Apple iPhone 16E Unveiled: Top Features, Performance, and Value at $599

Apple surprised fans with a February launch, introducing the all-new iPhone 16E on its website. This latest addition to the iPhone 16 lineup brings a major upgrade to the 2022 iPhone SE, featuring a fresh design, a powerful new processor, and built-in Apple Intelligence capabilities.

Starting at $599 (£599, AU$999), the iPhone 16E comes in at $170 more than the previous SE model, which debuted at $429. In comparison, the standard iPhone 16 starts at $799. This pricing places the iPhone 16E in the upper tier of budget smartphones, competing with alternatives like the Google Pixel 8A ($499) and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE ($650).

In an era where smartphone brands are racing to integrate AI-powered features, Apple ensures that advanced AI technology isn’t exclusive to its premium models. Equipped with the A18 chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, the iPhone 16E delivers impressive performance and full access to Apple Intelligence—a rare feat for a sub-$600 smartphone.

However, the iPhone 16E presents an interesting trade-off. While it improves on the iPhone SE in nearly every aspect, it forgoes the SE’s signature affordability and compact size. Still, with carrier promotions and launch discounts, the iPhone 16E is set to attract plenty of buyers. The big question remains: how long will this model stay relevant in Apple’s rapidly evolving lineup?

Preorders for the iPhone 16E open this Friday, Feb. 21, with the official release set for Friday, Feb. 28.

iPhone 16E Design Revealed: A Bold New Look That Redefines Apple’s Budget Lineup

The iPhone 16E takes inspiration from the iPhone 14’s aluminum frame, giving it a sleek and durable build. Its matte glass back helps reduce fingerprint smudges for a cleaner look. Instead of the traditional mute switch, Apple introduces an Action button, allowing users to launch shortcuts with ease. Since this model doesn’t include a Camera Control button, the Action button also supports Visual Intelligence searches. Another key update is the inclusion of a USB-C port, replacing the Lightning connector found in older iPhones.

With the release of the iPhone 16E, Apple officially says goodbye to the home button, a defining feature of iPhones for over a decade. The device features a 6.1-inch display, signaling the end of Apple’s truly compact phone options. However, its 60Hz refresh rate may feel outdated, especially when many budget Android smartphones now offer 90Hz or higher refresh rates. Additionally, the iPhone 16E retains a screen notch rather than adopting the Dynamic Island cutout seen on recent flagship models.

Interestingly, Apple keeps the iPhone 16E’s color choices minimal, offering it only in black and white—a departure from the vibrant hues of other models.

The iPhone SE first launched in 2016, modeled after the iPhone 5S, with “SE” standing for Special Edition—though some fans saw it as “Small Edition.” Apple introduced the second-gen iPhone SE in 2020, blending the iPhone 8’s design with the powerful A13 Bionic chip from the iPhone 11. By 2022, the third-generation iPhone SE arrived, featuring a similar design but upgraded with the A15 Bionic processor from the iPhone 13 lineup.

iPhone 16E’s C1 Modem and Battery: What to Expect from Apple’s Latest Upgrade

The iPhone 16E introduces a first for Apple’s lineup—a custom-designed 5G modem known as the C1 chip. In Apple’s official launch video, the company touts it as the most power-efficient modem ever in an iPhone, promising better performance while conserving battery life.

While the C1 modem supports 5G connectivity, it does not include millimeter-wave 5G, which enables ultra-fast speeds in areas like stadiums and airports. Real-world tests will be crucial to see how well calls and data speeds hold up on this new modem.

Apple also highlights the efficiency boost from pairing the A18 chip with the C1 modem, which could translate into longer battery life. Many consumers choose smartphones based on affordability and battery performance, and while Apple didn’t lower the price compared to the iPhone SE, extended battery life could be a standout feature. Again, real-world testing will determine if the iPhone 16E truly delivers on this promise.

