A Blast from the Past: The iPhone 16e Review

I’ve been time-traveling this week, and my journey has taken me to the realm of the iPhone 16e. As I reviewed this device, I couldn’t help but feel like I was revisiting my younger self, while also being forced to live in a bygone era. The experience was all the more jarring since I’ve been using an iPhone 16 Pro for months. No matter which device you’re currently using, upgrading to the iPhone 16e requires embracing change. While change is an inherent part of getting a new phone, the iPhone 16e’s omissions, made to make Apple Intelligence more affordable, are harder to swallow, especially considering the $599 starting price.

The Compromises

It’s no surprise that Apple had to make compromises to offer a more affordable entry-level device. However, the decision to exclude a second camera and MagSafe is unexpected. The fact that Apple refers to the iPhone 16e’s 48-megapixel camera as a "2-in-1 camera system" suggests that the company is aware that two sensors are what people want. Instead, the iPhone 16e features an A18 chip, powering Apple Intelligence, and the C1 modem, designed by the company.

What You Need to Know

To make an informed decision, you’ll need to carefully weigh the similarities and differences between the available iPhones. Consider what wireless charging speed or Wi-Fi standard you need, and whether camera quality is a top priority. I’ve done the comparison for you, and I’ll outline the key differences and what they mean in real-world use.

The Verdict

In my time with the iPhone 16e, I felt the drawbacks of the camera the most. However, the device offers fast performance, a clean design, long battery life, and more affordable access to Apple’s ecosystem. If you’re not particular about smartphone photography, the iPhone 16e is a solid option.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Solid performance
• Long battery life
• Clean, durable design
• Bright, vibrant screen

Cons:

• Only one rear camera, leading to limitations
• Expensive compared to previous iPhone SE
• No MagSafe
• $599 at Apple

Design and Display

The iPhone 16e’s design is visually similar to the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup, but with a stronger resemblance to the iPhone 14 when the screen is on. The display is protected by Ceramic Shield material, and the device has a plain matte surface with a single camera at the top left corner. The iPhone 16e’s dimensions are almost identical to the iPhone 16, with a slight difference in weight.

Camera Experience and Performance

The iPhone 16e’s camera is where I felt the most limitations. While it delivers similar detail, saturation, and vibrancy to the iPhone 16, the lack of a second lens is limiting. The solo sensor setup means you won’t get features like the latest generation of Photographic Styles, and Portrait mode is only available when a face is detected.

The Action Button and Apple Intelligence

The Action button on the iPhone 16e can be customized to launch various features, including Visual Intelligence. This represents the first time Visual Intelligence has been accessible via a physical button other than Camera Control. Apple Intelligence permeates the iPhone 16 lineup, and the iPhone 16e is a capable device, but its limitations are notable.

Performance, Battery Life, and Modem

The iPhone 16e is powered by the A18 chip and features the custom C1 modem. The device delivered smooth performance, and battery life was impressive, lasting well over 24 hours. The C1 modem’s performance is dependent on individual network speeds, but it outperformed my iPhone 16 Pro in tests.

Comparison to iPhone 16 and iPhone SE

The iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe, has slower wireless charging speeds, and doesn’t support Wi-Fi 7 or ultra-wideband. However, it’s a significant upgrade from the iPhone SE (2022), with a sharper camera, actual zoom option, and a bigger, better screen.

Wrap-up

Ultimately, whether the iPhone 16e is a good purchase for you depends on how much the limitations bother you. If you don’t care about MagSafe, camera quality, or the principle of saving hundreds of dollars on a better Android phone, the iPhone 16e makes sense. However, unless you really can’t afford the $200 difference, the iPhone 16 is a better buy for most people.