Apple has debuted a budget smartphone option joining the iPhone 16 lineup — iPhone 16e. The device is viewed as a successor to the iPhone SE, which has been much talked about recently. The new smartphone doesn't have a home button, supports Face ID, features Apple Intelligence, has a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system, and is powered by the A18 chip.
iPhone 16e features
Performance
Apple says the iPhone 16e offers "powerful capabilities at a more affordable price". It is powered by the latest generation A18 chip, which supports Apple Intelligence. The company states that:
- The 6-core processor is up to 80 percent faster than the A13 Bionic chip on iPhone 11, handling both everyday and intensive tasks with ease.
- The 4-core GPU powers stunning graphics performance and unlocks next-level mobile gaming on the go, enabling graphically demanding AAA titles and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for more realistic lighting and reflections
- The 16-core Neural Engine is optimized for large generative models and runs machine learning (ML) models up to 6x faster than A13 Bionic.
iPhone 16e is also the first Apple smartphone with its own C1 modem. Previously, the company used Qualcomm modems, but has now begun to switch to its own solutions.
Design and Battery
"The Ceramic Shield front cover with an advanced formulation that is tougher than any smartphone glass; and the toughest back glass in a smartphone," Apple states.
iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED matrix. It will be available in two matte colors - black and white. iPhone 16e has the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone, lasting up to six hours longer than iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours longer than all generations of iPhone SE. The Face ID technology is enabled by the TrueDepth camera system. It supports wireless charging and USB-C.
iPhone 16e demonstration. Image: Apple
This iPhone also has the Action button, which, like other smartphones in the sixteenth row, allows you to choose a function: translator, flashlight, camera, or visual intelligence - which allows you to learn about places by pointing the camera at them, summarize and translate text, and more.
iPhone 16e features the Action button, which, like other smartphones in the 16 lineup, allows to choose a function: translator, flashlight, camera, or visual intelligence - which allows users to learn about places by pointing the camera at them, summarize and translate text, and more.
Camera
This model does not have a camera button like other members in the lineup. iPhone 16e features a versatile 2-in-1 camera that supports night and portrait modes. It has a 48MP fusion camera, 2x telephoto lens, front TrueDepth camera, updated HDR. It also allows to record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, spatial audio and Audio Mix, which allows you to change the sound after recording.
How much does iPhone 16e cost and when will it be available?
iPhone 16e will be available in white and black in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, starting at $599 (In the US).
Customers in 59 countries and regions will be able to pre-order iPhone 16e starting Friday, February 21.
Availability begins Friday, February 28.
