The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
An affordable, reliable phone with strong performance and solid battery life, designed for everyday needs.What's good
- Affordable price point
- 6.1-inch OLED screen
- Long battery life
- Includes new C1 modem
- Latest A18 processor
What's bad
- No MagSafe support
- Single rear camera
- No Dynamic Island
- Lower brightness display
- Limited color options
Design
The iPhone 16e steps away from previous designs with its more contemporary look, losing the old SE's smaller size in favor of a larger footprint. This shift impacts users who prefer compact phones, but the solid aluminum frame and matte finish offer durability and resist fingerprints.
According to a TechRadar review, "there is no trace of the iPhone SE design, with sharper edges than the current iPhone 16 design," signaling a departure from older models.
The phone is slightly shorter and lighter than the iPhone 16, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. However, its single rear camera might appear minimalistic next to other iPhones.
Display(s)
Experience vivid visuals with the iPhone 16e's 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which brings a vibrant and immersive visual experience. The display offers a sharp resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, ensuring every image is clear and detailed.
Reviewers highlight that the display delivers "striking colors and wide viewing angles," making all your apps, games, and videos look their best. While sunlight visibility is strong, the screen tops out at 1,200 nits brightness—less bright than its pricier peers but still suitable for outdoor use.
Its classic notch design accommodates Face ID rather than the more advanced Dynamic Island, adding a touch of familiarity to its modern look.
Performance
The iPhone 16e features the A18 chip, offering stable and fast performance comparable to the iPhone 16 with its six-core CPU and advanced architecture.
Reviewers from TechRadar highlight the device’s battery efficiency, noting that “Apple says this is the most efficient cellular modem…it plays a critical role in delivering stellar battery life.”
With 8GB RAM, the phone handles multitasking with ease, while the new C1 modem supports efficient and smooth connectivity, ensuring longer battery hours for busy days.
Software & Storage
The iPhone 16e runs iOS 18, and its smooth user interface ensures you experience easy navigation. You get full access to Apple Intelligence, which brings smart features for added convenience.
Visual Intelligence, accessible through an Action Button, lets you perform quick searches and tasks without delving through menus, as noted by reviewers.
Some compare it to Google assets, but the potential for growth in AI features makes the iOS ecosystem enticing for the future.
Cameras
The 48MP main camera on this device is a significant upgrade from previous models, delivering more detailed and vivid photos in various lighting conditions. Through smart image processing, this camera offers a "2-in-1" system that creates a zoomed 12MP photo without sacrificing quality.
While night performance can lag without an optical image stabilizer, the new night mode yields noticeable improvements, particularly under very low light. As noted by "TechRadar," the lack of an ultra-wide lens may disappoint some, but the primary camera still "shoots lovely photos with exquisite detail." If high-quality, general-use photography matters to you, this camera offers impressive capabilities with just one sensor.
Battery
You'll appreciate the extended battery life clocking in at about 26 hours, beating its siblings and offering more time for streaming, gaming, and browsing without disruption. This longevity is attributed to the efficient C1 modem, which conserves power effectively, broadening the battery's capability.
The option for Qi wireless charging, though capped at 7.5 watts, still provides a level of convenience many seek, even without the MagSafe system. A quick top-up to 50% takes roughly 30 minutes using a 20W adapter, as tech experts highlight, making it a solid choice for on-the-go charging.
Audio
The iPhone 16e features stereo speakers that provide crisp and balanced sound. When watching movies or playing games, you'll enjoy the powerful audio, making every moment feel more engaging. The speakers ensure high-quality sound without distortion even at higher volumes.
Thanks to effective microphones, your calls sound clear and precise, which is essential for important conversations. Reviewers at PCMag appreciated the call quality, stating, "Voice calls are crystal clear, which is easy to hear in most places." This means you can talk hands-free without losing audio quality.
Evaluating these audio capabilities, it's clear the iPhone 16e aims to offer a superior experience for both communication and entertainment.
The Bottom Line
You enjoy smooth operation and decent multitasking thanks to its powerful chip and ample RAM. Its battery life excels, offering more hours than its pricier siblings. The device lacks an ultra-wide camera, which means you might miss out on wider shots. The absence of a second lens might be a dealbreaker if you're keen on diverse photography. "It's not perfect, but offers solid value," experts note. Consider this option if Apple Intelligence interests you without breaking the bank.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Deepak Dhingra, 91 mobilesThe 16e comes as the most affordable, modern iPhone, offering niceties such as Apple Intelligence, the A18 chip, solid performance, good battery life, Action Button and a Type-C port. At the 60k price point, a few things like the single camera and 60Hz screen refresh rate feel weird, but overall, th...
- Alex Walker-Todd, Tech AdvisorThe iPhone 16e delivers plenty of power and longevity in a clean, compact design, but for the price, you’ll find plenty of alternatives that offer more; including older but significantly more capable iPhones.
- Andrew Wilson, CGMTo some, the iPhone 16e is an overpriced phone that compromises too much. To me, the iPhone 16e is as close as I’ve come to a perfect iPhone. It’s not only minimalistic, but its overall size and performance are more than adequate for what I generally need on a daily basis. If Apple could further red...
- Amy Davies, Amateur PhotographerIf you really want an iPhone with a 16 in the title – or perhaps crave Apple Intelligence – but your budget is limited, then the 16e makes some sense. But for most, I’d probably suggest older models.
- Nimish Dubey, TechPPThe iPhone 16e is a compact, single-camera iPhone 16 with a bigger battery, A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence—more iPod Touch revival than an SE successor.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
The iPhone 16e price will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. You can compare Apple iPhone 16e prices from around the web here on The Informr.
Apple backs up the iPhone 16e with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your iPhone 16e has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Apple support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Apple's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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