Apple’s iPhone 16e just launched, bringing a mix of modern upgrades and cost-cutting compromises to the company’s budget-friendly lineup. At $599/£599, it’s Apple’s most affordable iPhone, but the price is significantly higher than its predecessor. (R.I.P. iPhone SE).
Reviews so far highlight impressive battery life and performance but also raise concerns over the single-camera setup, lack of MagSafe, and rising price tag. Here’s what the critics are saying.
Excellent battery life
Reviewers consistently praise the iPhone 16e’s battery performance. WIRED highlights that, during average use, the device often retained over 50% charge by day’s end. As Apple promised, this outperforms the pricier iPhone 16.
Impressive performance
With the A18 chip, the iPhone 16e outperforms the iPhone 15 and 16 in most benchmarks. However, it features one fewer GPU core than the Pro models, meaning it falls behind in high-end gaming and AI-heavy tasks. CNET reports that while this difference is noticeable in benchmark scores, in day-to-day use the phone remains incredibly smooth and fast for a device at this price point.
A compromised camera
The iPhone 16e features a single 48-megapixel rear camera, though it packs a smaller sensor than other models. This means you’ll still get quality images in many conditions, but it relies more on features like Night Mode in poor lighting. The lack of ultrawide and telephoto options might also be a dealbreaker for some – The Verge notes that while the camera system will satisfy general users, photography enthusiasts might miss the flexibility of multiple lenses.
No MagSafe
One of the biggest omissions is MagSafe, a feature that has been standard on every iPhone since 2020. Without it, wireless charging is noticeably slower since it reverts to basic Qi charging. Users who rely on MagSafe-compatible car mounts, wallets, or battery packs will also find themselves out of luck. CNET describes the lack of MagSafe as “a step back in convenience,” especially given how widely adopted the magnetic standard has become.
A new modem
Apple’s new C1 modem isn’t a flashy feature, but early tests show it performs well and is highly power-efficient. The Verge notes that connectivity feels the same as previous models, meaning Apple’s first in-house modem is, at the very least, a seamless transition.
No longer a budget model
iPhone 16e is a good phone, but it abandons the USPs that made the iPhone SE range so appealing to many. That said, for anyone looking for a mid-range iPhone with Apple Intelligence support and a long-lasting battery, it represents decent value. Time will tell how well it sells, and whether we’ll be looking at an iPhone 17e this time next year.