Apple has revealed the iPhone 16e, a new low-cost iPhone that isn’t as affordable as we had anticipated. The aging iPhone SE 2022 is replaced by the iPhone 16e, a handset with far more modern capabilities that aims to give iPhone enthusiasts a more affordable entry point into the current Apple ecosystem.
The most notable improvements include Apple Intelligence, a crisper camera, Face ID, a larger 6.1-inch display, and the latest A18 chip in the standard iPhone 16. However, Apple has left certain well-known features on the cutting room floor, including touch ID and the recognizable Home button.
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iPhone 16e: Price and availability
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e will open on Friday, February 21, and the device will go on sale on February 28. Apple iPhone 16e Price At $599/AU$999, the starting price is $170 more than the iPhone SE 2022. It has twice as much capacity as the previous generation, starting at 128GB. Additionally, 256GB or 512GB are available.
iPhone 16e: Specs
| Feature | iPhone 16e |
| Starting price | $599 / AU$999 |
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED (2532 x 1170) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz |
| Rear cameras | 48MP main with 2x in-sensor zoom (f/1.6) |
| Front camera | 12MP (f/1.9) |
| Chipset | A18 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours longer than iPhone SE 3 |
| Charging | USB-C, 20W wired, 15W wireless |
| Operating system | iOS 18 |
| Water/dust resistance | IP68 |
| Size | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches |
| Weight | 5.88 ounces |
| Colors | Black, white |
iPhone 16e: Display
Using the iPhone 16 as a foundation, the new iPhone 16e boasts a 6.1-inch OLED screen, a significant improvement over the 4.7-inch LCD of the iPhone SE 2022. Instead of the large bezels and Touch ID home button found on earlier iPhone SE models, this new display features a Face ID notch and gesture-based navigation with a full-screen design.
However, there isn’t a Dynamic Island like Apple’s most recent high-end iPhone feature, which is probably a compromise to keep costs down. An Action button similar to the iPhone 16 series lets you fast access shortcuts of your choice, but you also don’t get a Camera Control key.
READ MORE: Apple iPhone 18 : Release date, Price, Specifications, and Features
Cameras on the iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e features an enhanced 12MP selfie camera on the front, up from 7MP, and a single 48MP rear camera on the back, which replaces the previous iPhone SE’s 12MP primary camera.
The iPhone 16e differs from more costly iPhones in that it lacks an ultrawide camera, which means that macro photography and spatial video are not supported. However, the 2x in-sensor zoom mode, night mode, and portrait mode are all supported. This gives users a little extra reach when shooting distant things without sacrificing image quality, but it is not the same as a full-on telephoto camera.
Performance of the iPhone 16e
The A18 processor, which drives the iPhone 16, also powers the iPhone 16e. According to Apple, the 4-core GPU can run demanding AAA games, while the CPU is up to 80% quicker than the A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11.
A 16-core neural engine is also included to activate Apple Intelligence features. Additionally, this is the first iPhone to use Apple’s proprietary C1 5G modem. Although it doesn’t appear to support mmWave communication, Apple claims that this modem is the most power-efficient one ever included in an iPhone. Therefore, we must test it to determine how quick it is.
iPhone 16e: Features and Intelligence from Apple
The iPhone 16e offers the most recent iOS 18 features, such as Apple Intelligence. Thus, you can now get a modern iPhone experience without spending $800 or more.
iOS 18 introduced new features like a more customizable Control Center and a more powerful home screen, as well as a new layout for the Photos app. Although Apple is still working on releasing the first set of capabilities, such as text and notification summaries, tools for creating images and emojis, and a more intelligent Siri, Apple Intelligence is already complete.
Interestingly, even though the iPhone 16e lacks a Camera Control key like the other iPhone 16 models, it still has Visual Intelligence. This Apple Intelligence tool lets you understand more about what you can see through your camera lens. On these iPhones, this button serves as the shortcut for Visual Intelligence; however, the iPhone 16e allows you to access the tool by pressing the Action button.
iPhone 16e: Charging and battery
Another advantage of the new iPhone 16e’s larger size over previous SEs is its significantly larger battery. The 16e lasts up to 12 hours longer than the SE models it replaces and 6 hours longer than an iPhone 11, but Apple doesn’t specify the exact capacity. If the iPhone 16e employs the same 3,561 mAh cell as the iPhone 16, it should be clear from future phone disassembly.
The iPhone 16e’s maximum charging speed is still 20W, much like the SE 3; however, a USB-C connection is now required rather than a Lightning one. Surprisingly, the iPhone 16e does not support Apple’s MagSafe connection method, and wireless charging is only 7.5W.
Outlook on the iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e differs significantly from its predecessor, the iPhone SE 3. This deserves to be regarded as a complete member of the iPhone 16 family rather than a stand-alone device, as evidenced by the upgraded chip and modem, new cameras, and a full suite of software and AI functions. Unfortunately, this is more expensive than the iPhone SE 3, costing about 50% more.
For now, though, it’s too early to say whether the iPhone SE will top our list of the best budget phones. Not only are the candidates at the very top, like the Google Pixel 8a, fairly affordable, but Apple has even set the cost of the iPhone 16e far higher than you’d think. Still, we will be keen to put the iPhone 16e through the paces in our lab at the earliest opportunity to see where it figures overall.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Apple iPhone 16e:
1. What is the release date of the iPhone 16e?
Apple officially announced the iPhone 16e on February 19, 2025. Pre-orders begin on February 21, 2025, with general availability starting on February 28, 2025.
2. How much does the iPhone 16e cost?
The iPhone 16e starts at $599 for the 128GB base model. Additional storage options include 256GB priced at $699 and 512GB at $899.
3. What are the key specifications of the iPhone 16e?
- Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- Processor: A18 chip with a 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
- Rear Camera: 48MP Fusion camera system with 2x telephoto lens
- Front Camera: 12MP TrueDepth camera
- Battery Life: Up to 26 hours of video playback
- Connectivity: 5G support, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C port
- Water and Dust Resistance: IP68 rating
4. What are the standout features of the iPhone 16e?
- Apple Intelligence Integration: The iPhone 16e incorporates Apple’s AI assistant, offering features like custom emoji creation, selfie editing, and notification summarization.
- Action Button: Replacing the traditional Mute switch, the customizable Action Button allows users to personalize device controls.
- Enhanced Camera System: The 48MP Fusion camera supports high-resolution photos and 4K video recording at 60 fps.
- Improved Battery Life: The device offers up to 26 hours of video playback, significantly longer than previous models.
- USB-C Port: Transitioning from the Lightning port, the iPhone 16e features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
5. In which colors is the iPhone 16e available?
The iPhone 16e is available in two color options: black and white.
6. Does the iPhone 16e support MagSafe charging?
No, the iPhone 16e does not support MagSafe charging but is compatible with standard Qi wireless charging.
7. What are the differences between the iPhone 16e and the standard iPhone 16 models?
While the iPhone 16e shares some features with the standard iPhone 16, it lacks elements such as the ultra-wide camera lens, second-generation ultra-wideband support, and MagSafe charging capability. Additionally, it features a notch cut-out display instead of the Dynamic Island found in the standard models.
8. What is the Apple C1 modem in the iPhone 16e?
The Apple C1 modem is Apple’s custom-designed cellular modem, first introduced in the iPhone 16e. It aims to enhance connectivity and performance.
9. Has Apple discontinued any models with the release of the iPhone 16e?
Yes, following the announcement of the iPhone 16e, Apple has discontinued the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE (3rd generation), completing the transition from the Lightning port to the universal USB-C port across all iPhone models.
