Introduction to the iPhone 16e
If you’re still on the hunt for an “Everything iPhone,” you’ll likely find it in the $1,000 iPhone 16 Pro. However, the newly introduced $600 iPhone 16e is positioned as the next entry-level Apple device, aiming to make Apple Intelligence more accessible. While it may seem like a true upgrade to the iPhone SE at a lower price point, it’s essential to consider the caveats that come with this more affordable option.
The iPhone 16e boasts several notable features, including a 6.1-inch OLED display, also known as the Super Retina XDR. The old TouchID button has been replaced with a notch that supports FaceID. It also features Apple’s first in-house modem, the C1, which is expected to be a staple in future iPhones, such as the inevitable iPhone 17. Additionally, it’s powered by the A18 chip, directly from the iPhone 16, and is expected to have enough RAM to support Apple Intelligence, which Apple has stated requires at least 8 GB of memory.
However, it’s worth noting that the iPhone 16e starts at $170 more than the last iPhone SE from 2022, with a base storage of 128 GB compared to the previous 64 GB minimum. Many might not consider $600 a “budget” phone, especially when competitors like Google and Samsung offer alternatives like the $500 Pixel 8a and Galaxy FE devices. The next iPhone feels like a cross between the iPhone 16, iPhone 14, and the 2022 iPhone SE. While we would love for the iPhone 16e to be a cheaper version of the excellent iPhone 16, Apple had to make some cuts, which may include features you’re accustomed to on other Apple devices.
The iPhone 16e Doesn’t Include MagSafe
The iPhone 16e specifications page mentions that the device supports “Wireless charging” and works with Qi chargers, but this does not mean all your favorite MagSafe accessories will be compatible with the $600 iPhone. This means Apple won’t sell cases with MagSafe attachment points for this device. The last iPhone SE also lacked MagSafe, and it’s one of those features Apple likely assumed wouldn’t be a priority for some users. On the positive side, it will use a USB-C port, marking the end of Lightning.
The iPhone 16e Doesn’t Include the Dynamic Island
The Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro finally allowed Apple to remove the notch and maximize screen real estate. Although the feature didn’t have much support at launch, it has proven surprisingly helpful. Unfortunately, the iPhone 16e doesn’t include this feature, instead opting for the old notch, which takes up space on the OLED display.
The iPhone 16e Won’t Have the Camera Control Button
The new iPhone incorporates the Action Button from the iPhone 15 Pro, which is a welcome addition. This programmable trigger acts as the Silent/Ring function by default but can be customized for other shortcuts. However, the iPhone 16e lacks the Camera Control button, which could open the Camera app and allow for easier camera mode switching. This is a notable omission, especially for those who prefer physical controls over touch screens.
The Next, Cheaper iPhone Doesn’t Have an Ultrawide Lens
The iPhone 16e features a single rear sensor with a 26 mm, 48 MP “Fusion” lens and a ƒ/1.6 aperture, allowing for 24 MP and 48 MP shooting. However, like the previous iPhone SE, it lacks an ultrawide or telephoto lens, which may not be ideal for macro shots or wide vistas. Apple claims the sensor enables 12 MP and 2x telephoto shots, an upgrade from the last cheaper iPhone, but it may not be perfect for regular use, such as Instagram meal shots.
There’s No SIM Card Slot on the iPhone 16e
In line with the removal of Lightning cables, Apple has also done away with physical SIM cards, at least in the U.S. To use the iPhone 16e, you’ll need to connect with your carrier to transfer your physical SIM into a digital format.
No Option For Colors Other Than Black or White
The color options for the iPhone 16e are limited to black (more accurately, a dark gray) and white, both with aluminum sides and a glass back. This may be disappointing for those who fondly remember the more vibrant colors of the 2020 iPhone SE. While Apple might introduce more dynamic colors in the future, the 16e’s options are fairly subdued, even compared to Apple’s typically less vibrant Pro-level devices.
The Cheaper A18 Chip Has a 4-Core GPU Compared to the iPhone 16’s 5-Core GPU
The A18 chip on the iPhone 16e is a 6-core CPU with two performance cores and four efficiency cores. However, it lacks one GPU core compared to the iPhone 16, which could potentially impact performance in certain tasks. The iPhone 16e also has a stated 26 hours of video playback battery life, compared to 27 hours on the iPhone 16 Plus. While this difference may be negligible, it’s something to consider given the $100 price difference between the base iPhone 16 and the iPhone 16e.
The iPhone 16e Lacks WiFi 7
If you have a WiFi 7-capable router, you might be more inclined to spend money on a more expensive iPhone. The iPhone 16e is limited to WiFi 6, alongside Bluetooth 5.3, although it does feature NFC, satellite connectivity, and a new in-house modem. While this might not be a significant loss, it’s worth noting for those invested in the latest technology.
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