Caleb Qwofi Right
Apple has just pulled back the curtain on the iPhone 16e, its latest entry-level smartphone that replaces the aging iPhone SE after a three-year hiatus. Priced at an enticing $599, the iPhone 16e brings premium features like Face ID, an Action Button, and the powerful A18 chip to the masses, making it the most affordable iPhone yet to support Apple Intelligence.
A Modern Take on Entry-Level
Drawing inspiration from the iPhone 14’s design, the iPhone 16e sports a sleek, full-screen 6.1-inch display—the largest ever on an entry-level iPhone. This marks a significant leap from the 4.7-inch screen of the 2022 iPhone SE. Gone is the home button, replaced by Face ID for secure, modern authentication. However, it retains the familiar notch at the top rather than the Dynamic Island found on pricier models, reminding users this is still an entry-level offering.
Externally, the iPhone 16e mirrors the iPhone 14’s aesthetic but introduces a USB-C port, ditching Lightning in line with industry trends. It features a single 48MP rear camera with a “2-in-1” design that integrates 2x zoom—an impressive upgrade over the SE’s dated optics. Another standout addition is the Action Button, a customizable shortcut previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, giving budget buyers a taste of flagship flair. However, there’s a trade-off: it skips MagSafe charging, sticking to Qi wireless charging at a modest 7.5W.
Power Under the Hood
The real star here is the A18 chip, the same silicon powering the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. While it’s dialed back to four GPU cores (versus five or six in higher-end models), it still delivers snappy performance and enables Apple Intelligence—Apple’s suite of AI-driven features. This includes generative writing tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence, ChatGPT integration, and smarter notification summaries, all accessible on a phone that undercuts its AI-equipped siblings by $200.
The iPhone 16e also debuts Apple’s in-house C1 modem, moving away from Qualcomm hardware. This shift trims some bells and whistles like ultra-wideband 5G and Wi-Fi 7 support, but it keeps sub-6GHz 5G and Wi-Fi 6, ensuring compatibility with today’s most common networks.
Pricing and Availability
Starting at $599 for the 128GB model, the iPhone 16e also offers 256GB and 512GB tiers in minimalist black and white finishes. It’s a compelling option in the affordable flagship space, sitting near Google’s $499 Pixel 8a and Samsung’s $400 Galaxy A35. Pre-orders kick off February 21 at 8 AM ET, with shipping slated for February 28.
The Bottom Line
The iPhone 16e is a bold step forward for Apple’s entry-level lineup, blending modern design and cutting-edge AI into a budget-friendly package. While it lacks some premium perks like MagSafe or the latest connectivity standards, its value proposition is hard to ignore. For those eyeing a capable, future-proof iPhone without breaking the bank, the 16e might just hit the sweet spot.
