iPhone 16e Review: The Cheapest New iPhone That’s No Longer Cheap
If you’re looking for a cheap iPhone, you might want to think twice, because Apple’s latest iPhone 16e is not really a budget phone anymore. While it may be the cheapest new iPhone, its $599 price tag raises some serious questions.
So, what does the iPhone 16e offer? And is it worth it? Let’s dive in.
The iPhone 16e: Budget or Not?
Apple’s SE lineup used to be easy to recommend for anyone looking for an affordable iPhone.
- The previous SE models cost $399 and $429.
- The iPhone 16e starts at $599—a big price jump.
- The model being reviewed costs $900 due to storage upgrades.
It’s clear—this is not a budget iPhone anymore, and that makes it harder to recommend.
A Familiar Design with a Few Updates
Apple’s strategy for making a cheaper iPhone has always been simple: reuse old parts. The iPhone 16e follows the same approach, borrowing heavily from the iPhone 14:
✅ Aluminum build with flat sides
✅ USB Type-C
✅ IP68 water resistance
✅ 6.1-inch display with a notch and Face ID
✅ New single-camera design
It looks more modern than previous SE models, but the display isn’t the brightest and still runs at 60Hz.
Performance: A18 Chip with a Catch
The iPhone 16e comes with Apple’s A18 chip, the same found in the flagship iPhone 16—but with one less GPU core.
- Classic Apple binning strategy—a small difference that most users won’t notice.
- Similar to the Oppo Find N5, where a binned Snapdragon 8 Elite had one less core.
- Performance remains powerful for the price, but intense gaming may show minor differences.
It’s a fine cut that doesn’t affect daily performance significantly.
Camera: 48MP But Not Quite the Same
Apple follows a clear camera hierarchy:
- iPhone 16e → 1 camera
- iPhone 16 → 2 cameras
- iPhone 16 Pro → 3 cameras
While the iPhone 16e has a 48MP camera, there are key differences:
- Smaller sensor than iPhone 16, leading to less natural depth of field.
- Inferior stabilization, making action shots trickier.
- Weaker low-light performance, requiring more Night Mode use.
- No Cinematic Mode, Spatial Video, or Macro capabilities.
During daylight, the camera is fine, but at night, it softens quickly. If you care about camera quality, the iPhone 15 Pro is a better choice.
The Cost-Cutting Features: No MagSafe, No Colors
Apple has removed key features to keep costs down:
❌ No MagSafe – Limited to first-gen Qi wireless charging (7.5W).
❌ Only two colors – Matte black & matte white. No Product Red or other colors.
❌ No Wi-Fi 6E or 7 support – No future-proofing for newer routers.
❌ No Ultra-Wideband (UWB) – Can’t precisely track AirTags.
The lack of MagSafe is especially frustrating, given that MagSafe has become a core part of the iPhone experience. Wireless charging on the 16e is slow and unreliable, and if you misalign the charger, charging may not happen at all.
If you really want MagSafe, you’ll need to buy a case with built-in magnets, like dbrand’s Grip Case.
Apple’s New C1 Modem & Battery Life
The biggest hidden change in the iPhone 16e is the new C1 modem, Apple’s first in-house cellular modem:
- Replaces Qualcomm’s modem for 4G, 5G, GPS, and satellite.
- No mmWave 5G support—not a dealbreaker for most users.
- More power-efficient, leading to better battery life.
- Physically smaller, allowing for a larger battery inside the 16e.
Battery life has been excellent, matching the iPhone 16 Pro. Wireless charging remains slow, but overall power efficiency is much better than previous SE models.
This modem debut is likely Apple’s first step toward full modem independence for future iPhones.
The Real Issue: Price vs. Value
At $599, the iPhone 16e doesn’t fit its price:
- For $600, a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro is a better deal.
- The iPhone 16 (non-Pro) offers more features for a small extra cost.
- Apple’s own website compares the 16e to the iPhone 12/11/SE, meaning it’s really only an upgrade for older iPhone users.
This pricing feels like a classic Apple strategy—enticing users with a lower entry price, but pushing them toward more expensive models.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the iPhone 16e?
✅ Good for:
- iPhone 11/SE users upgrading to a modern design.
- Those wanting Apple Intelligence on a budget.
- People who don’t care about high refresh rates, MagSafe, or extra camera features.
❌ Not great for:
- Those who care about camera quality (iPhone 15 Pro is better).
- Anyone who wants MagSafe.
- People looking for a true budget iPhone (at this price, it’s not “cheap” anymore).
The iPhone 16e is a solid phone but at the wrong price. If you’re considering it, look at the iPhone 15 Pro first—it’s simply a better device for the same money.
What’s Your Take?
Do you think Apple is moving away from budget iPhones? Does the 16e’s price make sense? Let us know in the comments! 🚀
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