Apple has officially reimagined its entry-level strategy with the launch of the iPhone 16e—the latest addition to the iPhone 16 family that leaves the “SE” moniker behind. With persistent rumors confirming that the iPhone SE is now history, the new “e” model arrives as a refreshed, budget-friendly alternative without compromising on groundbreaking features.
A Closer Look at the iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e is engineered to deliver flagship performance at a more accessible price point. Key highlights include:
A18 Bionic Chip & Apple Intelligence:
At its core, the iPhone 16e is powered by the cutting-edge A18 chip, which not only promises speedy performance but also brings along the full suite of Apple Intelligence features integrated into iOS 18. This positions the 16e as a smart, future-ready device.
Camera System:
The device boasts a 48 MP “2-in-1” single rear camera system that supports lossless 2x zoom. Although it forgoes the additional rear camera seen in its higher-end siblings, Apple ensures that even this economical model captures impressive photos and videos.
Same Display & Durability as iPhone 16:
A 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, protected by a Ceramic Shield (branded as “the toughest back glass in a smartphone”), provides vibrant visuals and robust durability.
Industry-First In-House Modem:
In a notable first, the iPhone 16e is equipped with Apple’s very own C1 modem—ushering in a new era of connectivity that promises enhanced performance and integration.
Extended Battery Life:
Apple makes a bold claim: the iPhone 16e delivers “the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone,” lasting up to six hours longer than the iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours longer than any generation of the iPhone SE.
Additional Features:
Standard Face ID, USB-C connectivity, and a customizable Action Button (albeit without the dedicated Camera Control found on the standard iPhone 16) further enrich the user experience. The device also supports satellite connectivity for Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My—making it a versatile companion in critical situations.
Design & Pricing:
The 16e is available exclusively in white and black and comes in three storage options:
• 128GB at INR 59,900
• 256GB at INR 69,900
• 512GB at NR 89,900
Pre-orders begin on February 21, with a full release set for February 28.
How Does It Stack Up?
Below is a comparison of the iPhone 16e with its immediate predecessors—the iPhone 15 and the flagship iPhone 16—highlighting the key differences and upgrades.
Conclusion
With the iPhone 16e, Apple is redefining what consumers can expect from an economical smartphone. It combines high-end components like the A18 chip, a pioneering in-house modem, and the much-lauded Apple Intelligence features, all while offering superior battery performance and a robust design. For those looking to step into the next generation of iPhones without breaking the bank, the iPhone 16e presents a compelling option that stands tall even against the flagship iPhone 16 and the outgoing iPhone 15.
For anyone comparing the price of the device against the previous SE, iPhone 15, should also consider that this model supports Apple Intelligence which the other models do not. Still if it can be had at 50,000 INR, that would be a sweet deal.
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The iPhone 16e is engineered to deliver flagship performance at a more accessible price point. Key highlights include:
A18 Bionic Chip & Apple Intelligence:
At its core, the iPhone 16e is powered by the cutting-edge A18 chip, which not only promises speedy performance but also brings along the full suite of Apple Intelligence features integrated into iOS 18. This positions the 16e as a smart, future-ready device.
Camera System:
The device boasts a 48 MP “2-in-1” single rear camera system that supports lossless 2x zoom. Although it forgoes the additional rear camera seen in its higher-end siblings, Apple ensures that even this economical model captures impressive photos and videos.
Same Display & Durability as iPhone 16:
A 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, protected by a Ceramic Shield (branded as “the toughest back glass in a smartphone”), provides vibrant visuals and robust durability.
Industry-First In-House Modem:
In a notable first, the iPhone 16e is equipped with Apple’s very own C1 modem—ushering in a new era of connectivity that promises enhanced performance and integration.
Extended Battery Life:
Apple makes a bold claim: the iPhone 16e delivers “the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone,” lasting up to six hours longer than the iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours longer than any generation of the iPhone SE.
Additional Features:
Standard Face ID, USB-C connectivity, and a customizable Action Button (albeit without the dedicated Camera Control found on the standard iPhone 16) further enrich the user experience. The device also supports satellite connectivity for Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My—making it a versatile companion in critical situations.
Design & Pricing:
The 16e is available exclusively in white and black and comes in three storage options:
• 128GB at INR 59,900
• 256GB at INR 69,900
• 512GB at NR 89,900
Pre-orders begin on February 21, with a full release set for February 28.
How Does It Stack Up?
Below is a comparison of the iPhone 16e with its immediate predecessors—the iPhone 15 and the flagship iPhone 16—highlighting the key differences and upgrades.
Feature | iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16e |
---|---|---|---|
Chip | A16 Bionic | A18 Bionic | A18 Bionic |
Rear Camera | Dual-camera system | Advanced multi-camera with dedicated Camera Control | 48 MP 2-in-1 single camera (with lossless 2x zoom) |
Modem | Third-party solution | Third-party solution | Apple’s first in-house modem (C1) |
Display | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with Ceramic Shield | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with Ceramic Shield |
Battery Life | Standard performance | Improved battery efficiency | Best battery life on a 6.1-inch iPhone (6 hours longer than iPhone 11, up to 12 hours longer than iPhone SE) |
Additional Features | Face ID, USB-C | Face ID, USB-C, customizable Action Button, Camera Control | Face ID, USB-C, customizable Action Button (no Camera Control), Satellite connectivity, Apple Intelligence integration |
Color Options | Multiple options | Multiple options | White and Black only |
Conclusion
With the iPhone 16e, Apple is redefining what consumers can expect from an economical smartphone. It combines high-end components like the A18 chip, a pioneering in-house modem, and the much-lauded Apple Intelligence features, all while offering superior battery performance and a robust design. For those looking to step into the next generation of iPhones without breaking the bank, the iPhone 16e presents a compelling option that stands tall even against the flagship iPhone 16 and the outgoing iPhone 15.
For anyone comparing the price of the device against the previous SE, iPhone 15, should also consider that this model supports Apple Intelligence which the other models do not. Still if it can be had at 50,000 INR, that would be a sweet deal.
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