Apple iPhone 16e Review: Affordable Power or Costly Compromise?

Apple iPhone 16e Review: The $699 iPhone 16e is what the iPhone SE3 should have been – a great value that turns out to be more powerful than its specs suggest.

I. The New Kid on The Block — iPhone 16e is Here

The iPhone 16e, unveiled with the rest of the new iPhone 16 lineup on September 12, 2023, may be the most affordable member of the lineup, but has the potential to compete directly with Motorola and Pixel phones as well. Apple describes this new addition as the latest in a line of “SE” models that have historically offered a pathway into the Apple iPhone ecosystem. After the release of the iPhone 15 lineup, many had high expectations for the iPhone 16e, a model that promised to deliver the power and user experience of an iPhone at a more affordable price. This review will examine the very heart of what the iPhone 16e has to offer, in hopes of answering an important question for someone considering a purchase: is this phone a truly useful mix of performance and affordability, or does it demand too many sacrifices in order to hit its more affordable price?

“Affordable” iPhones have come a long way over the years. The “SE” moniker has been part of Apple’s playbook when it comes to budget phones, often reusing older designs but with newer processors. But Apple chose differently with the new generation, calling it the iPhone 16e, potentially indicating a change in its market positioning. If the report does become official, Apple would position the iPhone 16e as part of the iPhone 16 family, instead of as a completely separate, budget-oriented line. This decision may reflect Apple’s intention to provide a gadget that maintains an essential part of the features and performance associated with its flagship series while maintaining a modest price reduction. The 16 moniker Adding the “16” doesn’t sound so bad, does it? This is also possibly a sign of a push, even by Apple, to bring in a wider customer base who would love to have an iPhone but not necessarily want the very latest stuff.

II. Price and Availability: What Does “Affordable” Mean?

Apple’s iPhone 16e comes in at a starting price of $599 for the base 128GB storage model. Those who need more digital real estate can also get the 256GB version for $699, or the top-end 512GB model for $899. And yet these price points give instant cause to ask just how “affordable” the iPhone 16e actually is, considering the long and illustrious history of Apple’s least expensive phones.

Normally, when a product comes under the Apple “SE” lineup, it’s placed at a much lower price point. This announcement comes after Apple released its third-generation iPhone SE last year priced from $429, up from its predecessor the second-generation iPhone SE, released in 2020, which started at a more affordable $399. Checking current prices on the used market highlights the divide even further, with older SE models quite often going for less than you might think, typically somewhere between around $100 to around $250 depending on generation, storage, and condition. What a significant price jump the iPhone 16e represents over the previous generation of its more affordable phones, which speaks to a strategic recalibration by Apple with regards to its entry-level offerings. Given that there have always been iPhones below the $500 mark (with the exception of the 2017 iPhone SE), users may balk at seeing that entry point come crashing down as of this year, as was previously the case or are now considering whether upgrades warrant the price or if they should move on to an older SE or even an Android device in this new price range.

The iPhone 16e was officially revealed on February 19, 2025. They opened for pre-order on Friday, February 21, and went on sale Friday, February 28.

To better visualize the price evolution, here is a table comparing the launch prices of the iPhone 16e with the previous iPhone SE iterations:

That table, above, illustrates the trend of increasing dollar signs for Apple’s the cheapest of its iPhones, and the iPhone 16e will be a significant increase more than its predecessors. This price disparity is a key consideration in determining the value proposition of the device and how well it adheres to the “affordable” moniker.

III. Design and Build Quality: Old School, New Age?

Design-wise, the iPhone 16e starts to look a lot like the iPhone 14. The design is minimal with an elegant matte finish that will come in the classic colors of black and white, with colorful cases available as accessories of some case. The device uses aluminum frame and glass back, giving it a very premium feel. Apple has also highlighted the robust nature of the iPhone 16e, using a Ceramic Shield front cover that is designed to better withstand drops and scratches. Additionally, the company says the iPhone 16e includes the “toughest back glass in a smartphone,” meaning it should handle daily use like a champ. For a little more reassurance, the device also comes with an IP68 rating, meaning it can resist splashes, water and dust.

