Putting an end to all the leaks and rumors, Apple has officially unveiled the newest member of the iPhone 16 lineup—the iPhone 16e. Previously anticipated as the iPhone SE 4, this new device features a 6.1-inch OLED display, powerful internals, and a full suite of Apple Intelligence features, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers.
That said, let’s explore the upgrades and features of the brand-new iPhone 16e.
iPhone 16e: Specifications
| Specs | iPhone 16e |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED |
| Chipset | A18 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128/256/512 GB |
| Rear camera | 48MP Fusion camera |
| Front Camera | 12MP True Depth |
| Operating system | iOS 18 |
| Water/dust resistance | Yes, iP68 |
| Charging | 20W |
| Price | $599 |
iPhone 16e: All the new features and upgrades
While the new iPhone 16e comes with a not-so-exciting design, it has almost all the features available with the pricier iPhone 16 models, plus an outstanding battery life.
A mix of modern and classic design
As a member of the iPhone 16 lineup, the new iPhone 16e has the same design language and a 6.1-inch OLED display. However, unlike other models, the iPhone 16e sports a notch instead of the Dynamic Island. You also get the Action button, which marks the end of the mute switch on iPhones.
It would have been better if Apple added the Dynamic Island to the device, as the presence of a notch makes the device look old.
The C1 chip is Apple’s first-ever designed 5G cellular modem
For the first time, Apple has transitioned to its indigenously developed Apple Silicon C1 5G modem chip, moving away from Qualcomm. This shift is expected to enhance signal reliability, battery efficiency, and 5G performance while giving Apple greater control over network optimization. While the device lacks a Camera Control button, it offers the Visual Intelligence experience via the Action button.
The iPhone 16e can be considered the testing bed for Apple’s new cellular modem chips as the Cupertino tech giant is expected to introduce new indigenous chips on newer iPhone and iPad models by 2027.
For the first time, Apple has transitioned to indigenously developed 5G modem chips, moving away from Qualcomm chips. This shift is expected to improve signal reliability, battery efficiency, and 5G performance while giving Apple greater control over network optimization.
The iPhone 16e can be considered the testing bed for Apple’s new cellular modem chips as the Cupertino tech giant is expected to introduce new indigenous chips on newer iPhone and iPad models by 2027.
Camera and battery upgrades
On the back, the iPhone 16e sports a 48MP snapper with an integrated 2x Telephoto option, which Apple calls the Fusion camera, featuring night mode, deep fusion, and Smart HDR for better low-light photography.
By default, the iPhone 16e will capture high-resolution 24MP photographs. However, you have the option to capture 48MP images. Moreover, the integrated 2x Telephoto feature enables users to zoom in while preserving the high-resolution image quality, eliminating the need for a separate secondary physical camera.
On the front, the device sports a 12MP TrueDepth camera that perfectly aligns with the FaceID.
Thanks to the powerful A18 chipset, battery life has also improved. According to Apple, the iPhone 16e lasts up to 6 hours longer than the iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours more than all generations of the iPhone SE. You also get a Type-C charging port for faster charging support. The exact battery specs remain unknown.
iPhone 16e: Price and release date
The iPhone 16e starts at $599 for the base 128GB variant and comes in black and white colorways. Pre-orders begin on February 21, with the first order set to arrive on February 28, 2025.
Final thoughts…
With some top-of-the-line features, Apple has redefined what an affordable iPhone can offer. This makes the iPhone 16e a compelling option for new iPhone users looking for high performance with a not-so-premium price tag.
What do you think of the new iPhone 16e? Do you think the upgrades justify the design? Do share your thoughts in the comments.
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