iPhone16e was launched on February 19, 2025, and since then it has been making headlines for being the cheapest iPhone ever with Apple Intelligence. Some might think the low price means less value, but Apple designed this phone to have only the essential features. Benefits? Well, it is great for GenZs who love a minimalistic, no-frills device and even seniors who don’t like spending a lot of time learning to use a new device—easy to use and no fuss.
iPhone 16e is an entry-level model in the iPhone 16 series introduced last year. Now, let us look at the features and specs so that you can decide whether it is a yes or no.
First Impressions: Unboxing Experience
Unboxing an Apple iPhone is a luxurious experience. But the iPhone16e takes a more practical approach—its packaging is sleek and simpler than models like the iPhone 16 Pro. When you unbox it, you get a SIM card tool (if you are outside the US) and a braided USB-C cable. Using an older iPhone? You will need to buy new accessories as they are incompatible with the Lightning cable—the charging cable Apple used for older iPhones.
Design, Display, and Build
iPhone 16e measures 146.7mm (H) × 71.5mm (W) × 7.8mm (D) and weighs 167g. It is available in black and white colors in matte finish and the design and dimensions are similar to the iPhone 14.
The handset comes with a dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) and runs on iOS 18 (Apple’s 18th operating system). It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (1, 170×2,532 pixels) screen that makes pictures look sharp and clear. The OLED display makes the colors brighter and the black deeper.
A 60Hz refresh rate (screen updates 60 times every second, making motion look smooth) helps improve scrolling and animations. However, the experience is not as good as other high-end Apple models. With 800 nits (a measure of how bright a screen can get in sunlight) of peak brightness, the display helps you use the phone almost clearly in daylight.
This model lacks a Dynamic Island, which is a small interactive area on the top of the iPhone screen. It changes shape to show notifications, calls, music, and more. Instead, it has a fixed notch for the front camera and Face ID. It doesn’t change shape or show animations when you get a call, check notifications, or play music.
Plus, Apple has used special Ceramic Shield material glass to make the front tougher and more resistant to scratches. The phone’s body is made from 85% recycled aluminium, making it a durable and eco-friendly option.
Quick View:
- Black and white color with a matte finish
- 6.1-inch OLED screen, similar to the iPhone 13 and 14
- Brightness: 800 nits (normal) / 1,200 nits (HDR)
- Refresh rate: 60Hz (not as smooth as high-end models)
- Has an aluminum frame (85% recycled), ceramic shield front
- Water-resistant (IP68) – Can survive 6 meters underwater for 30 minutes
- Has a physical SIM slot outside the US; US models use eSIM only
- USB-C Port (USB 2.0): Supports speeds up to 480 Mbps
Performance
Apple has equipped the iPhone 16e with a 3nm A18 chip—the same one used in the iPhone 16 released in September 2024—offering up to 512GB of storage. Usually, the company does not reveal the amount of RAM on its smartphones, but as it offers Apple Intelligence features (and as per the Internet), we can assume that it has 8GB of RAM.
The iPhone 16e comes with a 4-core GPU (It is like a team of four workers inside your phone that handles graphics, making games, videos, and apps work smoothly. More cores mean better performance, but four is still good for everyday use). Thus, it is a little less powerful than the iPhone 16’s 5-core GPU.
In addition, the Apple Intelligence enhances the AI features. The Writing Tool can help you rewrite, summarize, and fix grammatical mistakes. The Cleanup Tool can remove unwanted elements from a photo like an object or a person. And with Genmoji, you can create your own emojis instead of using the pre-installed ones.
Quick View:
- Has a notch (no Dynamic Island like the iPhone 16)
- Has 4-core GPU (slightly weaker than iPhone 16’s 5-core GPU)
- Apple Intelligence Features:
Writing Tool: Can proofread, summarize, and rewrite text
Cleanup Tool: Removes small distractions from images
Genmoji: Create custom emojis
Camera
iPhone 16e has a single 48-megapixel rear camera, unlike iPhone 14, which is equipped with two cameras. And there is a 12-megapixel TrueDepth front camera (Apple’s advanced front camera system that enables features like Face ID and Portrait Mode) which is good for selfies and video calls. It has a programmable Action Button that lets you perform different tasks like opening the camera and turning on the flashlight. It also features necessary sensors for Face ID instead of a fingerprint scanner (Touch ID) so that you can unlock the phone by scanning your face.
