iPhone 16e Review: Apple has always carved a niche for itself in the market for its premium smartphones. But, when it comes to entry-level phones, Apple’s approach is a little different. The iPhone 16e, Apple’s new entry-level model, is known for its sleek design and solid performance, but its price tag can seem a little hefty. Today we will review the iPhone 16e in detail and see if the phone justifies its premium price or not.
Design and Build Quality: Apple's Classic Touch
The design of the iPhone 16e is classic Apple style – minimalistic, sleek, and premium. The body of the phone is made of aluminium, which makes it lightweight and durable. It comes in a compact size, which is comfortable for those with small hands. Apple has given it a 6.1-inch display, which is bright and vibrant.
But, one thing that gives a little disappointment is the bezels. The bezels in the iPhone 16e are a bit thick, which seems a bit outdated as per the standards of 2023-24. If you are used to bezel-less displays, then this can make you feel a bit backward.
Display: Solid, But Not Extraordinary
Apple has given a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display in the iPhone 16e. The resolution and color accuracy of the display is good, but it is not an OLED. If you compare it with models like iPhone 15 or 16, you will notice a slight difference in the display.
Brightness and viewing angles are good, but in outdoor conditions, visibility in sunlight becomes a bit low. If you use it for heavy media consumption, then this display will satisfy you, but there is nothing special that can give you the wow factor.
Performance: A15 Bionic Chip – Old but Gold
Apple has given A15 Bionic chip in iPhone 16e, which was used in iPhone 13 series. This chip is still very powerful and does not give any issue in daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking. If you are a casual user, then this phone is perfect for you.
But, if you look at Android phones in this price range, then you will get chips like Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or MediaTek Dimensity 9000, which are more powerful. Apple’s A15 Bionic chip is still good, but it is not the latest, which gives a little disappointment
Camera: Decent, But Not the Best
The iPhone 16e has a dual-camera setup – a 12MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor. This camera performs quite well in daylight photography. Colors are natural, and details are also captured well.
But, performance in low-light conditions is a bit average. There is a Night mode, but it is not as impressive as the iPhone 15 or 16 series. If you are a casual photographer, then this camera is sufficient for you, but if you want pro-level photography, then it may disappoint you a bit.
Battery Life: All-Day Battery, But No Fast Charging
The battery life of the iPhone 16e is solid. If you use moderately, this phone can easily run for a day. But, Apple is a little behind in terms of fast charging. The iPhone 16e has 20W fast charging support, which is a bit slow by 2024 standards.
Wireless charging support is there, but there is no MagSafe charging, which is a bit of a letdown. If you want fast charging and long battery life, then this phone will fall short for you.
Software: iOS 17 – Smooth and Secure
The iPhone 16e comes with iOS 17, which gives a smooth and secure experience. Apple’s software optimization has always been good, and this phone is no exception. Regular software updates and security patches are received, which makes it future-proof.
But, iOS always has its limitations – customization options are few, and the app ecosystem is a bit restricted. If you are used to Android’s open ecosystem, then you will find iOS a bit limited.
Pros:
Sleek and premium design
Smooth performance(A15 Bionic chip)
Solid battery life
Smooth experience of iOS 17
Cons:
Price is a bit high
Average low-light camera performance
Bezels are a bit thin
Fast charging is slow
Price: This is the biggest problem
The biggest problem with the iPhone 16e is its price. Apple has kept its starting price at ₹ 55,000 (approx), which is a bit high for an entry-level phone. In this price range, you will find many powerful options in the Android market, which offer more features and better specs.
If you are in the Apple ecosystem and want a budget iPhone, then the iPhone 16e could be right for you. But, if you want value for money, then you will find this phone a bit expensive.
Conclusion
The iPhone 16e is a solid entry-level phone, which offers Apple’s classic design and smooth performance. But, its price tag makes it a bit of a hard sell. If you are an Apple fan and want a budget iPhone, then this phone is right for you. But, if you want more features and better value, you will get many good options in Android market.
So, should you buy iPhone 16e? If you are in Apple’s ecosystem and want a budget iPhone, then yes. But, if you want more value for money, then it would be better to explore Android phones.
