iPhone 16e: Apple’s Latest Innovation with Surprising Value

6 days ago

In September 2024, Apple unveiled its iPhone 16 lineup, featuring the latest in innovation and design. Now, there’s a new addition to the family; the iPhone 16e. But don’t mistake it for the successor to the iPhone SE 3. Instead, think of it as a fresh entry into the iPhone ecosystem, a gateway device that offers the Apple experience without the hefty price tag.

While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the flagship models, the iPhone 16e aims to deliver solid performance, a capable camera system, and all the benefits of iOS, without breaking the bank. But does it succeed in striking the right balance between affordability and features?

Design & Display: New Yet Familiar

The iPhone 16e introduces a design that feels both new and familiar. While it stands apart from the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup, its overall shape and structure resemble the iPhone 13, just with a few notable differences. Unlike the other iPhone 16 models, it sticks with the traditional notch rather than adopting the Dynamic Island, and it features a single rear camera rather than the usual dual or triple-lens setups. The colour options are also limited, with the 16e only available in black and white, a stark contrast to the broader palette offered by the standard iPhone 16. It does retain the 6.1-inch form factor of the regular iPhone 16, along with the same 60Hz OLED display, which, while serviceable, may feel outdated compared to the higher refresh rates seen on many competing devices.

Performance: Packs A Punch

This is where the iPhone 16e starts to show its value. Despite being the most affordable model in the lineup, it comes equipped with the same A18 chip (with Apple Intelligence) found in the more expensive iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. With a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, it offers similar levels of performance at a lower price, making it an appealing option for those who want Apple’s latest processor without the premium cost.

Apple’s in-house C1 modem also makes its debut here, designed to improve connectivity while maintaining power efficiency. While the chip itself is identical across the lineup, the 16e may not deliver the exact same real-world performance as its pricier counterparts due to potential differences in cooling and RAM allocation. Still, for most users, it should be more than capable of handling everyday tasks, gaming, and AI-powered features introduced in iOS 18.

Specs	iPhone 16e (2025)
Display:	6.1 inches, OLED, 60 Hz
Build:	Aluminum and Ceramic Shield
Processor and RAM:	Apple A18 with 8 GB of RAM
Storage:	128, 256, and 512 GB
Cameras:	48-megapixel main camera, 12-MP selfie camera
Extras:	Qi wireless charging, Face ID, USB-C
Colours:	Black, White
Price:	R15,999

Camera System: Competent, but Doesn’t Break New Ground

At first glance, the iPhone 16e’s single rear camera might make it seem like the natural successor to the iPhone SE 3, but that’s not the case. While it does stick to a lone lens, Apple has upgraded it to a 48MP sensor, bringing a significant leap in detail and versatility compared to older single-camera models.

That said, the sensor itself is noticeably smaller than the ones found in the standard iPhone 16 and Pro models. This means low-light performance will likely take a hit, with less light captured per shot. Apple’s computational photography helps to an extent, but in challenging conditions, the difference will be clear.

On the front, the TrueDepth camera remains unchanged, handling Face ID and selfies as expected. While it doesn’t introduce any major innovations, it still holds up for everyday use.

Battery & Charging: Efficient, But With Trade-Offs

Despite being the most affordable model in the iPhone 16 lineup, the 16e holds its own when it comes to battery life. In fact, it goes toe to toe with the iPhone 16 Pro, delivering similar endurance thanks to a combination of the power-efficient A18 chip and Apple’s new C1 modem, which is designed to optimise connectivity while consuming less power. This results in battery performance that not only surpasses older models like the iPhone 11 but also competes with more premium offerings in the lineup.

Charging is done through USB-C, which is now standard across all iPhones, making it easier to find compatible accessories. MagSafe is absent, which might be a disappointment for those who rely on Apple’s ecosystem of magnetic chargers and accessories. That said, Apple does sell official MagSafe-compatible cases, meaning users can still take advantage of magnetic charging and accessories, just not directly on the phone itself.

Final Words: A Necessary Innovation or a Tech Overreach?

It’s clear that Apple has positioned the iPhone 16e as an upgrade for those still holding onto older models like the iPhone 11, 12, and 13. Apple’s comparisons make this obvious, highlighting performance gains over these specific devices. But after everything we’ve discussed, should you actually buy it?

Short answer: no, the iPhone 15 remains the better choice in many ways. It offers a more premium build, Dynamic Island, a superior camera setup, and plenty of power. If Apple Intelligence is what you’re after, you’re better off stretching your budget a little further for the standard iPhone 16.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with the iPhone 16e, except the very thing it’s been marketed as: a budget iPhone.

With a starting price of R15,999, this isn’t budget-friendly by any stretch. It’s not an entry-level iPhone; it’s a mid-tier device with compromises. The lineup didn’t need it, and at this price, it’s a tough sell. Had it launched in the R11,999 – R13,999 range, it would have been a compelling option. But as it stands, it’s hard to justify why this phone even exists.