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A Budget-Friendly iPhone Without Big Compromises
Apple has once again expanded its iPhone lineup with the iPhone 16e, a $599 handset that quietly made its debut via a press release rather than the usual grand unveiling. While it may not be the most exciting iPhone release, it is certainly one of the most practical. Designed as an affordable option that retains many of Apple’s latest innovations, the 16e is a blend of past and present, offering a solid smartphone experience without stretching your budget.
If you are wondering whether the iPhone 16e is worth your attention, this review will break down its key features, strengths, and trade-offs to help you decide if it is the right choice for you.
Familiar Design with a Modern Twist
At first glance, the iPhone 16e looks very similar to the iPhone 13 and 14, maintaining the classic notch design instead of adopting the newer Dynamic Island. Apple has kept the iPhone 15’s Action Button, but the Camera Control feature from the iPhone 16 is absent. The phone is built to be a reliable workhorse rather than a flashy flagship, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.
iPhone 16e is built for Apple Intelligence, has extraordinary battery life, an innovative 48MP 2-in-1 camera, and fast performance—at an affordable price. #AppleLaunch pic.twitter.com/WzkFnodEEB
— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) February 19, 2025
One notable change is the removal of Touch ID, signaling the end of smaller iPhones with fingerprint recognition. Instead, the 16e features Face ID, which has become standard across most modern Apple devices. The phone’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display is bright and crisp, though its maximum brightness of 1,200 nits falls short of the iPhone 16’s 2,000 nits. If you spend a lot of time outdoors in bright sunlight, this could be something to consider.
A18 Chip Brings Power and Future-Proofing
One of the biggest highlights of the iPhone 16e is its A18 chip, the same processor found in the standard iPhone 16. This is a big win for performance and longevity, as it ensures the phone will receive software updates and Apple Intelligence features for years to come.
With 8GB of RAM, the 16e matches the iPhone 16 in memory, making it well-equipped for running demanding apps, multitasking, and handling Apple’s generative AI platform, Apple Intelligence. This means that users who want to experience AI-powered features like text rewriting and visual intelligence will not have to spend extra on a flagship model.
Apple’s First Custom Modem and Improved Battery Life
The iPhone 16e introduces Apple’s first in-house modem, the C1, which is designed to improve efficiency and battery life. Apple claims the phone can last up to 26 hours on a single charge, outlasting both the iPhone 15 (20 hours) and iPhone 16 (22 hours).
However, there are some compromises in charging capabilities. While the 16e does have a USB-C port, it lacks MagSafe, meaning wireless charging is limited to 7.5 watts instead of the faster 15-watt MagSafe charging available on the iPhone 15. If fast charging is important to you, this might be a drawback.
Camera Capabilities A Smart Single Lens
Unlike recent iPhones that feature dual or triple-camera setups, the iPhone 16e comes with a single 48MP rear camera. Apple has tried to compensate for this by introducing what it calls a “2-in-1” system, using computational photography to simulate a second lens for zoomed-in shots. While this approach helps maintain quality, users who frequently use telephoto or ultra-wide lenses may feel limited.
For casual photographers, however, the 16e delivers strong image quality, with sharp details and excellent color accuracy. It also supports many of Apple’s latest camera features, such as Smart HDR and Night mode, making it a capable shooter despite its single-lens design.
Who Should Buy the iPhone 16e
Deciding whether to buy the iPhone 16e comes down to priorities. At $599, it offers excellent value for those who want a modern iPhone without paying flagship prices. It is perfect for users who:
- Want a fast and future-proof device with the A18 chip
- Are interested in Apple Intelligence but do not want to spend more on the iPhone 16
- Prefer longer battery life over premium charging features
- Do not mind a single-camera system instead of a dual-camera setup
- Are upgrading from an older iPhone and want a fresh design without a major learning curve
Final Verdict A Thoughtful Entry-Level iPhone
The iPhone 16e is not the most thrilling release from Apple, but it is one of the most strategic. By borrowing key features from the iPhone 16 while keeping costs in check, Apple has created a device that feels modern, performs well, and remains accessible.
For those who need the absolute best in camera versatility or the latest display technology, spending an extra $100 or $200 on the iPhone 15 or 16 might make more sense. However, for budget-conscious buyers who want a solid iPhone experience with great performance and longevity, the iPhone 16e is a smart choice.
