The iPhone 16E, announced by Apple on February 19, 2025, marks a significant addition to the iPhone 16 lineup, positioned as a more affordable entry-level option replacing the iPhone SE. Priced at $599, it aims to deliver a balance of cost and functionality, featuring the latest A18 chip, a 48MP camera system, and support for Apple Intelligence.
This review will delve into its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, connectivity, and overall value proposition, providing a detailed analysis for potential buyers.
Design and Build
The iPhone 16E adopts a design language similar to the iPhone 13 and 14, characterized by a notch for the front camera and sensors, contrasting with the Dynamic Island found on higher-end models like the iPhone 16. This design choice may feel slightly outdated to some, but it maintains a clean and functional aesthetic. The device measures 6.1 inches diagonally, with rounded corners following a curved design, as detailed on Apple’s iPhone 16E Specs.
Constructed with a durable aerospace-grade aluminum enclosure, the iPhone 16E is built to withstand daily wear and tear. The front is protected by Ceramic Shield, described as tougher than any smartphone glass, enhancing durability against drops and scratches. It is also resistant to splashes, water, and dust, adding to its robustness. Available in black and white, the color options are limited compared to the vibrant choices of the standard iPhone 16, which might disappoint users seeking more variety.
Reviews from Tom’s Guide highlight its elegant yet practical design, noting the minimal 1.7mm camera lens protrusion, which allows it to lay flat on a table when cased, reducing wobble compared to higher models.
Display
The display is a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and HDR support, ideal for watching shows, gaming, or reading. Measured as a standard rectangle, the screen is 6.06 inches diagonally, though the actual viewable area is slightly less due to the rounded corners. According to Apple’s Official Page, it shares the same contrast ratio as the iPhone 16, ensuring a brilliant edge-to-edge viewing experience.
However, comparisons with the standard iPhone 16 reveal a brightness trade-off.
The iPhone 16E offers 800 nits typical brightness and 1,200 nits peak HDR brightness, lower than the iPhone 16’s 1,000 nits typical and 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness, as noted in Business Insider’s Comparison. This difference might be noticeable in bright outdoor conditions, but for most indoor and casual use, the display remains satisfactory. The absence of a 120Hz refresh rate, common in higher-end models, is another consideration, though the 60Hz refresh rate is standard for this price range.
Performance
At the heart of the iPhone 16E is the A18 chip, the same processor found in the standard iPhone 16, ensuring fast and smooth performance. This chip, combined with the new Apple C1 modem, the first cellular modem designed by Apple, enhances power efficiency and connectivity. Reviews from PCMag emphasize its capability to handle demanding tasks, from scrolling through photos to playing graphically intense games, thanks to its 4-core GPU.
A key highlight is its support for Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new personal intelligence system introduced in 2024. According toApple’s Intelligence Page, this system helps users write, express themselves, and get things done effortlessly, with features like Writing Tools for proofreading and summarizing text, prioritized notifications, and an enhanced Siri.
The iPhone 16E, running iOS 18.1 or later, supports these features, making it a future-proof choice for AI-driven tasks. However, some features may roll out in subsequent updates, as noted in The Verge’s Article, ensuring users receive ongoing enhancements.
Camera
The camera system is a standout feature for its price point, featuring a 48MP Fusion camera with a 26mm lens, f/1.6 aperture, optical image stabilization, and Hybrid Focus Pixels, as detailed in Apple’s Technical Specs. This setup also enables a 12MP 2x Telephoto lens at 52mm, effectively providing two cameras in one for optical zoom capabilities. This allows users to capture super-high-resolution photos at 24MP or 48MP, suitable for detailed shots and zoomed-in images.
However, the absence of an ultra-wide camera, a feature found in the standard iPhone 16, is a notable omission. Reviews from Engadget and CNET highlight that this limits creative photography, particularly for wide-angle landscapes or macro shots, which rely on the ultra-wide lens in higher models. Despite this, the main camera performs well in various conditions, from bright sunlight to low-light scenes, with features like night mode and portrait mode enhancing its versatility.
Battery Life
Apple claims the iPhone 16E offers up to 26 hours of video playback, a significant improvement over previous entry-level models like the iPhone SE, which offered less endurance. This is supported by the remarkable power efficiency of Apple silicon and iOS, as noted on Apple’s UK Page. Reviews from WIRED suggest it can last a full day with moderate to heavy use, making it suitable for users on the go.
The device uses USB-C for charging, aligning with current industry standards and EU regulations, but it does not support MagSafe wireless charging, a feature available on higher-end models. This might inconvenience users who prefer wireless charging or use MagSafe accessories, as mentioned in PhoneArena’s Comparison. Fast charging capabilities are standard, ensuring quick top-ups when needed.
Connectivity and Security
The iPhone 16E supports the latest cellular technologies, including 5G, and Wi-Fi standards, ensuring reliable connectivity across networks. It is compatible with major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, as detailed on Apple’s Buy Page. The device also includes Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features, such as Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, and Find My via satellite, providing critical connectivity in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, as highlighted in Apple’s Newsroom Announcement.
For security, it features Face ID, offering a secure and convenient unlocking method. The absence of Touch ID, found in some previous entry-level models, is a trade-off, but Face ID remains a reliable option for most users. Reviews from Gizmodo note its seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, enhancing security and user experience.
Comparison and Value Proposition
Compared to the standard iPhone 16, the iPhone 16E shares many similarities, including the display size, chipset, and main camera, but costs $200 less. The trade-offs include lower display brightness, no ultra-wide camera, no Camera Control button, and no MagSafe support, as detailed in PCMag’s Comparison. Reviews from Daring Fireballsuggest it offers better value than the iPhone 15 at a similar price point, given its faster chip and longer battery life.
For budget-conscious buyers, the iPhone 16E stands out against Android competitors in the same price range, offering Apple’s ecosystem integration, regular software updates, and resale value. However, for photography enthusiasts or users reliant on MagSafe, the omissions might be significant. WIRED’s Review questions its value, suggesting a used iPhone 15 Pro might offer more features at a similar price, highlighting a potential controversy around its pricing strategy.
Conclusion
The iPhone 16E, at $599, delivers a compelling package for users seeking a reliable smartphone within the Apple ecosystem. Its strengths include the A18 chip, good camera performance, long battery life, and support for Apple Intelligence, making it suitable for everyday use and future-proofing.
However, the lack of an ultra-wide camera, limited color options, and absence of MagSafe might disappoint some users. Overall, it is recommended for budget-conscious buyers looking for a solid upgrade from older models, offering excellent value for its price point.
