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Will Apple no longer have cheap iPhones? iPhone 16e introduced: one camera, large screen notch, and 128 GB of memory — for $600
The official premiere of the iPhone 16e has taken place. It was expected that the spiritual successor to the iPhone SE would cost $500, but reality turned out to be harsher: the base version with 128GB of flash memory costs $600. There are also options with 256 GB for $700 and 512 GB for $900. Thus, in the US, the iPhone 16e turned out to be $100 cheaper than the iPhone 15 and $200 cheaper than the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16e with a large notch at the top of the screen looks like the iPhone 14. There is no Home button on the body, but there is an Action Button instead of the silent mode switch. The smartphone received a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. The main camera has only one 48-megapixel sensor, which allows taking photos with 48 and 24 MP resolution, and there is a 2x optical zoom. The front camera resolution is 12 MP.
The hardware platform is based on Apple’s proprietary A18 SoC, the same as in the iPhone 16, with 8 GB of RAM, and it supports Apple’s proprietary AI, Apple Intelligence. The battery life when playing video is 26 hours (same as the iPhone 15). Charging is via USB-C port, and only the smartphone itself and a cable are included in the package.
The smartphone received a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. The main camera has only one 48-megapixel sensor, which allows taking photos with 48 and 24 MP resolution, and there is a 2x optical zoom. The front camera resolution is 12 MP.
Here’s what we get for $599. Main features and specs:
So Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, a new addition to their lineup that offers a balance of features and affordability. Here are the key specifications and features of the iPhone 16e:
Price and Positioning
- Starting price: $599 for 128GB model. Positioned between budget and flagship models.
- $200 cheaper than the standard iPhone 16.
Design and Display
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display.
- 2532-by-1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi.
- Notch design (no Dynamic Island).
- Available in Black and White colors.
- Aluminum frame with Ceramic Shield front.
Starting price: $599 for 128GB model. Positioned between budget and flagship models. $200 cheaper than the standard iPhone 16.
Performance
- A18 chip (same as iPhone 16).
- 8GB RAM.
- Apple Intelligence support.
- New Apple C1 modem for efficient 5G connectivity.
Camera System
- Single 48MP main camera.
- 2x optical-quality zoom through sensor crop.
- 12MP front-facing camera with Face ID.
- Battery and Charging
- Up to 26 hours of video playback.
- USB-C charging port.
- Wireless charging support (non-MagSafe).
Other Features
- IP68 water and dust resistance.
- Action Button instead of mute switch.
- Face ID for secure authentication.
The Action button allows users to quickly access their favorite features. By default, it switches between Ring and Silent, or users can choose from a wide set of actions for even more convenience and versatility.
In conclusion
Briefly, the iPhone 16e offers significant upgrades over the previous iPhone SE model, including a larger display, improved performance, and Apple Intelligence capabilities. However, it comes at a higher price point, positioning it as a more mid-range option in Apple’s lineup. The iPhone 16E’s design is based on the iPhone 14’s aluminum body. Oddly enough, the iPhone 16E doesn’t come in a color. In fact, it has only black or white.
Let’s remind you that the original iPhone SE launched in 2016 and its design was based on the iPhone 5S. SE stood for “special edition,” though over the years some of us have referred to it as “small edition.” In 2020, Apple launched the second-generation iPhone SE with a design based on the iPhone 8 but with the A13 Bionic processor from the iPhone 11 series. In 2022, the third-generation iPhone SE launched.
The iPhone 16E also has something no other iPhone has: an Apple-designed 5G modem. It’s called the C1 chip, and in a launch video on Apple’s site, the company claims that it is the “most power-efficient modem ever in an iPhone.” The C1 modem supports 5G, but not the fast millimeter-wave 5G found in places like stadiums. It will be interesting testing phone calls and data speeds once we get our hands on the iPhone 16E.
With the name change to iPhone 16E, it will be curious to see how Apple handles upgrades. Will there be an iPhone 17E? All this remains to be seen.
Links
- Apple debuts iPhone 16e: A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family – Apple Newsroom
- Buy iPhone 16e – Apple
- Sell your pre-owned iPhone online – iGotOffer
- Everything About Apple’s Products – The complete guide to all Apple consumer electronic products, including technical specifications, identifiers and other valuable information.
The iPhone 16e Shows why Apple Bought Part of Intel [Video]
Video uploaded by Linus Tech Tips on February 20, 2025.
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