Apple launches iPhone 16e with A18 chip and Apple Intelligence

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.

iphone16e.jpgA 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.

FeatureiPhone 15iPhone 16iPhone 16e
ChipA16 BionicA18 BionicA18 Bionic
Rear CameraDual-camera systemAdvanced multi-camera with dedicated Camera Control48 MP 2-in-1 single camera (with lossless 2x zoom)
ModemThird-party solutionThird-party solutionApple’s first in-house modem (C1)
Display6.1-inch OLED6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with Ceramic Shield6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with Ceramic Shield
Battery LifeStandard performanceImproved battery efficiencyBest battery life on a 6.1-inch iPhone (6 hours longer than iPhone 11, up to 12 hours longer than iPhone SE)
Additional FeaturesFace ID, USB-CFace ID, USB-C, customizable Action Button, Camera ControlFace ID, USB-C, customizable Action Button (no Camera Control), Satellite connectivity, Apple Intelligence integration
Color OptionsMultiple optionsMultiple optionsWhite 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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In my experience if someone wants to use an iPhone for as long as possible, the number of it's sales do play a major role in obtaining the spare parts after 7-8 years, extending it's life beyond that.

The models that didn't sell well like the mini series, their parts will become scarce before the normal models.
 
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Ok so it's the Iphone 16E

I don't own any apple products, so from my pov, at this price point, I don't really understand the appeal of it. The new Iphone 16 is going for 70k on flipkart atm, apple's website says 60k. Let's just assume it's going to go for 50k during sales and I have no options for second hand, can someone make it make sense for my head?
 
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Ok so it's the Iphone 16E

I don't own any apple products, so from my pov, at this price point, I don't really understand the appeal of it. The new Iphone 16 is going for 70k on flipkart atm, apple's website says 60k. Let's just assume it's going to go for 50k during sales and I have no options for second hand, can someone make it make sense for my head?

I think 10-20k is a significant enough difference for most people to seriously consider this. Most people that buy an iphone are really just buying it for the basics + brand name. This checks both those boxes.

I still think 499 would have been the sweet spot but honestly even at this price, its not a bad deal.
 
I think 10-20k is a significant enough difference for most people to seriously consider this. Most people that buy an iphone are really just buying it for the basics + brand name. This checks both those boxes.

I still think 499 would have been the sweet spot but honestly even at this price, its not a bad deal.
I would have agreed if it was an Iphone SE 3 display size, around 5.5 inches would also be something I would accept lol. That would have appealed to my sister too who has small hands and it would have been perfect for her. The SE 3 released at 430 usd. The 16E @ 599? I'm not too sure. Now it really just looks like a Small Size Mcdonalds Fries for 300rs, while the medium is 400rs.
 
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Ok so it's the Iphone 16E

I don't own any apple products, so from my pov, at this price point, I don't really understand the appeal of it. The new Iphone 16 is going for 70k on flipkart atm, apple's website says 60k. Let's just assume it's going to go for 50k during sales and I have no options for second hand, can someone make it make sense for my head?
In India it doesn't make sense to buy latest iphones because of terrible trade in programs, buying last gen at festival discount is the best option.
 
buying last gen at festival discount is the best option.
+1
It also saves you from the new launch manufacturing problems which takes time to fix, in later revisions. No matter how much you test the product before launch in the labs, true test lies in the consumer's hands, when they are gonna use it in unexpected ways.

1740025123730.png

1740025132658.png
 
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Apple C1 modem!
Apple is testing waters with a small set of pilot users, but the C1 is undoubtedly going to be worse than the Qualcomm X71 modems. However, the real world feedback will definitely help Apple get rid of Qualcomm in the next 2-3 years.

On the whole though disappointing to see the differentiation that existed with the SE and Mini series ending this way. There was something for those who couldn't quite get used to the mainstream slabs but now there are none.
 
the C1 is undoubtedly going to be worse than the Qualcomm X71 modems.
Definitely! There will be "reviews" soon where there is comparison between C1 and Qualcomm modems. I believe if C1 is 70%-ish good while sipping much less power, Apple can call it a day for now.

On the whole though disappointing to see the differentiation that existed with the SE and Mini series ending this way. There was something for those who couldn't quite get used to the mainstream slabs but now there are none.
Mini formfactor could make a lot of sense for people from different user-bases. But 1) they needed better battery life 2) mass-market users perceived them "inferior" as they were cheaper - whereas Plus size was received better, than at least mini size, as they were charged more and positioned as premium.
 

Apple’s C1 5G Modem Running In The iPhone 16e Does Not Support mmWave Networks, Making It Inferior To The iPhone 16’s Snapdragon X71 In One Aspect​

The iPhone 16e has finally arrived, bringing one of the most notable internal changes to the table, Apple’s custom C1 5G modem, which the company claims is the most efficient baseband chip that it has ever added to an iPhone. While we have yet to learn the detailed technical specifications, sifting through the comparisons, we found that the in-house solution does not support mmWave networks. A feature that allows the Snapdragon X71 5G modem running in the entire iPhone 16 family to deliver unparalleled downlink and uplink speeds.

