Apple’s iPhone 16E: Everything You Need to Know About the New Affordable iPhone

Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Apple has surprised us all with a February launch of their latest offering: the iPhone 16E. If you’re scratching your head, wondering what this new “E” is all about, you’re in the right place. This blog post will dive into everything you need to know about the iPhone 16E, from its key features and specs to pricing and how it stacks up against the competition.

Think of the iPhone 16E as the successor to the iPhone SE series, but with a twist. Apple is shifting gears, aiming to offer an affordable iPhone that doesn’t skimp on modern features. Let’s get into what makes this phone tick and whether it’s the right choice for you.

What is the iPhone 16E?

Apple officially unveiled the iPhone 16E on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. This launch is all about targeting folks who want a taste of the iPhone experience without breaking the bank. But it’s not just about being “cheap”; it’s about being an “affordable iPhone 16”. The “E” in iPhone 16E signals this transition, aiming to integrate this model more seamlessly into the broader iPhone lineup.

Design and Build Quality

The iPhone 16E takes design cues from the iPhone 14’s aluminum body, giving it a familiar yet fresh feel. One of the cool updates is the matte back glass, which should keep those pesky fingerprints at bay.

Instead of the traditional mute switch, you’ll find an Action button. This nifty button can be customized to trigger shortcuts or even launch Visual Intelligence searches. Keep in mind, though, there’s no dedicated Camera Control button.

Charging is now handled via a USB-C port, aligning with the latest standards. And in a move that marks the end of an era, the iPhone 16E is the last of Apple phones to say goodbye to the home button, which has been a staple since the original iPhone.

The display is a 6.1-inch screen. While this is great for viewing content, it also means Apple is stepping away from truly small iPhone options. One potential downside is the 60Hz refresh rate. Many budget Android phones now offer 90Hz or even higher refresh rates, making the iPhone 16E’s screen feel a little less smooth in comparison. Also, it only comes in black and white.

Key Features and Specifications

Under the hood, the iPhone 16E is powered by the A18 chip—the same chip found in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. This is a big deal because it means the iPhone 16E can run Apple Intelligence features, bringing advanced AI capabilities to a more affordable device.

Another standout feature is the Apple-designed 5G modem, called the C1 chip. Apple claims this is their “most power-efficient modem ever in an iPhone,” which could translate to better battery life. It’s worth noting that the C1 modem supports 5G but not the super-fast millimeter-wave 5G.

Speaking of battery life, Apple suggests that the combination of the A18 chip and C1 modem should lead to improved efficiency and longer battery life. We’re eager to put this to the test!

For photography, the iPhone 16E sports a single rear 48-megapixel camera. While you won’t get an ultrawide lens, the main camera’s high resolution allows for sensor cropping to achieve a 2x magnification, which is a handy alternative. On the front, there’s a 12-megapixel camera that supports Face ID and has autofocus for those all-important selfies.

One thing to note: the iPhone 16E does not support MagSafe charging or accessories. This means wireless charging is limited to a slower 7.5-watt speed, though it does support 20W wired charging.

Software and Performance

The iPhone 16E runs on iOS 18, the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system. The A18 chip is the enabler for Apple Intelligence features, allowing for smarter and more intuitive experiences. You can explore how Visual Intelligence works, such as identifying objects in photos or providing quick information through the camera.

iPhone 16E vs. The Competition

With a starting price of $599, the iPhone 16E sits at the higher end of the affordable phone market.

• iPhone SE (2022): The iPhone 16E is more expensive than the iPhone SE (2022), which started at $429. However, you get a larger screen and lose the home button.
• iPhone 15: While having the same display size of 6.1-inch OLED, the iPhone 16E has the A18 processor compared to the A16 Bionic in the iPhone 15.
• Android Rivals: Competitors like the Google Pixel 8A (starting at $499) and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (starting at $650) offer compelling alternatives. It’s worth weighing the hardware and software features each provides for the price.

The C1 Modem in Detail

The C1 modem is a big deal because it’s Apple’s first in-house 5G modem. This move could give Apple more control over performance and efficiency. How it stacks up against modems from Qualcomm remains to be seen, but we’ll be sure to test call and data speeds once we get our hands on the iPhone 16E.

Battery Life: What to Expect

Apple is promising improved battery efficiency thanks to the A18 chip and C1 modem. Of course, real-world usage will vary, but we’re keen to see how it performs under different scenarios. Stay tuned for our full review!

The Omission of MagSafe: A Deal-Breaker?

The lack of MagSafe is a notable compromise. This means you can’t use magnetic accessories, and wireless charging is capped at a slower 7.5W. Whether this is a deal-breaker depends on how much you value those features. For some, the lower price point may outweigh this omission.

What Does This Mean for the iPhone SE Line?

The introduction of the iPhone 16E raises questions about the future of the iPhone SE line. Will Apple continue to offer a truly “small” iPhone? Only time will tell.

Rumors about Future iPhones

Looking ahead, there are whispers about the iPhone 17 Pro potentially featuring wireless reverse charging. This would allow you to charge other Apple devices like AirPods or an Apple Watch by placing them on the back of your iPhone. Additionally, there’s speculation about an “iPhone 17 Air” with an ultra-thin design and a distinctive horizontal camera bump.

Conclusion

So, is the iPhone 16E worth it? It seems to strike a balance between affordability and modern features. It packs a powerful A18 chip, runs Apple Intelligence, and offers a refreshed design. However, it also makes compromises like the 60Hz display and the omission of MagSafe.

If you’re looking for an affordable entry into the Apple ecosystem and don’t mind those trade-offs, the iPhone 16E could be a solid choice. Keep an eye out for more in-depth coverage and our full review on CNET soon!