Ten months after its debut, the iPhone 16e remains a unique entry in Apple’s lineup, balancing high-end internals with a simplified hardware design. Originally positioned as a modernized successor to the iPhone SE, it brought Apple Intelligence and the A18 chip to a more accessible $599 price point.
Powered by the A18 chip and 8GB of RAM, the 16e is fully compatible with Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools and Image Playground. It remains faster than many older flagship models and is well-equipped for years of software support.
One of the strongest selling points remains its efficiency. With up to 26 hours of video playback, it matches or exceeds the battery life of many larger models, making it a reliable daily driver for power users.
The device includes USB-C and a 48MP Fusion camera capable of high-resolution 1x and 2x photos. However, buying the 16e today means accepting several intentional trade-offs:
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Display: It retains the notch and a 60Hz refresh rate, lacking the Dynamic Island and ProMotion.
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Missing Hardware: There is no dedicated Ultra Wide lens, no MagSafe support (relying on standard Qi charging), and it lacks the Camera Control button.
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