Today marks the launch of the highly anticipated iPhone 16e, and we were determined to get our hands on one right away! Apple confidently declares this device as the "Latest iPhone. Greatest price." However, this claim resonates most favorably in the United States and the UK, where it retails starting at $599/£599. In Europe, the pricing varies significantly, with costs reaching €699 in Germany, €719 in France, and €729 in Italy, positioning it near some upcoming flagship Android phones with better specifications.
The iPhone 16e comes packaged with a braided USB-C cable and a SIM tool.
In terms of size, the iPhone 16e can be considered compact by modern standards; however, many users express surprise at its larger-than-expected dimensions. This could be attributed to the rumors surrounding the iPhone SE, which led to expectations of a miniaturized device.
With a 6.1-inch display, the iPhone 16e matches the size of the iPhone 16, markedly larger than the iPhone SE (2022).
Comparatively, the iPhone 16e is approximately the same size as the Galaxy S25 from Android, differing only slightly in dimensions—0.2mm taller, 1mm wider, and 0.6mm thicker, while being slightly lighter. Notably, the Galaxy S25 boasts a 0.1-inch larger display due to its slimmer bezels.
In terms of display quality, the competition stiffens. The Galaxy S25’s screen is significantly brighter and supports a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, contrasting sharply with the iPhone 16e's capabilities.
Size Comparison: iPhone 16e vs Galaxy S25
Returning to the iPhone, Apple maintains a favorable narrative around their products, yet the 16e does reveal some significant compromises when stacked against its competitors. A glaring detail is the outdated notch, which has been replaced by a more modern design on the base iPhone 16.
Moreover, both entry-level iPhone 16 devices are limited to displays below 60Hz, which noticeably affects the fluidity of animations.
The camera system reflects another major shortcoming; the iPhone 16e features only a single camera. Although the 48MP sensor seems identical to that of the iPhone 16 on paper, it utilizes a smaller 1/2.55-inch sensor compared to the 1/1.56-inch sensor found in the iPhone 16, leading to subpar 2x zoom capabilities.
As we wrap up this initial overview on a positive note, it's essential to highlight that the iPhone 16e feels as premium and well-crafted as any of its predecessors. Despite the less impressive screen refresh rate, the performance is reliable and swift. The device is powered by the Apple A18 chip, which, albeit with one less GPU core than the iPhone 16, is capable of handling any task thrown its way.
We anticipate excellent battery life from the iPhone 16e. Stay tuned for our comprehensive review!
Apple iPhone 16e Specifications
| 128GB 8GB RAM |
$ 599.99
|
$ 729.96
|
| 256GB 8GB RAM |
$ 699.99
|
$ 839.96
|