Gone is the iconic Home button and Touch ID fingerprint sensor — a significant departure from the traditional ”SE” design. The iPhone 16e, on the other hand, uses Face ID, Apple’s face authentication technology, for unlocking and verification. This change also represents a notable shift from long-time SE users who may have been used to the tactile feedback and familiarity of a physical Home button. Touch ID may be a more familiar, tactile engagement interface while Face ID represents a more modern, full-screen aesthetic appealing to younger audiences and a more integrated unlocking experience, but some users might feel they had a more practical experience in situations where they would go back to Elaine (2002) for example.

Consistent with the wide shift across the iPhone 16 lineup, the iPhone 16e also comes equipped with a USB-C port for charging and connectivity. This makes things more consistent and gives the opportunity to use more accessories with it. Another new feature is the Action button, formerly only found on more expensive iPhones. This an iconic button that you customizable can assign shortcuts and functions to shortcut your usage functions.

IV. Visibility: Crispness and Illumination — But What of Smoothness?

The graphical experience is provided on a Super Retina XDR OLED display spanning an impressive 6.1 inches and a pin-sharp resolution of 2532 by 1170 pixels, packing in 460 pixels-per-inch (ppi). It supports a horde of features—all geared to amplify your viewing experience—such high dynamic range (HDR) for crazy rich colors and contrast, True Tone to match its color temperature to that of the surrounding light, Wide color (P3) for more varied hues, and finally, Haptic Touch for tactile feedback as well.

As for brightness, the iPhone 16e sports a typical maximum brightness of 800 nits, with a peak brightness of 1200 nits when rendering HDR content. While these levels are respectable and ensure good visibility in most indoor and outdoor conditions, it’s important to mention that the standard iPhone 16 also has higher brightness levels of 1000 and then up to 2000 nits peak. The brightness difference potentially comes into play regarding outdoor visibility in direct sunlight, where a brighter panel on the iPhone 16 may provide a more comfortable experience.

One of the highlights of the iPhone 16e’s display is the 60Hz refresh rate it will come with. Although this refresh rate is perfectly fine for most daily tasks, you’ll find smoother scrolling and animations from many Android rivals around this price point with 120Hz displays. By 2025, we may deem a 60Hz refresh rate a compromise, and this will likely cause devices to feel less smooth and responsive to the eye than their higher refresh counterparts. It is worth noting for those who value a smoother look and feel in the interface or playing their Games.

Like its predecessor, the iPhone 16e continues to feature a notch at the top of the display to accommodate Face ID sensors. This design is quite different from the Dynamic Island design found on the regular iPhone 16, which has a more dynamic and interactive display of notifications and background activities. It is possible that the similar notch on the iPhone 16e may make the design feel a little outdated compared to the more modern design and additional functionality of the Dynamic Island.

V. Performance and Chipset: A18 Strong — with a Small Asterisk

The iPhone 16e is powered by an A18 chip, offering the latest in Apple-era speeds across tasks. Included in the silicon is a 6-core CPU and a 16-core Neural Engine for smooth operation of everything from typical apps to heavy lifting tasks such as those driven by Apple Intelligence.

That said, the iPhone 16e uses a variant of the A18 chip that differs slightly from the version found in the standard iPhone 16. Specifically, the iPhone 16e uses a 4-core GPU, downgraded from the 5-core GPU of its pricier sibling. The overall performance offered by the A18 chip is still great, but the decrease in GPU cores may cause a slight gap in performance while handling heavy tasks like running more demanding mobile video games at higher settings. For most users, this difference will be difficult to notice in day-to-day use. Still, serious gamers may spot a small difference in frame rates and have to tweak graphical settings for optimal smoothness.

According to a report, the iPhone 16e will come with 8GB of RAM, which makes the operation very smooth and switching between applications easier. Real-world tests — and various reviews — suggest that for normal tasks like surfing the web, social media apps and video streaming, the iPhone 16e feels snappy and responsive. As a result, for certain CPU-heavy tasks in benchmark tests at least, the iPhone 16e has been shown to beat the normal iPhone 16, emphasizing its powerful processor.