Thanks to Apple Intelligence, a smart feature called Visual Intelligence allows you to scan objects with your camera and get details on them like information about a place in your city. All you need to do is point at that specific picture.
Quick View:
- Front Camera: 12MP, takes good selfies
- Rear Camera: Single 48MP camera (no ultra-wide lens like the iPhone 16)
- Takes great photos and videos, even in low light
- Visual Intelligence: Let’s you scan objects to get more details
Battery & Charging
The battery life of this handset is better than the iPhone 16. You can watch movies, use apps, and play games for straight 26 hours without charging the phone. Thanks to the 20W charger, it allows fast charging of up to 50% in 30 minutes. Plus, the phone also supports wireless charging at 7.5W. However, it lacks MagSafe which means it won’t magnetically snap onto MagSafe chargers. For that, you will need to use a MagSafe-compatible case.
Quick View:
- Better battery life than iPhone 16 (26 hours of video playback vs. 22 hours)
- Fast charging: 50% charge in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter
- Supports wireless charging (7.5W) but NO MagSafe (unless you use a MagSafe case)
Connectivity & Software
The iPhone 16e comes with stereo speakers which play sound from two sides for an enhanced audio experience. You can connect it to the internet and other devices using 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and GPS. These wireless technology options help you browse faster, find locations quickly, and pair with other wireless gadgets easily. It also features Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite which allows you to contact for help even in areas without a mobile network.
Quick View:
- Stereo Speakers – Sound plays from both sides for a better audio experience
- Fast Connectivity – Supports 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and GPS for smooth browsing and easy pairing
- Emergency SOS via Satellite – Contact help without a mobile network
Where the iPhone 16e Fails
No technology is perfect—every phone comes with its fair share of benefits and downsides. So, what’s missing in the iPhone 16e? Let’s break it down.
Features Apple Fans Wished For:
- No 120Hz Display – You are stuck with a 60Hz screen, while most phones in this range feel much smoother.
- No MagSafe – Wireless charging is slower unless you buy a MagSafe case
- No Always-On Display – You still have to tap your phone just to check the time
- Action Button? It’s there, but nothing groundbreaking unless you love shortcuts
- No Dynamic Island – Only a standard notch that displays important information
Is It Overpriced?
Apple calls it a pocket-friendly iPhone, but is it really cheap? If you explore smartphones from other brands with the same basic features, they offer better displays, faster charging, and extra perks at the same price. So, is it worth buying? Well, it depends on how much you love Apple.
Should You Buy the iPhone 16e? (The Ultimate Decision Test)
Still on the fence? Let’s break it down based on who you are.
iPhone Users: Should You Upgrade?
If you have an iPhone 14 or 15, upgrading to iPhone 16e won’t feel exciting. It would be like getting the same meal at a slightly fancier restaurant. However, if you are using an iPhone 11 or older and have been waiting to buy a new iPhone, this one is worth it for its battery life, camera, and performance boost.
Android Users: Time to Switch?
If you love fast charging, customization, and overall better value, iPhone 16e might not be the right choice—you would be paying more for less. But if you have been eager to try an Apple iPhone at a cheap price, and are okay with basic features, this could be a safe entry point into the Apple world.
Budget Buyers: Smarter Ways to Spend?
If you are looking to make the most of every dollar, you might want to buy an Android phone at this price with much better features and specs.
Camera Enthusiast?
If you love photography and are looking to buy an iPhone mainly to click pictures, consider going for iPhone 16 or 16 Pro. This model has a reliable camera for a general audience.
Final Verdict
If you love iPhones and their familiarity, have little interest in MagSafe, and are not chasing cutting-edge features, the iPhone 16e is for you. But if you are an enthusiast always looking to try the latest advanced features, you might want to look elsewhere.
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