Regarding speeds, Apple had nothing noteworthy to share about the C1 modem except mentioning that the in-house silicon was extremely power efficient and delivered fast and reliable 5G connectivity. What the company failed to mention was that, unlike the Snapdragon X75, the C1 does not support mmWave networks, meaning that a ton of wireless performance is being left on the table.

However, we understand that such trade-offs were necessary to price the iPhone 16e at the current figure. After all, incorporating mmWave support is not as simple as adding another chipset to the logic board and requires an intricate understanding of smartphone design. The antenna bands need to be placed in a device that delivers the most throughput, which is a whole new science, and a multitude of tests need to be conducted to ensure reliability and higher performance.

Another reason why Apple might not have added mmWave support was that the latter is only deployed in a few regions due to the sheer infrastructure makeover required for carriers to provide such a service. Since the majority of iPhone 16e’s estimated 22 million shipments are expected to come from developing regions, Apple might have thought that it is not worth the effort, not to mention the added cost. The company has not taken the liberty of adding any performance comparisons of the C1 modem, so we have to wait for in-depth test results before we provide any verdict.

Source: https://wccftech.com/apple-iphone-16e-c1-5g-modem-does-not-support-mmwave-networks/
Developing regions means us. So sub-standard phone with sub-standard components.

Following The Announcement Of The iPhone 16e, Apple Has Officially Discontinued The iPhone SE, iPhone 14, And iPhone 14 Plus​

Apple has decided to officially phase out all handsets that feature 64GB of onboard memory. With the latest moves, all iPhones now start with 128GB of flash memory for their base variants, making it beneficial for buyers in a variety of scenarios. iPhone 16e is said to be the successor to the third-generation iPhone SE, which the tech giant officially discontinued. Similarly, the company is also no longer selling iPhone models that have a Lightning port, Touch ID, or an LCD screen.

Apple has officially discontinued the third-generation iPhone SE, and along with this, many other features that do not represent the evolving changes the company is undergoing will also be left behind. This includes the Lightning port as the transition to USB-C port is being made the standard. Similarly, iPhones with a Home button or even Touch ID would no longer be sold by the company.

While it is not unusual for Apple to have some products meet the end of the road when introducing fresh ones, the company discontinuing the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus does come as a surprise. The Apple lineup now includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and now iPhone 16e. Given the Cupertino-based tech giant's current direction, it would most likely let go of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus when the iPhone 17 lineup is announced in September.

Source: https://wccftech.com/following-the-...d-the-iphone-se-iphone-14-and-iphone-14-plus/
 
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.

View attachment 224643A 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.

FeatureiPhone 15iPhone 16iPhone 16e
ChipA16 BionicA18 BionicA18 Bionic
Rear CameraDual-camera systemAdvanced multi-camera with dedicated Camera Control48 MP 2-in-1 single camera (with lossless 2x zoom)
ModemThird-party solutionThird-party solutionApple’s first in-house modem (C1)
Display6.1-inch OLED6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with Ceramic Shield6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with Ceramic Shield
Battery LifeStandard performanceImproved battery efficiencyBest battery life on a 6.1-inch iPhone (6 hours longer than iPhone 11, up to 12 hours longer than iPhone SE)
Additional FeaturesFace ID, USB-CFace ID, USB-C, customizable Action Button, Camera ControlFace ID, USB-C, customizable Action Button (no Camera Control), Satellite connectivity, Apple Intelligence integration
Color OptionsMultiple optionsMultiple optionsWhite 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.
Notice how they always compare with old iphones and not with android competitors , Apple knows how to sell to the "iPhone" crowd
 
Coming from iphone se, iphone 6s, iphone mini series, I still think iphone mini is a perfect device for compact phones. I wish they had released one more version with better battery. 6" has become new default for compact phones these days
 
Notice how they always compare with old iphones and not with android competitors , Apple knows how to sell to the "iPhone" crowd
Nothing special about Apple, many companies do this.

Coming from iphone se, iphone 6s, iphone mini series, I still think iphone mini is a perfect device for compact phones. I wish they had released one more version with better battery. 6" has become new default for compact phones these days
+1

I predict some time in future small phones will be in trend again, not in our lifetime though. The current plus size phones are too big.
 
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Nothing special about Apple, many companies do this.


+1

I predict some time in future small phones will be in trend again, not in our lifetime though. The current plus size phones are too big.
Current smallest phones (not including the phased out iPhone Mini) have similar or bigger physical dimensions than the erstwhile monstrous Galaxy Note (1st Gen).