VI. Camera System: Two Ways of Making Simple 48MP Punch

You are here: Home / News / iPhone 16e specs revealed: 48MP Fusion camera, A16 chip and moreOctober 27, 2023October 27, 2023iPhone 16e specs revealed: 48MP Fusion camera, A16 chip and more41 shares5RDUnleash your creativity with the iPhone 16e’s 48MP Fusion rear camera with f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization. With a 2-in-1 feature, this dual-camera system acts both as a normal wide lens and a 12MP 2x Telephoto lens via in-sensor cropping. This configuration allows users to take high-quality photos and videos, with features such as Night mode for better low-light performance, Portrait mode for creative background blur, Photographic Styles (an older generation compared to the iPhone 16), and Smart HDR 5 for greater dynamic range. The front-facing camera is also 12MP with f/1.9 aperture, and autofocus for high-quality selfies and video calls.

There are notable omissions in the iPhone 16e’s camera system, specifically the lack of an ultrawide lens on the rear. Such a feature is common on most smartphones within the same price range, and it also enables users to take pictures with a wider field such as graffiti, group photos or unique angles. For users who favour versatility in their smartphone photography, the absence of an ultrawide lens could be a major drawback.

Despite a contentious discussion surrounding the demand and quality of ultrawide lenses in smartphones, with certain users deeming them less vital than other photographic elements, lacking the capability blocks the photography potential of user Thevideo recording, the iPhone 16e can shoot Dolby Vision video at up to for video recording60 fps. But it doesn’t get any of the more advanced video features you’ll find on other higher-end iPhones, like Cinematic mode for shallow depth-of-field effects, Action mode for better stabilization while moving, and Spatial video capture for use with Apple Vision Pro.

According to expert reviews, the 16e’s photo quality (from its main camera) is typically good when compared to earlier non-Pro iPhones and even on par with the 14 Pros in some other factors. But there are trade-offs in performance compared to the baseline iPhone 16 and Pro options, specifically at night, when it lacks sensor-shift optical image stabilization and has a smaller sensor.

VII. Battery Life and Charging: The Endurance Champion?

Apple has made big claims about the iPhone 16e’s battery life, claiming that it has “breakthrough battery life” with up to 26 hours of video playback. The company also claims that battery life on the iPhone 16e is longer than that of the iPhone 11, and is a significant jump over all the previous generations of iPhone SE.

These claims have been backed by real-world testing, with multiple reviews confirming that the iPhone 16e offers exceptional battery life, often surpassing the standard iPhone 16 in some tests measuring battery endurance. With this top-tier battery performance, users who are looking for a long-lasting device able to handle a full day replete with heavy use without too much refreshment may find their perfect match.

The iPhone 16e comes with a USB-C port for easy-connection wired charging. It also allows for fast charging, achieving up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W power adapter or higher (sold separately). Other features include Qi wireless charging at a rate of 7.5W but no support for MagSafe wireless charging, Apple’s own magnetic charging standard, or even Qi2, the newer wireless charging standard. This may be a drawback for users who have invested in the MagSafe ecosystem of accessories. The 7.5W Qi wireless charging speed might also feel mediocre, as some competitors offer a higher-powered experience in this aspect.

VIII. Is Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16e AI for the Masses?

One of the key selling aspects of the iPhone 16e will be its deep integration with Apple Intelligence, which is Apple’s array of advanced artificial intelligence products. Armed with the A18 chip, the iPhone 16e can support these AI-assisted tools that include Mail summaries that quickly summarize what emails are about, Visual Intelligence that determines what’s in a photos alongside text, Photos Clean Up to remove unwanted elements from photos, the creation of custom Genmoji, the Image Playground app that generates them, and Writing Tools to assist with written language. Apple Intelligence also extends its capabilities to Siri, making the digital assistant more conversational, better at diagnosing context, and more adept at handling natural language than before.

