Apple iPhone 16e Review: Affordable Power with a Few Trade-offs
If you are looking for a cheap iPhone but don’t mind compromising on performance, the Apple iPhone 16e might be the ideal option for you. Apple has traditionally offered only high-end products, but now, with the iPhone 16e, the brand is providing budget buyers with the opportunity to enjoy its signature offerings at an affordable price point.
Although the 16e does not have all the high-end features of more expensive iPhones, it still provides a good user experience. Let’s examine what this phone has to offer and determine if it’s worth your investment.
Design: Familiar Yet Different
On first appearance, the iPhone 16e resembles the iPhone 13 extremely closely. The phone features a 6.1-inch OLED display, with vibrant colours and inky blacks, ideal for viewing videos or using your popular apps. This OLED screen is one of the reasons why the phone stands out among budget smartphones because most cheap phones still possess older LCD displays.
But one thing that is quite different is the bigger notch at the top of the phone. The notch is where the front camera and other sensors are located. In newer iPhones, the notch is smaller or even not there at all, so this larger notch may feel a little behind the times. But the screen itself is clear and sharp, and it is good for general use.
Performance: Powered by the A18 Chip
Inside the iPhone 16e is the A18 chip, Apple’s latest processor. This chip is a big improvement in performance compared to older budget models, like the iPhone SE. It helps the 16e run smoothly, whether you’re browsing the web, playing games, or multitasking between different apps.
With 8GB of RAM, the phone can handle many apps running at once without slowing down. Even if you’re using it for work or entertainment, the iPhone 16e should keep up just fine. This makes it a great option for those who want the power of an iPhone without paying for the latest, most expensive models.
Camera: Decent Photos, But Not the Best
The camera setup on the iPhone 16e is quite good, but it doesn’t match the more expensive iPhones like the iPhone 16. The rear camera is a 48MP lens, which lets you take sharp and clear photos in most situations. It also offers a 2x zoom, which is handy when you want to get a bit closer to a subject without physically moving.
The front camera is a 12MP lens, which is great for selfies and video calls. Overall, the camera quality is good for casual photos, but if you’re someone who needs professional-level shots or takes a lot of photos in low light, you might find the iPhone 16e a bit lacking compared to higher-end models.
Battery Life and Charging: Reliable but Not Fast
Battery life is one of the key areas where the iPhone 16e does well. It should easily last you through a full day of use, whether you’re browsing, texting, or watching videos. For most people, this is more than enough to get through the day.
However, when it comes to charging, the 16e falls behind the latest iPhone models. While it supports USB-C charging, which is a nice step forward, the phone doesn’t offer MagSafe support, which allows wireless charging with magnets. It also doesn’t charge as quickly as some newer iPhones, so if fast charging is important to you, you might want to look at a more expensive model.
Value for Money: Is It Worth It?
The iPhone 16e gives you a lot of the fundamentals Apple fans love but for a lower price tag. You still get the punch of the A18 chip, an excellent OLED screen, and a solid camera. It does have some trade-offs, such as the wider notch, lower charging speeds, and no MagSafe support.
For the average consumer, the iPhone 16e will be more than sufficient. It’s perfect for those looking for an iPhone experience without a premium price tag. But if you’re someone that appreciates features such as fast charging or cutting-edge camera performance, you may wish to shell out a little extra for one of the more advanced models.
Final Thoughts: A Great Budget Option
All in all, the iPhone 16e is a good option for anybody seeking a capable iPhone without splurging their money. It provides excellent performance, an outstanding display, and adequate cameras—all that most would require from a smartphone. Yes, it is not equipped with all the gimmicks of the high-end iPhones, but you get a balance of quality versus price that should suit most.”.
If you’re ready to enjoy the benefits of Apple’s ecosystem but want to save some money, the iPhone 16e should definitely be on your radar.
For more information on other Apple products, check out our review of the MacBook Air 2025 with the M4 Chip.
