iPhone 16e Review: The Most Affordable iPhone, But Is It Worth $599?

The iPhone 16e is Apple’s most affordable phone, priced at $599. But what is it like to use? After using the iPhone 16e for four days, it’s clear that while it offers a lot of features, it also comes with a few compromises.

So, is the iPhone 16e worth it? Let’s break it down.

Five Things I Like About the iPhone 16e

Premium Design with a Matte Finish

The iPhone 16e sticks to the flat-sided design introduced with the iPhone 12.

The back glass has a matte texture, giving it a premium feel.
There’s no camera bump, making the black iPhone 16e look sleek and minimalist.
It gives off serious “2001: A Space Odyssey” monolith vibes.

The design is clean and modern, making it feel like a high-end phone despite being the cheapest new iPhone.

A Single 48MP Camera That Delivers

While the iPhone 16e only has one rear camera, it’s a solid performer.

The 48MP sensor allows for a 2x crop zoom, maintaining good image quality.
Compared to the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, it lacks an ultra-wide lens and extra versatility, but for everyday shots, it gets the job done.
It’s great for capturing moments and sharing them with family and friends.

For those who don’t need multiple lenses, this camera is more than enough.

Apple’s First C1 Modem Works Well

Most people don’t think about their phone’s modem, but Apple’s first in-house modem, the C1, is a major milestone.

Call quality is strong across different environments.
5G speeds are good, though the iPhone 16 Pro Max has slightly faster downloads.
In some cases, upload speeds on the iPhone 16e were even better than the 16 Pro Max.

Apple’s shift to its own modem technology doesn’t seem to impact performance negatively, which is a good sign for future iPhones.

Strong Battery Life

Even with heavy use, the iPhone 16e delivers impressive battery performance.

Over four days of testing, it was only charged twice.
It handled camera tests, Apple Intelligence tools, and gaming without excessive drain.
Easily lasts a full day on a single charge, and lighter users might get a day and a half.

Battery life has always been a weak point for cheaper iPhones, but the iPhone 16e performs well in this area.

Full Access to Apple’s Software & Emergency Features

The iPhone 16e doesn’t cut corners when it comes to Apple’s software and emergency tools.

iOS runs smoothly, allowing for customization of the home screen and Control Center.
It includes Apple Intelligence, making it a powerful AI-driven device.
Satellite-based emergency features are available, allowing users to reach responders or text family members without cell service.

While it lacks some premium Apple features, it retains most of the important ones.

Three Things I Don’t Like About the iPhone 16e

The $600 Price Feels High

The iPhone 16e costs $599, and while that’s cheaper than other iPhones, it still feels expensive for what it offers.

Other affordable phones, like the Google Pixel 8a, hit the $500 sweet spot.
Carrier deals, trade-ins, and installment plans may reduce the price, but not everyone wants to buy a phone that way.
By the time the iPhone 17 launches, discounts may make the iPhone 16e seem overpriced.

Apple could have lowered the price further, but that might have meant removing even more features.

The Display Feels Dated

The iPhone 16e’s screen is similar to the iPhone 14’s, with a notch instead of Dynamic Island.

The notch isn’t a big deal, but not having Dynamic Island feels like a downgrade.
It lacks a high refresh rate, while most Android phones at this price have 90Hz or 120Hz screens.
Outdoors, the screen looks good, but over time, it might feel outdated.

For a better screen, there’s always the iPhone 16 Pro, but that comes at a higher price.

No MagSafe Support

The iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe, which might not seem like a big deal—until you realize how useful it is.

People who haven’t used MagSafe might not miss it.
In a household with MagSafe accessories, not having it could be frustrating.
Some third-party cases with built-in magnets may restore MagSafe functionality.

While not a dealbreaker, the absence of MagSafe is a noticeable omission.

Who Should Buy the iPhone 16e?

The iPhone 16e is a great upgrade for certain users:
✅ iPhone SE and iPhone 11 owners – You’ll get better cameras, battery life, and design.
✅ Android users switching to iPhone – A solid entry point into Apple’s ecosystem.
✅ Teenagers or parents upgrading from old devices – Offers good performance without the high cost of a Pro model.

However, if you care about a high-refresh display, ultra-wide cameras, or MagSafe, you might want to consider the iPhone 16 or iPhone 15 instead.

Final Thoughts: Is the iPhone 16e Worth It?

The iPhone 16e is a solid phone, but its $599 price tag makes it a tough sell.

It has good design, performance, and battery life.
The C1 modem works well, and Apple Intelligence is included.
But no MagSafe, an aging display, and a high price make it less appealing.

Would I Choose the iPhone 16e Over the iPhone 15?

If you don’t care about Dynamic Island, ultra-wide cameras, or MagSafe, then yes.
The A18 processor is the real selling point, giving the iPhone 16e a long lifespan.

What Do You Think?

Are you considering the iPhone 16e?
Let us know in the comments below!

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Also Read :iPhone 16e Review: The Cheapest New iPhone That’s No Longer Cheap