On the iPhone 16e, users can access Visual Intelligence via the Action button or Control Center, enabling users to leverage the camera to get information about their environment, translate text, etc. Apple has highlighted that Apple Intelligence is designed with privacy in mind, with most processing occurring directly on the device to keep user data secure. There is also major selling potential — with these advanced AI capabilities included in a cheaper iPhone model users can try out these capabilities without being forced to buy a more expensive flagship phone. It would also be a big differentiator against a handful of Android competitors at the same price point that won’t necessarily feature the type of integrated AI functionality.

IX. Both iPhone 16e vs. the Competition: How Does it Stack Up?

With the introduction of the iPhone 16e, it is important to consider how this device stacks up against its closest rivals within the Android space, especially in the sub-$700 category. Major competitors include the Samsung Galaxy A series (A56, A26, A15, and A16), the Google Pixel 8a, and the Nothing Phone 3a Pro.

The comparison of essential specs is provided in the table below:

This comparison sheds light on the difference in user experience as the iPhone 16e offers a speedy A18 processor and could be deep in the Apple ecosystem, but most Android competitors offered the same, if not more specs for a lower price. Touting higher-specced smooth 120Hz refresh rate displays, like on the Samsung Galaxy A56 and the Google Pixel 8, for a smoother visual experience.

They also come with more flexible camera systems, usually with ultrawide lenses, which aren’t available on the iPhone 16e. The iPhone 16e lists impressive battery life numbers, but a direct battle requires real-world testing. The Google Pixel 8a gets wireless charging, not available on the Galaxy A56 and at a lower speed than the iPhone 16e but the iPhone 16e enjoys the tight coupling of Apple hardware and software, as well as the perks of Apple Intelligence and the Action button.

Moreover, the iPhone 16e will have competition from Apple itself. Newer iPhone models, like the iPhone 14, sometimes cost the same. The iPhone 16e will come with the newer A18 chip with Apple Intelligence, but iPhone 14 may have a more comprehensive camera system with ultrawide lens or whatever else one might prioritize. Here the internal competition is demanding potential buyers to have a second thought on whether adding the extra on latest processor would be worth giving. Older models AI features on potentially.

X. The Compromises: What’s Lacking for the Price?

The iPhone 16e may be part of the 15 lineup, but like its Pro and standard iPhone 16 counterparts, it does involve compromises. These omissions beg the question of whether the device provides a flagship-level experience at a lower price point, or whether it’s a noticeably slimmed-down experience. Some of those features missing from iPhone 16e will likely be:

No Dynamic Island: That interactive notification and alert system is missing.

No MagSafe Charging: Apple’s magnetic wireless charging and accessory system isn’t supported.

No mmWave 5G Support Further, those who use 5G, especially Verizon, may see slower speeds in some areas.

No Ultrawide Camera: Makes photography less versatile.

Less GPU Core: This is likely to lead to marginally lower graphics performance compared to the iPhone 16.

Diminished Screen Brightness: Potentially could affect outdoor visibility when under direct sunlight.

No sensor-shift optical image stabilization: May result in shakier photos and videos, especially in low light.

Wi-Fi 6 (more than Wi-Fi 7): Theoretical Wi-Fi speeds slower than the latest standard.

No Precision Finding or Thread Networking: Limited compatibility with some Apple accessories and smart home devices.

Missing Camera Control Button: The absence of a dedicated Camera Control button to quickly open the camera.

Older Gen Photography Styles: Limited camera preset customizations

Notice :Missing Video Modes This excludes cinematic mode, action mode, or spatial video recording.

Three referenced this article in the Wikipedia list:Limited Color Options: Only available in black/or white.

The overall user experience could be affected by the combined effect of these omissions, for some users at least. Not having an ultrawide camera could be a dealbreaker for photography buffs. Users with a lot of MagSafe gear will miss the ease of sticking magnets together to charge or attach an accessory. The display can be less bright, and it won’t have the sensor-shift OIS, which will affect the viewing experience and shooting experience of the camera. Even if not all of these missing features are essentials for every user, the long list of compromises will make some users feel that they are giving up too much for the sake of a price that is just a little bit lower than that of the standard model of iPhone 16.

