By wr_root February 20 early morning news, Apple (244.87, 0.40, 0.16%) announced the launch of the iPhone 16e, the device is the most affordable member of the iPhone 16 series, with strong performance and excellent cost-effective, positioning is also previously many media and public speculation of the iPhone SE series.
The iPhone 16e is equipped with Apple’s latest A18 chip, which has been improved in terms of performance and battery life. Equipped with a 48-megapixel 2-in-1 camera system, the A18 chip’s performance is 80% higher than the iPhone 11’s A13 chip, while battery life has increased by 6 hours compared to the iPhone 11 and 12 hours compared to all iPhone SE models. The camera system is a 48-megapixel Fusion camera system with support for 2x optical zoom.
In the AI area, iPhone 16e integrates the Apple Intelligence system, which includes features such as a photo cleanup tool, natural language search, and a picture builder to enhance the user experience.
iPhone 16e also features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a Ceramic Shield front and back.
The iPhone 16e will be available in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage capacities with a starting price of $599 (CNY4,499). Pre-orders will begin on February 21, and the device will officially go on sale on February 28.
Key Upgrades in iPhone 16e
- A18 Chip with 4-core GPU
Shares the same 3nm A18 processor as iPhone 16 but with a reduced GPU core count (5→4)2,11. - Apple’s First Self-Developed C1 Modem
Supports sub-6GHz 5G with improved energy efficiency, enabling 26-hour video playback (longest in 6.1″ iPhones)4,10. - OLED Display & Modern Design
6.1″ OLED screen (2532×1170) with Face ID, replacing the outdated Home button3,5. - Apple Intelligence Support
Enables AI features like notification summaries and enhanced Siri (Chinese support coming April 2025)6,14. - USB-C & Improved Battery
USB-C port (USB 2.0 speed) + 20W fast charging, but no MagSafe (7.5W Qi wireless only)10,11.
Model Comparison & Pricing
| Feature | iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 | Previous iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $599 | $799 | $169 |
| Display | 6.1″ OLED (60Hz, 1200nits) | 6.1″ OLED (60Hz, 1600nits) | 4.7″ LCD |
| Camera | 48MP single (no ultra-wide) | 48MP + 12MP ultra-wide | 12MP single |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Face ID | Touch ID |
| Wireless Charging | 7.5W Qi | 25W MagSafe | Not supported |
| Battery Life | 26h video | 22h video | 15h video |
Is It Worth Buying?
👍 Recommended For:
- Budget-conscious iOS users upgrading from iPhone 11/SE
- Those prioritizing battery life over camera versatility
- Users wanting cheapest Apple Intelligence access (¥3,999 post-subsidy)9,16
👎 Think Twice If:
- You need pro photography/videography tools
- MagSafe accessories are essential
- High refresh rate displays matter (still 60Hz)2,11
TechRadar’s Verdict:
“The iPhone 16e delivers core iOS experiences at a lower entry point, but power users should consider adding ¥700 for the base iPhone 16 with better cameras and future-proof connectivity.”13,16
2,11,13,16: Pricing and feature comparisons
4,10: Battery and modem details
3,5,6,14: Design and AI capabilities
