When rumors surfaced about a new iPhone, I was eager to see what Apple had planned. I had hoped for a smaller, full-screen iPhone with an excellent display. However, the release of the iPhone 16e quickly changed my expectations.
Yes, it features an XDR display, but its 6.1-inch size makes it far from the compact device I had envisioned. Transitioning from a Pro model to this entry-level iPhone, I discovered noticeable differences—some acceptable, others less so. So, who is the iPhone 16e really for?
Design and Build: Familiar Yet Different
Size and Weight
While I initially expected something smaller and more compact, the iPhone 16e still feels incredibly lightweight. Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro, it is over 30 grams lighter, a difference that’s immediately noticeable. 
Its dimensions and weight are slightly less than those of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15, but the difference is minor. Holding both an iPhone 15 and iPhone 16e, their overall grip and feel are nearly identical.
Glass Back: A Different Texture
The iPhone 16e features a glass back, but unlike the color-infused glass introduced in the iPhone 15 series, it follows an older glass processing method, making it feel almost metallic in hand.
This design choice has some drawbacks:
- Attracts dust and smudges more easily
- Feels smoother, increasing the chance of slipping
After using Pro models, I immediately noticed the lightweight feel, which was refreshing. However, its slick texture occasionally made it feel too smooth to hold securely.
Display: What’s Missing?
I always tell people that once you experience ProMotion, it’s hard to go back. However, the biggest change I had to adjust to with the iPhone 16e wasn’t its 60Hz refresh rate—it was the absence of the Dynamic Island.
Face ID Without Dynamic Island
Every time I unlocked my phone using Face ID, my eyes instinctively searched for the Dynamic Island, only to remember it wasn’t there. Even after several days of use, this remained an adjustment.
No Always-On Display
Beyond the missing Dynamic Island, the iPhone 16e also lacks an always-on display, meaning:
- No glanceable notifications
- No quick access to timers, flights, or calendar updates
Considering its pricing and positioning, these exclusions aren’t surprising. However, the thicker bezels and standard refresh rate reinforce its budget status.
While it works well for casual use, such as weekend trips or as a secondary phone, it lacks the refinements expected in a daily driver.
Camera: A Basic Yet Reliable Setup
The iPhone 16e features a single 48MP camera, which is good enough for daily photography but far from groundbreaking.
What’s Missing?
- No telephoto or ultra-wide lens
- No macro or spatial photography
- No advanced portrait mode updates
For most users, the camera won’t be a deciding factor.
Photography Experience
With 1x and 2x zoom, the camera offers a familiar Apple shooting experience, producing clear, reliable images in different lighting conditions.
However, moving from a Pro model to a single-camera setup, I found the limited focal lengths more noticeable than the absence of additional lenses.
- Pro models use pixel fusion to provide 1.2x and 1.5x zoom, reducing edge distortion.
- On the iPhone 16e, I had to be more deliberate with framing, often relying on 2x zoom instead.
Another issue? Ghosting and lens flare.
Apple had recently improved lens flare issues, but on the iPhone 16e, this problem returned. Shooting photos or videos in bright conditions often resulted in visible ghosting artifacts.
Connectivity and Battery Life: Apple’s C1 Modem Debut
The biggest technical upgrade in the iPhone 16e is the Apple C1 modem, marking Apple’s first in-house modem and a move away from Qualcomm.
Signal Performance
Many expected better connectivity with the C1 chip, but my real-world experience was:
- No major signal improvements over the iPhone 16 Pro
- Network stability remained unchanged, even in weak areas
- Occasional signal drops with dual SIM standby
What Apple Says About the C1 Modem
According to Apple, the C1 modem was tested across 180 carriers in 55 countries. It integrates with the A18 chip to prioritize network traffic, aiming to reduce signal interruptions in congested areas.
While I didn’t notice a drastic signal improvement, one thing stood out:
Battery Life is Exceptional
Apple claims that the C1 modem, combined with iOS 18 optimizations, delivers outstanding battery life.
- The iPhone 16e’s battery rivals Pro Max models
- It’s the best battery life ever seen on a budget iPhone
The Loss of MagSafe
To achieve better battery life, Apple removed MagSafe, and that was the biggest drawback for me.
While 7.5W charging is slow, the real issue is the lack of MagSafe accessories:
- Wireless charging stands won’t work
- No MagSafe wallets or docks
Some speculate that MagSafe was removed to allow for a larger battery, but we’ll need teardowns to confirm.
Final Thoughts: Is the iPhone 16e Worth It?
As Apple’s budget iPhone, the iPhone 16e makes practical trade-offs, offering affordability at the cost of premium features. However, if priced lower, it would be an even better deal.
That said, some cuts feel unnecessary—like removing MagSafe and limiting portrait mode, which are now core features in iOS.
For those considering the iPhone 16e as a replacement for the iPhone SE, its Apple Intelligence compatibility ensures it will remain relevant for years. Whether it’s the right choice for you depends on your priorities.
