Why Apple Launched iPhone 16e? Secret Strategy
Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, a device that has sparked discussions due to the features it offers and those it lacks. Priced at ₹60,000, the iPhone 16e brings some upgrades while also removing multiple key features. Let’s take a detailed look at what makes this device unique, what has changed, and whether it is worth the price.
Unboxing the iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e comes in a simple Apple-designed box, inside which you will find:
- A braided cable
- A SIM ejector pin
- Minimal documentation
Unlike previous unboxings, this phone was already tested before opening, ensuring that everything works as expected.
New Features in iPhone 16e
Despite being a cost-effective model, the iPhone 16e introduces some important upgrades:
✅ OLED Display – Apple has finally removed LCD displays in this series and replaced them with OLED panels, improving brightness and contrast.
✅ Bigger Battery – The 3961mAh battery in the iPhone 16e is larger than the iPhone 11, promising better battery life.
✅ Apple’s C1 Chip – Previously, Apple used Qualcomm’s chip, which was larger, but the new C1 chip is smaller and saves internal space. However, this change led to the removal of some key features.
✅ 8GB RAM – The iPhone 16e gets 8GB RAM, which is on par with higher-end Apple models, providing a smooth multitasking experience.
✅ A18 Chip (with a Downgrade) – The phone is powered by the A18 chip, but one GPU core has been removed, making it slightly less powerful than the standard A18. However, in everyday use, this change is not noticeable.
✅ Action Button – Apple has included an Action Button, which was missing in earlier budget-friendly models.
What Apple Removed from iPhone 16e
While the iPhone 16e brings some useful features, Apple has removed over 14 key features that were available in other iPhone models. Here’s what’s missing:
❌ No Thread Radio – The iPhone 16e lacks Thread radio, which was useful for smart home connectivity.
❌ No Sensor-Shift Stabilization – Stabilization technology is removed, meaning videos may not be as smooth.
❌ No MagSafe Support – MagSafe accessories that worked with other iPhones will not work on the 16e.
❌ No Dynamic Island – One of the most talked-about features, Dynamic Island, is missing, making the front design look more traditional.
❌ Weaker Wireless Charging – Instead of 15W wireless charging, the iPhone 16e is limited to 7.5W, making charging slower.
❌ Reduced GPU Power – The A18 chip has one less GPU core, slightly reducing gaming performance.
❌ No mmWave 5G Support – The iPhone 16e lacks mmWave 5G, which means slower network speeds in supported regions.
❌ Single Camera Setup – Instead of a dual or triple-lens setup, the iPhone 16e has only one 48MP sensor, limiting camera versatility.
Performance Comparison: iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16
Apple claims that the C1 chip improves connectivity, but real-world tests show mixed results:
📶 WiFi Performance – Compared to the iPhone 16, WiFi speed on the iPhone 16e is up to 8 times slower in some cases.
📡 Cellular Network – mmWave 5G is absent, but actual performance differences are minor in most situations.
📷 Camera Comparison:
- Daylight photography is good with the 48MP single sensor.
- Night photography struggles, as seen in side-by-side tests with the iPhone 16.
- Selfies in daylight look great, but low-light selfies are weaker compared to the iPhone 16.
- Video stability is lower, due to the removal of sensor-shift stabilization.
Why Did Apple Remove So Many Features?
Many users question why Apple removed so many features while keeping the price at ₹60,000. The answer lies in Apple’s marketing strategy:
📌 By removing features, Apple makes the iPhone 16 and Pro models look like better value options.
📌 This tricks consumers into spending more money on higher-end models while still offering a budget-friendly iPhone for those who don’t want to spend too much.
📌 Apple has used this strategy before, offering a compromised device at a high price to push buyers towards premium options.
Should You Buy the iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16e is a decent device, but for ₹60,000, it lacks many essential features.
✅ Buy if you want:
✔ Good battery life
✔ Decent performance with the A18 chip
✔ A cheaper alternative to Apple’s premium models
❌ Avoid if you need:
❌ Wireless charging speed
❌ Multiple camera lenses
❌ Faster 5G connectivity
❌ MagSafe accessories support
Final Verdict
The iPhone 16e feels like a calculated move by Apple—it is positioned as an affordable iPhone while encouraging users to buy more expensive models. If you don’t mind missing out on key features, it could be a decent purchase, but many users may find better value in older iPhones like the iPhone 15 or 16.
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