Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 16e, the latest addition to its smartphone lineup, designed to offer premium features at a more accessible price point. Priced starting at $599 (₹59,900 in India), the iPhone 16e brings several notable advancements, including Apple’s first in-house cellular modem, the C1 chip, and the integration of Apple Intelligence for enhanced AI-driven experiences.
Design and Display
The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The device adopts a design reminiscent of the iPhone 14, featuring a notch that houses the TrueDepth camera system for Face ID, marking a shift from the traditional home button to facial recognition technology. The handset is available in two elegant matte finishes—black and white.
Performance and Hardware
At its core, the iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s latest-generation A18 chip, ensuring fast performance and efficient power management. This 3nm processor is complemented by 8GB of RAM, facilitating seamless multitasking and support for Apple Intelligence features. Storage options include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants, catering to diverse user needs.
A significant milestone for Apple, the iPhone 16e debuts the company’s first in-house designed cellular modem, the C1. This modem aims to provide fast and reliable 5G connectivity while reducing dependence on third-party suppliers. Additionally, the device includes the programmable Action Button, replacing the traditional mute switch, allowing users to customize quick access to frequently used features.
Quick Comparison
If you are still looking for an upgrade or scouting for an ultimate entry level phone to the Apple ecosystem, take a look at the quick performance comparison between the iPhone 12 and the all new iPhone 16e:
Camera System
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the iPhone 16e’s 48-megapixel Fusion camera system. This innovative 2-in-1 setup includes an integrated 2x Telephoto lens, enabling high-quality optical zoom without the need for multiple lenses. The camera supports advanced features such as Night Mode and Portrait Mode, ensuring stunning visuals in various lighting conditions. For selfie and video calling needs, a 12-megapixel TrueDepth front camera is also present.
Battery Life and Charging
Apple claims that the iPhone 16e offers impressive battery performance, lasting up to six hours longer than the iPhone 11 and up to twelve hours more than previous iPhone SE models. Charging options include both wireless charging and a USB-C port for wired connections, aligning with modern charging standards.
Software and AI Integration
Running on iOS 18, the iPhone 16e fully supports Apple Intelligence, the company’s suite of AI-powered tools. The new phone is ready with Apple Intelligence. Users can leverage features like Writing Tools for enhanced text editing, Image Playground for creative image generation, and Genmoji for personalized emoji creation. The integration of a 16-core Neural Engine ensures that AI tasks are executed swiftly and efficiently.
Availability
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e commence on February 21, with official availability starting February 28. The device will be accessible in over 59 countries and regions, including India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In India, the base model with 128GB storage is priced at ₹59,900, with the 256GB and 512GB variants available at ₹69,900 and ₹89,900, respectively.
With the launch of the iPhone 16e, Apple aims to provide consumers with a feature-rich smartphone experience that combines cutting-edge technology with affordability.
