options—black and white—which feels a bit limiting for those who enjoy more variety. The switch to USB-C charging is a welcome change, making it compatible with a wider range of accessories.
Under the hood, the iPhone 16e is powered by the A18 chip, the same processor found in the more expensive iPhone 16. This means you get flagship-level performance for a lower price. Apps open quickly, multitasking is smooth, and gaming feels seamless.
However, to keep costs down, Apple made some trade-offs:
One of the biggest advantages of the iPhone 16e is its battery life. Apple claims it offers up to 26 hours of video playback, and while I didn’t test that exact claim, I found that it lasts noticeably longer than previous SE models. Even with heavy use, I could make it through most of the day before needing a recharge.
The Smart Data mode helps extend battery life by automatically switching between 5G and LTE depending on network availability. However, users with power-hungry apps may still need to charge by mid-afternoon.
The iPhone 16e features an upgraded 48MP main camera, which is a significant leap from the SE’s previous 12MP sensor. Apple uses what it calls a “2-in-1 Fusion Camera,” which allows the sensor to simulate multiple focal lengths by cropping high-resolution images.
Despite these improvements, the iPhone 16e still falls short compared to the Pro models. Without a dedicated ultra-wide or telephoto lens, it lacks versatility. The device uses software-based 2x optical zoom, which works well but isn’t as effective as an actual telephoto lens.
Selfie quality is also slightly below that of the iPhone 16 Pro. However, for users who primarily shoot at 1x or 2x zoom, the iPhone 16e offers a solid photography experience.
One of the most exciting additions to the iPhone 16e is Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of AI-powered tools designed to enhance user experience. Some standout features include:
While these features are promising, many users may not fully take advantage of them, as AI-powered tools often require time to integrate into daily habits.
Apple markets the iPhone 16e as an affordable alternative, but its $599 starting price makes that claim questionable. The previous SE model was $429, making the iPhone 16e a $170 price hike.
The iPhone 16 starts at $799, meaning the price gap has shrunk from $400 (between the SE and flagship models) to just $200. That raises an important question: If you’re already spending $600, why not pay $200 more for the full iPhone 16 experience?
For those paying upfront, that extra $200 might be a dealbreaker. However, on installment plans, it translates to around $8 more per month—which might not seem like much when considering the additional features of the standard iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16e is a great option for users looking to upgrade from an older iPhone, particularly SE models. It offers a modern design, strong performance, and improved battery life while keeping costs lower than flagship models.
However, if you value features like MagSafe, a multi-lens camera, and faster charging, it may be worth paying a bit more for the standard iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16e successfully bridges the gap between the budget-friendly SE series and Apple’s flagship models. It offers a solid balance of modern features without the steep price of high-end iPhones.
If you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or switching from Android, the iPhone 16e is an excellent entry point into the Apple ecosystem. However, for users looking for a premium experience, the extra $200 for the iPhone 16 might be a better investment.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e started on February 21, with the official launch on February 28.
