Apple’s latest budget-friendly iPhone 16e brings significant improvements to the smartphone lineup. The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch OLED display, Apple’s new A18 chipset, and up to 512GB of storage, making it a compelling option for users seeking premium features at a more accessible price point.
The device stands out with its impressive battery performance, offering up to 26 hours of video playback. This extended battery life surpasses its predecessors, with 6 hours more than the iPhone 11 and 12 hours more than the iPhone SE, thanks to the power-efficient Apple-designed C1 modem.
Built with durability in mind, the iPhone 16e combines an aluminum frame with Ceramic Shield front glass and a glass back. The phone comes in classic Black and White color options, maintaining Apple’s minimalist design philosophy while delivering enhanced protection against everyday wear.
iPhone 16E Specifications
The iPhone 16e, announced by Apple on February 19, 2025, serves as an affordable addition to the iPhone 16 lineup, succeeding the iPhone SE (3rd generation). It offers a balance of modern features and cost-effectiveness.
Design and Display
- Build: Aluminum frame with glass front and matte-finished back.
- Colors: Available in Black and White.
- Dimensions: 146.7 mm height, 71.5 mm width, 7.8 mm depth; weight of 167 grams.
- Screen: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 ppi. Features include HDR support, True Tone, wide color (P3), and Haptic Touch. The display maintains the traditional notch design. citeturn0search0
Performance
- Processor: Powered by the A18 chip with a 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU, ensuring efficient performance for various tasks. citeturn0search3
- Memory: Equipped with 8 GB of RAM.
- Storage Options: Available in 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB configurations.
Camera System
- Rear Camera: Single 48 MP Fusion camera with an f/1.6 aperture and 2x optical zoom. Supports 4K video recording at up to 60 fps with Dolby Vision HDR.
- Front Camera: 12 MP TrueDepth camera with an f/1.9 aperture, capable of 4K video recording at up to 60 fps.
Battery and Charging
- Battery Life: Up to 26 hours of video playback.
- Charging: Supports Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W; however, it lacks MagSafe compatibility.
Additional Features
- Connectivity: Includes Apple’s custom-designed C1 modem, supporting 5G networks. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 are also supported.
- Security: Features Face ID for secure authentication.
- Durability: Rated IP68 for dust and water resistance (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes).
- Other: Incorporates a customizable Action Button in place of the traditional mute switch. Notably, it does not support the Camera Control button found in higher-end models. citeturn0search3
Pricing and Availability
- Price: Starts at $599 for the 128 GB model.
- Availability: Pre-orders began on February 21, 2025, with general availability starting on February 28, 2025. citeturn0search1
The iPhone 16e offers a compelling package for users seeking a modern iPhone experience without the premium price tag, combining essential features with Apple’s ecosystem benefits.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 16e combines the A18 chip with up to 512GB storage for powerful performance
- Battery life extends to 26 hours of video playback with the new C1 modem
- Ceramic Shield glass and aluminum design offer enhanced durability in a 6.1-inch form factor
Technical Specifications and Features
The iPhone 16e incorporates cutting-edge technology with premium materials and advanced features. The device brings significant improvements in display technology, processing power, and camera capabilities while maintaining Apple’s signature design philosophy.
Design and Build
The iPhone 16e features a sleek aluminum frame with precise craftsmanship. The device weighs 171 grams and measures 7.8mm in thickness.
Available colors include Midnight, Starlight, Rose Gold, and Deep Blue.
The front glass uses Ceramic Shield technology, offering enhanced drop protection. The back panel incorporates 100% recycled aluminum.
The Action Button replaces the traditional mute switch, offering customizable functions for quick access to features.
Display and Visual Elements
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks. Screen resolution stands at 2556 x 1179 pixels at 460 ppi.
Peak HDR brightness reaches 1,200 nits for stunning visual clarity. The display supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision content.
Dynamic Island integrates seamlessly into the display, showing notifications and live activities. True Tone technology automatically adjusts white balance to match ambient lighting.
Performance and Hardware
The A18 chip powers the iPhone 16e with enhanced performance capabilities. The 6-core CPU delivers 15% faster processing than its predecessor.
8GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking performance. Storage options include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations.
The 16-core Neural Engine processes AI tasks efficiently, supporting new Visual Intelligence features.
Camera Systems
Main camera specifications:
- 48MP main sensor with Photonic Engine
- 12MP ultra-wide lens
- Smart HDR 5 for enhanced dynamic range
The dedicated Camera Control button enables quick access to professional shooting modes.
Night mode automatically activates in low-light conditions. Portrait mode features advanced depth mapping and lighting effects.
Battery and Charging
The battery supports up to 20 hours of video playback. Fast charging reaches 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter.
MagSafe wireless charging supports up to 15W power delivery. The USB-C port enables data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps.
Standard Qi wireless charging works at 7.5W power levels.
Connectivity and Networking
5G connectivity supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave networks. The 5G modem enables download speeds up to 4Gbps.
Wi-Fi 6E support ensures fast wireless connectivity. Bluetooth 5.3 provides reliable peripheral connections.
Dual eSIM capability and physical SIM support offer flexible carrier options.
Software and Intelligence
iOS 18 introduces new AI-powered features. Visual Intelligence enhances photo editing and object recognition capabilities.
Siri receives significant updates with natural language processing improvements. Privacy protections include advanced tracking prevention and secure enclave storage.
App suggestions adapt to user behavior patterns throughout the day.
Audio and Video
Video recording capabilities:
- 4K recording at 60fps
- ProRes video support
- Cinematic mode at 4K HDR
Spatial Audio creates immersive sound experiences. Wind noise reduction improves outdoor call quality.
Security and Accessibility Features
Face ID secures device access with advanced facial recognition. Emergency SOS via satellite provides safety features in remote locations.
Crash Detection automatically contacts emergency services when needed. VoiceOver and Magnifier improve accessibility options.
Additional Features and Services
Apple Card integration offers enhanced payment features. iCloud+ subscription provides expanded storage and privacy services.
FindMy network helps locate the device even when offline. Apple Care+ coverage options protect against accidental damage.
