Introducing the iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e is making waves for being a significant upgrade from the iPhone SE 3, offering a core experience similar to the flagship iPhone 16 while comfortably fitting into the more accessible price bracket. Though it lacks several premium features, recent analysis reveals that the iPhone 16e boasts notable advantages under the hood, especially concerning its internal components.
Equipped with a 6.1-inch display, the iPhone 16e matches the size of the iPhone 16 and is powered by the A18 chip, supporting Apple Intelligence. While it features a modern design, the iPhone 16e opts for a traditional notch instead of the Dynamic Island and comes with a single rear camera. Additionally, it introduces an Action button, though it lacks the Camera Control button and does not support MagSafe wireless charging.
According to recent reports, the iPhone 16e has become a best-seller, helping Apple surpass competitors in Q1 2025. What sets this device apart is the high percentage of in-house components, noted by Counterpoint, suggesting a strategic shift in Apple's manufacturing approach.
The analysis shows that the iPhone 16e contains more Apple-designed parts than any device in its lineup, with over 40 percent of its internals crafted by Apple itself. In contrast, only 29 percent of the iPhone 16 is made up of in-house components, while the iPhone SE 3 has 31 percent.
The iPhone 16e comes at a price that's $200 lower than the iPhone 16, potentially enhancing the overall user experience. Despite utilizing the C1 modem, which is considered technologically inferior to the Qualcomm Snapdragon X71 5G modem found in the iPhone 16, it demonstrates better upload and download speeds in most scenarios. Thus, although the iPhone 16 may dominate in specifications, the iPhone 16e proves that it can offer a commendable performance at a more competitive price point.
