iPhone 16e Review: A Great Value for Apple Intelligence, but Not for Photography Enthusiasts
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Software and Apple Intelligence
- Camera Performance
- Form Factor and Missing Features
- Other Notable Features
- Conclusion
Introduction
Apple finally brought back its entry-level phone, the iPhone 16e. After a three-year gap since the previous model’s release, Apple has packed a big refresh into the iPhone 16e. This includes the addition of Apple Intelligence powered by the A18 chipset, an Apple modem, larger battery capacity, more storage options, and Face ID, all for a $599 price tag — hundreds of dollars cheaper than the base iPhone 16 model.
In this review, I swapped out my iPhone 16 Pro, which I’ve been using daily since its release in September, for the iPhone 16e. Here’s everything I learned after 24 hours of testing.
Software and Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence delivers everything it promises, making the transition from the iPhone 16 Pro to the 16e seamless. Both models share the same A18 chip, so they run the latest iOS and support Apple Intelligence features.
The iPhone 16e allows access to Writing Tools, Notification Summaries, Image Playground, Clean Up, and Genmoji, even though it has fewer GPU cores than the Pro variants. When the full suite of Apple Intelligence features rolls out, iPhone 16e users will have access to it all — a big advantage over users with older models like the iPhone 15 and below.
Apple Intelligence is designed to offer personalized assistance, drawing from your apps and content on screen. For users who prioritize smart features over raw hardware power, this is a win.
Camera Performance
One of the biggest differences between the iPhone 16e and the iPhone 16 Pro lies in the camera system. The 16e has a 12MP front-facing camera, the same as other models in the iPhone 16 lineup, so selfies will look just as good. However, the rear camera system is less advanced.
The 48MP wide camera on the back of the 16e is a significant upgrade over previous models, but it lacks the 12MP Ultra Wide camera, which I rely on for 0.5x shots. The dual-functioning camera system is capable, but it doesn’t compare to the dual-camera system of the iPhone 16 Pro, which delivers more polished and versatile photos.
Advanced features like ProRAW and cinematic video are unavailable on the 16e due to its simpler camera setup. If you're not focused on high-quality photos or videos and just want to capture everyday memories, this camera is still solid.
Form Factor and Missing Features
The iPhone 16e has a slightly smaller 6.1-inch size and a simpler design than the iPhone 16 Pro. Notably, it lacks Dynamic Island and the Camera Control button. Although these features add a level of convenience on the Pro models, their absence didn’t impact my daily use much.
For example, although I enjoy using the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 Pro, I mapped the camera to the Control Button on the 16e, which provided a similar experience for quick photo-taking.
Other Notable Features
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Lightweight Design: The iPhone 16e weighs just 5.88 ounces (167 grams), significantly lighter than the 7.03 ounces (199 grams) iPhone 16 Pro Max. This makes it much more comfortable to carry in your pocket.
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Apple C1 Modem: The iPhone 16e features Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, the Apple C1, offering fast and reliable service. While my service has remained unchanged, this modem is designed to optimize battery life in the long term.
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Battery Life: The iPhone 16e offers up to 26 hours of video playback. This is a significant improvement for users upgrading from older models, like the iPhone 11, who will enjoy up to six additional hours of battery life compared to their old device.
Conclusion
The iPhone 16e is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable entry into Apple’s ecosystem. With full access to Apple Intelligence features, it excels in software, performance, and usability. However, if photography and advanced camera features are important to you, the 16e may not meet your needs. Despite its more basic camera system, it remains a great option for everyday use at a fraction of the price of the higher-end models.
If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind missing out on high-end photography features, the iPhone 16e is a fantastic option.
This revised version now includes a Table of Contents to help readers navigate the article more easily.
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