However, the iPhone 16E lacks MagSafe support, meaning it won’t work with Apple’s magnetic accessories. This also limits wireless charging to a slow 7.5W, though wired charging still reaches 20W for faster power-ups.

iPhone 16E Camera Breakthrough: What You Need to Know About Its Stunning New Features

The iPhone 16E features a single rear camera with a 48-megapixel sensor. While it lacks an ultrawide lens, the high-resolution main camera allows for sensor cropping, providing a 2x magnification—offering a similar experience to having a second camera. On the front, the iPhone 16E is equipped with a 12-megapixel camera, supporting Face ID and featuring autofocus for sharp, detailed selfies.

iPhone 16E Final Thoughts: A Promising Yet Streamlined Device

The iPhone 16E takes on the role of the SE series by offering a more affordable option while utilizing parts from previous iPhone models. However, the name shift from SE to 16E marks a shift in Apple’s approach, moving from offering just a budget phone to providing an affordable version of the iPhone 16, similar to Samsung’s Galaxy FE models.

With the new iPhone 16E name, it will be interesting to see how Apple approaches updates. Unlike the long gaps between iPhone SE releases, could we see annual updates for this model? Will an iPhone 17E follow in the future? Only time will tell. I’m excited to get hands-on with the iPhone 16E, so stay tuned for more updates and our upcoming review.

Apple iPhone 16E vs. iPhone 16, iPhone SE (2022), and iPhone 15: A Detailed Specs Comparison

Here’s a simple comparison chart of the Apple iPhone 16E, iPhone 16, iPhone SE (2022), and iPhone 15 to help you see how they stack up against each other:

Feature	Apple iPhone 16E	Apple iPhone 16	Apple iPhone SE (2022)	Apple iPhone 15
Display Size & Tech	6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2532×1170, 60Hz	6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR, 2556×1179, 60Hz	4.7-inch LCD, 1334×750, 60Hz	6.1-inch OLED, 2556×1179 pixels
Pixel Density	460ppi	460ppi	326ppi	460ppi
Dimensions	5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 in / 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm	5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 in / 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm	5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in / 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm	5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 in / 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm
Weight	167g (5.88 oz)	170g (6 oz)	144g (5.09 oz)	171g (6.02 oz)
Operating System	iOS 18	iOS 18	iOS 15	iOS 17
Rear Camera	48MP wide	48MP wide, 12MP ultrawide	12MP wide	48MP wide, 12MP ultrawide
Front Camera	12MP	12MP	7MP	12MP
Video Capture	4K at 60fps	4K at 60fps, spatial video 1080p at 30fps	4K	4K
Processor	A18	A18	A15 Bionic	A16 Bionic
RAM/Storage Options	128GB, 256GB, 512GB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB	64GB, 128GB, 256GB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Expandable Storage	No	No	None	None
Battery	26 hours video playback, 21 hours streamed, 90 hours audio	22 hours video playback, 18 hours streamed, 20W wired charging	Battery size not disclosed, supports wireless charging	Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed)
Fingerprint Sensor	No, Face ID	No, Face ID	Home Button	No, Face ID
Connector	USB-C	USB-C	Lightning	USB-C (USB 2.0)
Headphone Jack	No	No	No	No
Special Features	Action button, Apple C1 5G modem, Ceramic Shield, IP68, more	Dynamic Island, Action button, Camera Control button, IP68	5G, IP67, 25W wired fast charging, wireless charging	Dynamic Island, 5G, MagSafe, IP68, wireless charging
US Price (Starting)	$599 (128GB)	$799 (128GB)	$399 (64GB)	$799 (128GB)
UK Price (Starting)	£599 (128GB)	£799 (128GB)	£419 (64GB)	£799 (128GB)
Australia Price (Starting)	AU$999 (128GB)	AU$1,399 (128GB)	AU$749 (64GB)	AU$1,499 (128GB)

This comparison highlights the differences in design, performance, camera capabilities, and pricing between the latest iPhone models, helping you choose the best option for your needs.