Apple’s budget-friendly phone, the iPhone 16e, has finally been unveiled. Apple CEO Tim Cook had hinted at this event in a recent X post, making an announcement about a new launch. However, it was almost certain that the iPhone 16e, which is expected to sell like hotcakes worldwide thanks to its affordable price and Apple Intelligence features, would be introduced. And as expected, it has happened. But does the iPhone 16e meet all expectations and justify its price?
Apple iPhone 16e features and price
48-megapixel Fusion camera, A18 processor, Apple C1 5G modem, satellite connectivity, 26-hour battery life, OLED display, and more…
Although the iPhone 16e is priced at $599 in the US, making it seem like a mid-range phone, its internal hardware tells a different story—it is, in fact, a budget flagship.
Inside the device, we find the A18 processor developed by Apple, which is used in the non-Pro models of the latest iPhone 16 series. This 6-core CPU delivers a significant performance boost compared to older iPhone models. In fact, it is 80% faster than the once-popular iPhone 11.
Additionally, the 16-core Neural Engine completes machine learning and AI tasks in mere seconds. This makes the iPhone 16e the most powerful phone in its segment, boasting the best processor on the market for its $500 price range.
On the front, the device features a 6.1-inch XDR OLED panel with Ceramic Shield protection, supporting a 60 Hz refresh rate—the same display found in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 models.
Many people have criticized the iPhone 16 for maintaining a 60 Hz refresh rate, but seeing a high-quality XDR OLED panel instead of an LCD in this $500 iPhone model is good news for potential buyers.
On the back, the iPhone 16e comes with a single camera, similar to the SE models. However, this camera has a resolution of 48 megapixels and features Apple’s latest Fusion camera system, which combines the functions of a main camera and 2X optical zoom. On the front, there is a 12-megapixel selfie camera.
Like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models, the device is IP68-certified for water and dust resistance. However, it’s important to note that no brand guarantees protection against water damage under warranty.
Moreover, the iPhone 16e introduces Apple’s newly developed C1 chip for 5G, which is 25% more power-efficient. The device supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and features Apple’s proprietary 5G modem. It also comes with an aluminum frame, like other non-Pro iPhones. Additionally, it includes a USB-C port and 8 GB of LPDDR5X RAM.
Finally, the device offers up to 26 hours of video playback on a full charge—6 hours longer than the iPhone 11 and 12 hours longer than all SE models. Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e will start on February 23, 2025, with the official release date set for February 28.
