iPhone 16e Review: Why This Affordable iPhone Might Be the Best Upgrade for Older Models

Apple’s iPhone lineup has long been synonymous with premium prices and cutting-edge features. However, the iPhone 16e is here to break that trend. It delivers a solid mix of modern features, performance, and an affordable price tag — at least by Apple standards. But with a few compromises compared to the flagship iPhone 16, how does the 16e really stack up? After spending a week with it, here’s my in-depth take on this surprisingly capable device.

A Design that Blends Simplicity and Durability

Apple’s design philosophy has always centered around minimalism, and the iPhone 16e is no different. Available in two colors—black and white—the 16e offers a sleek, understated look that’s bound to appeal to those who prefer simplicity. During my time with the black version, I was impressed by the matte finish and the aluminum frame that gives the phone a refined yet sturdy feel.

It’s worth noting that the iPhone 16e doesn’t wobble when placed on flat surfaces, a common issue with its flagship siblings like the iPhone 16. The phone’s ceramic shield is designed to be tough, though it’s not quite as advanced as what you’ll find on the iPhone 16. The IP68 rating ensures the phone can withstand water and dust, adding to its long-term durability.

However, one notable omission here is the absence of MagSafe, a feature that’s become a staple for those who prefer wireless charging and magnetic accessories. While this may be a dealbreaker for some, third-party options are still available for those who want to use MagSafe accessories.

The OLED Display: A Leap Forward from the SE

For those upgrading from an older iPhone, particularly the iPhone SE, the 16e’s display will feel like a massive upgrade. The 6.1-inch OLED screen delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and an improved contrast ratio that completely outshines the SE’s old IPS display. The peak brightness of 1200 nits ensures it’s visible even under direct sunlight.

Although the screen only supports a 60Hz refresh rate—compared to the iPhone 16’s 120Hz—this will likely go unnoticed by most users. Only those accustomed to the ultra-smooth scrolling of higher-end iPhones may miss the extra refresh rate, but for the majority of users, it’s a minor sacrifice.

Performance: A Powerful Chipset without the Flagship Flair

Under the hood, the iPhone 16e boasts the same A18 chip that powers the iPhone 16, which is a great start. The 16e comes with 8GB of RAM, allowing it to handle daily tasks like app switching and multitasking with ease. Whether it’s browsing, social media, or checking emails, the iPhone 16e is fast and responsive.

When it comes to gaming, the 16e performs well, though it’s not a dedicated gaming phone. While it handles casual games with ease, pushing settings to maximum will lead to occasional stuttering. If you’re looking for a smoother gaming experience, consider stepping up to the iPhone 16 or even the Pro series, which have more powerful GPUs designed for high-end gaming.

The Camera: Good, But Missing Some Premium Features

The iPhone 16e features a 48MP primary camera, which is essentially the same one found in the iPhone 16. While the camera produces impressive results, especially for its price, it falls short in certain areas. Notably, it lacks features like cinematic mode, action mode, and optical zoom—premium perks you’ll find in the higher-end iPhone models.

For casual photographers, the 48MP camera will capture sharp, vibrant shots with AI enhancements that help optimize lighting and detail. However, it’s not the most flexible system available. For example, portrait mode can be tricky, requiring you to get close to your subject due to the absence of a telephoto lens.

Still, if you’re not looking for pro-level photography features, the iPhone 16e’s camera is more than sufficient for everyday use.

A Battery That Surpasses Expectations

One area where the iPhone 16e truly excels is battery life. With a claimed 21 hours of video playback, it outperforms even the iPhone 16 in some cases, thanks to the energy efficiency of the A18 chip and a more optimized modem. After a full day of moderate use, I was still left with plenty of battery life, which was a pleasant surprise.

This makes the iPhone 16e an ideal option for people who prioritize battery longevity over cutting-edge features.

Software: iOS 18 and the Power of Apple Intelligence

Running the latest iOS 18, the iPhone 16e benefits from all the software improvements Apple has rolled out. Apple’s AI features are particularly impressive, from the ability to summarize notes to generating emojis and cleaning up photos with a simple tap. These smart features make the 16e feel future-proof, with ongoing software updates ensuring the device will stay relevant for years to come.

Another welcome addition is the customizable action button, which can be programmed to perform tasks like opening apps or accessing shortcuts. Personally, I’ve set mine to open the VoiceMemo app, but the possibilities are vast.

Who Is the iPhone 16e For?

The iPhone 16e is aimed at those who are looking to upgrade from older models, such as the iPhone 11 or SE, without breaking the bank. If you’re tired of using outdated hardware but don’t want to shell out for the flagship models, the 16e is an excellent option. It offers the perfect balance of performance, design, and value.

However, if you’re someone who values high-end features like MagSafe, a higher refresh rate display, or an advanced camera system, the iPhone 16e might feel a bit too basic. But for the average consumer looking for a reliable, affordable iPhone, the 16e is hard to beat.

Final Verdict: A Budget-Friendly Apple Device Worth Considering

Priced at ₹59,990, the iPhone 16e isn’t the cheapest phone available, but it offers a lot of value for the price. With its OLED display, powerful A18 chip, 48MP camera, and impressive battery life, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone who doesn’t need the absolute latest and greatest features. Sure, it’s missing a few premium options like MagSafe and a telephoto lens, but for most users, these won’t be dealbreakers.

If you’re on an older iPhone or simply looking for a well-rounded device that fits within the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 16e is a solid choice. Would I recommend spending an extra ₹20,000 on the iPhone 16? Not unless you absolutely need those extra features. For everyone else, the 16e provides excellent value.

Colors: Black, WhiteDisplay: 6.1" OLED, 2532 x 1170 resolution, HDR, 1200 nits peak brightnessChipset: Apple A18 chip, 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural EngineCamera: 48MP main, 12MP telephoto, Night Mode, Smart HDR 5Battery: Up to 21 hours of video playbackWater Resistance: IP68Operating System: iOS 18

The iPhone 16e may not be the flagship model, but it’s the iPhone many people didn’t realize they needed.