iPhone 16e: The new Apple bet to conquer the mid-range market.
Apple officially presented the iPhone 16e, a renewed version of its mid-range model, previously known as the iPhone SE. Priced at $599, the device aims to offer high-performance features at a more accessible cost.
The iPhone 16e features the A18 chip, the same one used in the iPhone 16 models, making it compatible with Apple Intelligence, the integrated artificial intelligence in iOS. However, its design and some features set clear differences from the company’s more expensive models.
Goodbye to the physical button and Touch ID
The most visible change in the iPhone 16e is the removal of the home button with Touch ID. Instead, Apple incorporates Face ID, integrated within the classic notch at the top of the screen.
This design is reminiscent of iPhones up to the 14 model, moving away from the “dynamic island” present in the Pro models. In terms of aesthetics, the 16e feels more like a throwback than a true innovation.
OLED display and changes in buttons
The iPhone 16e features a 6.06-inch OLED display, slightly smaller than the 6.12-inch display of the standard iPhone 16. The panel technology ensures vibrant colors and good contrast.
It incorporates the side button, which allows for customizable shortcuts. However, it does not include the exclusive camera button present in the 16 series.
USB-C but no MagSafe or wireless fast charging
Following current standards, the iPhone 16e adopts the USB-C connector, but with limitations. It is not compatible with MagSafe or wireless fast charging, allowing only a maximum power of 7.5W with the Qi standard.
In comparison, Apple’s more advanced models support wireless charging of up to 25W, putting the 16e at a disadvantage in this regard.
Single 48 MP camera and 2X zoom
The photographic department is reduced to a single 48-megapixel rear camera with 2X optical zoom. Although it retains a good quality sensor, the absence of a second lens limits its capabilities compared to other devices in the mid-range segment.
Price and availability
The iPhone 16e comes with a base storage of 128 GB and a price of $599, $200 less than the iPhone 16.
Distribution is set to begin on February 28, making it the new “affordable” alternative within the Apple ecosystem.
While its predecessor, the iPhone SE 2022, was priced at $429 at launch, the price difference is justified by the inclusion of the A18 chip and compatibility with Apple Intelligence.
Is the iPhone 16e a good buy?
The iPhone 16e offers a balanced combination of power and price, but with several compromises. The lack of fast charging, the absence of MagSafe, and the removal of the home button may make some users hesitant to upgrade.
However, the A18 chip and OLED display make it a solid option for those looking for a modern iPhone without paying the price of premium models.
