iPhone 16e review: I spent a week with Apple's newest phone. This is how it compares.

Apple marketed the iPhone 16e as bringing AI-powered tools and ChatGPT integration, typically found in pricier models, to a lower-priced device.

Apple's new iPhone 16e landed on my doorstep at an important moment in our personal technology world. Prices are higher, consumer demand is lower, and all of the "incremental improvements" that firms are pushing to get us to pay the equivalent of a mortgage payment for the next big thing are, well, boring. Especially when compared to all of the revolutionary breakthroughs of the past few years.

That's what I'm thinking about when I unbox Apple's newest smartphone, the lower-cost "entry" level iPhone 16e. I've owned it for a week, and it's a pretty slick replacement to Apple's third-generation iPhone SE, which was released in March 2022.

Moving from the SE to the 16e is a significant improvement in all of the most important ways:

At first appearance, the 16e and the rest of the iPhone 16 family of phones appear to be nearly identical. The SE's outdated home button has been replaced by Face ID and a 6.1-inch OLED display, bringing Apple's entry-level phone up to date. The A18 chip inside has the same horsepower as its pricier iPhone 16 sister, but Apple had to cut a few corners to get there: no MagSafe, no ultra-wide camera, and only two color options (hope you prefer black or white!).

• The battery life is improved by half a day or more. (Apple specifies 26 hours of video playback.)
• The camera specifications have improved significantly over the previous SE.
• The 16e now includes the major "Apple Intelligence" (AI) features. 

So, is the 16e a decent deal, or should you get the iPhone 16? After utilizing it for the past week, here's what I discovered.

Since when is $600 considered a 'budget' phone?

With a starting price of $599 (can we say $600 already?!), this is not a "budget" phone. It costs $170 more than the one it replaced. Some insiders predict that Apple has given up on offering an "affordable" phone and will instead focus on a somewhat downscaled replica of its existing premium series. The 16e costs $200 less than the lowest-priced 16, yet there was a $400 gap previously.

It begs the question: If you're already paying $600 for a phone, why not pay the additional $200 - especially if it comes down to $8 on a two-year installment plan - and get the entire package? The 16e is an excellent phone, but does it represent good value?

It’s not MagSafe compatible.

The 16e does not support MagSafe accessories. I had no idea how much of a disappointment this would be until I saw it slide off the dashboard holder in my car. You can still charge it wirelessly, but only using the older, slower Qi method, and it charges substantially slower than my iPhone 16 Pro. Remember that it won't stick to anything until you use a third-party MagSafe case, such as the ESR for iPhone 16e cover ($12.57) on Amazon, or another attachment, such as PopSocket's Adaptor Rings ($35 or more).

There’s only one camera.

 The upgraded camera specifications on the 16e are substantially better than those on the previous SE, but there is still only one lens visible from the rear of the smartphone. Apple describes the enhanced 48-megapixel camera as a "2-in-1 Fusion Camera." That's fancy branding for the phone's ability to simulate numerous focus lengths with a single high-resolution sensor. However, it is not a full replacement for the triple-camera systems seen on the iPhone 16 Pro versions.

The 16e's primary 48MP sensor takes high-quality normal images, but the selfies aren't as excellent as those I take with my 16 Pro.

In addition, rather than using a specialized telephoto lens, the camera digitally crops the 48MP sensor to generate an optical-quality 2x zoom, thereby giving you a second focal length without the need for a physical lens. In other words, Apple uses high-resolution sensor cropping to simulate a telephoto lens while retaining information, which is a clever approach to provide zoom without requiring additional hardware.

But can a single camera achieve the same iPhonography magic as higher-end models? No. Not without the ultra-wide lens and a dedicated telephoto zoom lens beyond 2x, which are available on the Pro models. If you primarily shoot at 1x or 2x, the 16e's camera will feel equally capable. However, for serious photography lovers, the additional lenses on the Pro versions make a significant difference.

Is the 16e the right new phone for you? 

Okay, back to the pros: The iPhone 16e combines the timeless simplicity of the iPhone SE with the current appearance and performance of the premium iPhone 16 modelIt'sIts new form allows for a seamless transition into today's smartphone standards and Apple's ecosystem, without a massive learning curve or an even larger budget-breaking price tag.

The metal structure feels robust, and while the black-and-white color options aren't particularly creative, they reflect Apple's emphasis on simplicity and sturdiness. The switch to USB-C charging aligns the gadget with Apple's most recent models, which is a nice improvement for anyone tired of juggling multiple wires.

The 16e does not skimp on speed. Apps load swiftly; multitasking is natural, and even demanding games operate well.

Another advantage is long battery life. Apple advertises up to 26 hours of video playback. I haven't put it through that exact test, but if you're upgrading from a SE, it feels like you get weeks more battery life than previous models. No, you do not. While this is a significant improvement, I am still down to about 30% by 2:00 p.m. Although I use my phone more than the typical person, I can't picture it lasting as long or working as hard as I do. (Smart Data mode helps to extend that life by automatically switching to LTE when 5G is not required.)

AI and Apple Intelligence: Worth the hype?

The iPhone 16e includes Apple Intelligence, the company's AI-powered software suite that aims to make the iPhone more intuitive. Features like Visual Look Up, which allows you to identify objects using the camera, are truly useful, not just gimmicks. However, it is important to note that this software, as well as most people's basic grasp of how to use it to make life easier, is still improving.

Siri is just as hit-and-miss on the SE as it is on my 16 Pro, which means it only performs what I want approximately half of the time. I'm still looking for greater performance across all models.

Why the iPhone 16e matters 

 Apple's decision to discontinue the iPhone SE and replace it with the 16e reflects broader changes in consumer expectations. The market for small, low-cost smartphones is diminishing, and users now demand more from their devices, including larger screens, better cameras, and speedier performance. The 16e performs admirably on all fronts while remaining reasonably priced.

At $599, it's a considerable upgrade from the SE, but for most users, the extra cost will be worthwhile. The larger screen size, modern design, enhanced camera, and support for Apple's latest AI technologies elevate this above a mere update.

The bottom line: Should you buy it?

If you still have a 5-year-old iPhone or are considering moving from Android, the iPhone 16e is the best entry point into Apple's ecosystem in years. It provides the essential functionality of the iPhone 16 at a more reasonable price and does not feel like a stripped-down version of a flagship model. It's a "good enough" phone with a reasonable price.

If you're paying for the item upfront, $200 is a significant sum. However, if you choose an installment plan, it's only an additional $8 per month on a two-year commitment, which makes it a little easier. Or simply wait for the iPhone 17.

What's the bottom line? While the SE's price increase may deter some budget-conscious shoppers, those willing to pay a little more will receive a phone that feels far from entry-level.

Pre-orders began on February 21, with an official launch on February 28.