Apple’s iPhone 16e is here: Is this budget-friendly iPhone worth it?

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Apple has recently released a new addition to its lineup, the iPhone 16e. This budget-friendly phone hopes to make cutting-edge tech available to a wider audience. Let’s take a closer look to see what it has to offer.


iPhone 16e options

Display

The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which provides bright, vibrant colors and sharp visuals. The overall design looks a lot like the iPhone 14, with its flat edges, an aluminum chassis, and a reinforced glass back. This phone is as durable as it is attractive.

Performance

Apple’s A18 chip powers the iPhone 16e, which will provide smooth performance. It also introduces the Apple C1 modem, the company’s first in-house cellular modem. The addition of this component helps reduce reliance on third-party components.

Camera

A lower-cost phone doesn’t mean your pictures will suffer. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 48-megapixel Fusion camera, equipped with a 2x telephoto lens. The front-facing TrueDepth camera ensures clear and detailed selfies.

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Battery life

The iPhone 16e offers up to 26 hours of video playback on a single charge, which is pretty impressive. However, it does not support MagSafe wireless charging like other iPhones; instead, it uses standard Qi wireless charging and features a USB-C port.

Software and AI

Running on iOS 18, the iPhone 16e fully supports Apple Intelligence, the company’s suite of AI-powered features. This integration helps enhance the user experience in several ways, from improving your Siri interactions to improving your photography.

Availability

The iPhone 16e replaces the iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone 14, and iPhone 14 Plus in Apple’s product lineup. Pre-orders begin on  February 21, with official availability starting February 28. It’s available in both the black and white versions.

FAQ

Is the iPhone 16e better than the iPhone 14?

In some ways, yes. The iPhone 16e offers a newer A18 chip for better performance, a much better camera, and Apple’s first in-house modem.

Does the iPhone 16e have a notch or Dynamic Island?

The iPhone 16e retains a notch similar to previous models instead of Dynamic Island.

How much storage does the iPhone 16e offer?

The base model starts with 128GB of storage, with higher storage options available.

Is the iPhone 16e worth buying?

If you’re looking for an affordable iPhone with modern features, strong performance, and AI capabilities, the iPhone 16e is a great choice. However, if you prefer MagSafe or higher-end camera systems, you will likely prefer one of the other iPhone 16 models.

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