XI. Who is the iPhone 16e for?

As for the phone itself, the iPhone 16e is likely smartly catered towards several important user demographics. So it can be a good way for entry-level iPhone buyers to check out the Apple ecosystem and its software while providing a midrange solution for fans of the brand who want to skip the flagship iPhones. The $599 price point may be higher than previous SE models but could still be deemed more affordable than the $799 asking price of the standard iPhone 16 for budget-conscious users who still want the iPhone experience.

The iPhone 16e’s also a nice fit for iPhone users who haven’t upgraded their phone in years, including old iPhone 11 or older generations of the SE. These users will receive the far quicker A18 chip, along with the newest iOS features and Apple Intelligence, which is a huge leap in power and functionality.

The device could prove especially popular with users who care more about performance and battery life than the latest camera technologies or display features. For those who do enjoy the flagship models like to have a powerful device in their hands, but may not want to pay for the absolute benchmark in terms of performance, the A18 in conjunction with stellar battery life and the tried-and-true iOS interface could prove to be a match made in heaven.

XII. What the Experts and Other Users Are Saying

Generally, review of the iPhone 16e are positive and note its performance, battery life, and Apple Intelligence as major strengths. By contrast, many reviewers say the 60Hz display is a shortcoming, as is the lack of many features compared to the standard iPhone 16, while the price is seen as high for a so-called budget model and a marked increase over earlier SEs.

User comments regarding earlier iPhone SE generations are generally favorable, noting the size, Home button with Touch ID, and overall value for money; the redesign in the iPhone 16e, especially the departure of the Home button and transition to a larger form factor along with a higher price point, aren’t likely going to appeal to all diehard SE fans who had their hearts set on a traditional form factor and low price above anything else. Compromises of vulture and treatment, however, mean that those who want better experience of the classic SE may be less ordinate of the iPhone 16e, which ultimately has a more endless up boot and treat.

XIII. Conclusion: Affordable Power or Expensive Power? The Verdict

The Apple iPhone 16e is an intriguing, if fraught, offer. With its next-generation A18 chip, it surely delivers on the claim of performance and features impressive battery life that most users could make it through a day with ease. The addition of Apple Intelligence elevates its capabilities, offering a suite of sophisticated AI functionalities at an affordable price in the iPhone 16 series.

But this “affordable” aspect comes with a lot of compromises. All of the same concerns about its retail price apply to its overall value, especially in regard to a standard 60hz display, an absence of ultrawide camera, a lack of MagSafe and other features that should have made their way to a higher-end Android competitor at this price point. Additional complications occur with the $599 starting price, which is a sizable jump from past iPhone SE lines and may alienate some budget-conscious people who tended to turn to the line when seeking an entry-level iPhone experience.

At the end of the day, if the iPhone 16e is affordable power or a costly compromise is a heavily subjective decision based on personal priorities and needs.

XIV. Recommendations: How to Decide Whether to Buy the iPhone 16e

If you’re on a budget, however, you might find a better bang for your buck looking at older iPhone SE models, or cheaper Android alternatives in the price range of less than $500.

But for end-users that value satisfying performance and direct access to Apple Intelligence in the Apple ecosystem above all else, and are willing to drop the pro-minded bells and whistles such as super smooth displays and a killer camera setup, Apple is likely to give these users what they have been waiting for: the iPhone 16e.

Someone upgrading a decades-old iPhone wanting a large jump in speed and battery life — and happy to give up a Home button — will find the iPhone 16e a fine device. Nonetheless, they should also weigh the gains against perhaps eyeing the vanilla iPhone 16 or a still capable previous-generation product like the iPhone 14, based on their feature preference and budget elasticity.

The iPhone 16e would nicely fill this gap between affordable smartphone and fancy phone. It gives you a taste of flagship-level performance and access to the latest Apple innovations at a slightly lower price. But buyers will need to balance the many compromises against the potential upside and decide if it really suits their needs and budget.