Apple’s all-new iPhone 16e brings an affordable option to the iPhone 16 lineup. However, to do that, the company has cut some corners. While the device shares the same A18 chip and the complete Apple Intelligence suite, the iPhone 16e misses out on several advanced capabilities available on the standard iPhone 16. Here’s a complete breakdown of the features missing on the iPhone 16e.
1. More capable GPU
As already mentioned, the iPhone 16e is powered by the same A18 chip as the standard iPhone 16. However, in typical Apple fashion, there’s a catch. The A18 chip on the iPhone 16e chip misses a GPU core; there is a 4-core GPU instead of the 5-core GPU found on the iPhone 16.
The missing GPU core can cause the iPhone 16e to lag slightly behind the standard iPhone 16 when handling graphically-intensive tasks. So, although you are getting the same processor, you might not get the same graphics performance.
2. MagSafe support
Although the iPhone 16e is a part of the most recent iPhone 16 lineup, it misses out on the MagSafe support. This means the device can’t access Apple’s magnetic accessories and faster wireless charging. The missing MagSafe support feels pretty strange and makes no sense, as MagSafe support has been a standard on iPhones since the iPhone 12.
That said, the iPhone 16e does support wireless charging. This means you can use a Qi-certified wireless charger to charge the device, albeit at a slower 7.5W charging speed.
3. Dynamic Island
Introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro, Dynamic Island is an interactive pill-shaped cutout at the top of the screen that shows you important alerts and gives you access to essential app controls. Sadly, the iPhone 16e uses a notch instead of the Dynamic Island, making it the only iPhone Apple currently sells without a Dynamic Island.
4. Ultra wide camera
While Apple says the 2-in-1 48MP camera system on the iPhone 16e is perfect for capturing every moment, the omission of a dedicated 12MP ultra wide camera feels like a major downside, considering its $599 price tag.
Other than an ultra wide camera, the iPhone 16e also misses out on the following:
- Macro mode: No close-up photography.
- Spatial photos or videos: No compatibility with Apple’s immersive Vision Pro headset.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Lacks the advanced Sensor-Shift OIS found on the iPhone 16, which improves image stability.
- 4k/60fps in QuickTake: Video capture in QuickTake mode is limited to lower resolutions.
5. Camera Control button
Since the iPhone 16e is a part of the iPhone 16 series, you may think it would have the Camera Control button. However, it misses out here as well. While Apple lets you assign the Visual Intelligence functionality to the Action Button on the iPhone 16e, the omission of a dedicated button means users have to navigate through on-screen menus to adjust camera settings as usual.
6. Latest Photographic styles
The iPhone 16e supports Photographic Styles but not the latest generation ones introduced with the iPhone 16 series. This suggests that the iPhone 16e has the same old photo filters found on the iPhone 13.
For those unaware, Apple upgraded the Photographic Styles feature with the iPhone 16, allowing the iPhone to store the color, light, and shadow data for each image, further entitling users to apply and edit Photographic Styles after the image is captured.
7. Faster charging speed
As if the missing MagSafe support wasn’t enough, the iPhone 16e also lags behind the iPhone 16 in terms of wired fast charging support. Instead of 30W fast charging, the iPhone 16e only supports 20W wired charging. This means users must deal with more downtime while charging their iPhone 16e. Luckily, the battery life on the iPhone 16e outlasts the iPhone 16 to compensate for slower wired charging.
8. Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip
Even though the previous year’s iPhone 15 comes with a second-gen UWB chip, essential for precise location tracking with AirTags and improved device-to-device interactions, Apple decided not to include it in iPhone 16e.
9. Brighter display
When other brands are going gaga over the display brightness on their offerings, Apple has done the opposite with the iPhone 16e. The display on the iPhone 16e is way less bright than the one found on the iPhone 16, with 1,200 nits HDR brightness vs. 2,000 nits outdoor brightness, to be exact.
This means the display elements on the iPhone 16e will be less visible in direct sunlight.
10. Latest Ceramic Shield
Unlike other models in the iPhone 16 lineup that use a newer, more durable version of Ceramic Shield, the iPhone 16e uses the previous generation. This means the iPhone 16e is slightly more prone to damage against drops and scratches.
Signing off…
The iPhone 16e delivers many essential features, making it a decent option for its price. However, considering it’s missing out on many iPhone 16 features, even the $599 price point feels premium. Additionally, if it affects you, you would be sad to know that the iPhone 16e only comes in two colors, Black and White, unlike the five options available on the standard iPhone 16.
Should you trade these missing features for a lower price or is the full iPhone 16 experience worth the extra cost? Our iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16e comparison should simplify the decision process.
You might also like:
