iPhone 16e: The iPhone 16e joins the family of Apple as an affordable but capable competitor. Designed for those who prefer to stay in the Apple eco-system without having to pay the prices of flagship devices, it brings some of the new-age features in surprisingly refined form. But is it a complete experience, or is it cutting costs too much? Let’s dive into the analysis in detail.
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Design: Clean, Minimal, and Functional
Apple keeps things simple with just two colours available black and white. I chose the black one, and it was elegant and classy. The aluminum body and matte finish add a touch of class, more so than you’d expect from its price tag. Unlike the iPhone 16, this phone lays flat on a surface, owing to its flat rear surface. Nevertheless, the lack of MagSafe might disappoint those accustomed to Apple’s magnetic accessories.
Despite that, the build quality remains adequate. The Ceramic Shield front is durable, if not the most recent generation, and the IP68 rating gives confidence against dust and splash water. It is a useful build that does not scream luxury but performs the task well.
Display: OLED Is a Huge Step Up
The 6.1-inch OLED display is probably the best feature of the iPhone 16e. Colours look vibrant, blacks are deep, and the contrast ratio is excellent. Compared to older iPhones with LCD screens, especially the SE, this screen is night and day better. The brightness goes all the way up to 1200 nits, so it’s not an issue using it outdoors.
But Apple limited the refresh rate to 60Hz. If you have been using Pro models or even Android phones in the same tier with 90Hz or 120Hz screens, you will feel this lag somewhat. But for most people, especially those upgrading from earlier models, it will not be a breaking point.
Performance: Smooth and Quick to Use Every Day
Running on Apple’s A18 chip, the same as the regular iPhone 16, the 16e delivers snappy performance. The only real difference is a slightly toned-down GPU, but you’d be hard-pressed to notice it during daily use. Whether you’re scrolling, streaming, switching apps, or light gaming, everything feels fluid and responsive.
The 8GB of RAM makes it possible to multitasking and light games move easily. Other, more hardcore games might take some tweaking in the graphics options, but providing you are not playing competitively, the 16e is adequate for your needs.
Camera: Great For Everyday Shots
You get a solid 48MP main camera, which delivers good results in daylight and decent low-light shots, thanks to Apple’s image processing. However, features like Cinematic Mode, Action Mode, and optical zoom are missing. Portraits are still possible, but you’ll have to move closer to your subject due to the lack of a telephoto lens.
While photography enthusiasts will be missing the advanced features, the general user will find the camera more than sufficient for everyday use and social networking purposes.
Battery Life: Comparatively Excellent
Battery life is where the iPhone 16e truly shines. Apple promises up to 21 hours of video playback, and in my usage, it comfortably lasted a day with heavy to moderate use. Even when I gamed, browsed, and streamed, I still had gas in the tank by evening. Thanks to the efficiency of the A18 chip and the new Apple modem, which reduces power consumption further.
Software: iOS 18 with AI Muscle
The 16e is pre-loaded with iOS 18 and includes Apple Intelligence features a feature Apple usually keeps for its more expensive models. From smart photo adjustments and emoji-making to tailored shortcuts via the Action Button, the 16e feels unexpectedly future-proof. The AI features are small improvements today but will likely get more robust in the future.
Final Verdict: A Solid Upgrade for Most Users
At ₹56,790, the iPhone 16e is not cheap, but for an Apple phone, it’s a middle-of-the-road option. It gives you a stunning OLED display, the new chip, decent battery life, and useful AI features without venturing onto ultra-premium territory. Sure, it skimps on high-refresh displays, MagSafe, and pro-level cameras. But for someone upgrading from an older iPhone or an SE, it’s a smart and satisfying step forward.