Although iPhone 16e stands out as the most affordable model of the iPhone 16 family, we can say that it comes with some important shortcomings for the long term. The fact that the device initially appears more economical may return to the user as additional costs and limitations over time.
Is buying iPhone 16e a mistake?
The lack of MagSafe support has been one of the most notable shortcomings of this device. MagSafe, which has been a key part of Apple’s wireless charging and accessory ecosystem since the iPhone 12, not only provides ease of charging, but is also compatible with many magnetic accessories, from car mounts to external batteries. iPhone 16e’s lack of this feature both reduces accessory options and makes wireless charging slower.
It is also noteworthy that the Dynamic Island design that Apple has adopted in new models is not included in this device. iPhone 16e instead returned to the classic notch. This is not only aesthetic, but also means missing out on some of the interactive features introduced for iOS 17 and later. Dynamic Island-exclusive functions such as live events and quick music controls are not available on this model.
WhatsApp has maximized messaging security with its new feature. This development has made users very happy.
There are also significant limitations on the connectivity side of the device. Although C1, the first Apple modem with Wi-Fi 6 support, is used, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, which offer faster and less dense network advantages, are not supported. Although it seems sufficient for today, this deficiency will be felt more clearly in environments where Wi-Fi 6 support will be insufficient in a few years.
Likewise, the lack of an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip makes advanced functions such as precise location finding unusable. Features such as precise tracking with products such as AirTag and automatic unlocking of the car are not offered in this model.
Finally, the device does not have mmWave 5G support. While this technology promises very high speeds especially in some countries such as the USA, iPhone 16e only supports standard sub-6GHz 5G connection. Although not noticeable in the short term, this limitation may be a factor that will affect the user experience as mobile networks develop.
For all these reasons, the price-performance balance of iPhone 16e may not be as strong as expected for those considering long-term use. So what do you think about this issue? You can share your opinions with us in the comments section below.
