iPhone 16E Review: Great Performance, But Expect Some Trade-Offs
- The iPhone 16E is a mix of old and new—all for $599.
- It’s like your old favorite got a cheeky, modern makeover.
- So what's new with Apple's latest iPhone 16E? Read on.
Apple’s latest $599 iPhone 16E is stirring conversation. It blends modern performance with time-tested design cues, all while introducing a few unexpected features that make it both a compelling upgrade and a curious departure from its predecessors.
Photo via Three // The iPhone 16E is here. It's not called 'iPhone SE' this time, but that's basically what it is.
Pros:
- Reliable performance with the A18 processor
- Impressive battery life for its size
- An effective 2-in-1 camera system
Cons:
- No MagSafe compatibility
- Lacks an ultrawide camera
- At $599, it might feel steep for some buyers
Quick Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A18 |
| Rear Camera | 2-in-1 48MP main camera with 2x zoom |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Starting Price | $599 |
| Release Date | February 2025 |
Design
Apple appears to have reworked its formula by combining elements from earlier models. The design echoes the iPhone 14, and the device runs on the A18 processor—the same chip found in the iPhone 16. This “mix and match” strategy leaves the phone feeling both fresh and familiar.
Take this exchange, for instance:
Oh. It’s just like my phone. — a sentiment expressed by one user comparing it to his six-year-old iPhone XR.
This simple reaction underscores the 16E’s ease of use and intuitive design, even if it means sticking with a notch instead of the more modern Dynamic Island.
Photo via Apple // The iPhone 16E blends old design with new internals, creating a compelling product for Apple fans around the world.
Emergency SOS via Satellite
Imagine testing an Emergency SOS via Satellite from the roof of a six-story building in downtown San Francisco. That’s exactly what we did with the iPhone 16E, and in a matter of seconds, the phone connected to a satellite. As our review at the time put it:
I can't think of any other $600 phone that can do this.
This feature, while not a must-have for everyone, demonstrates Apple’s commitment to safety and innovation—even in its entry-level models.
Performance and Battery
Powered by the latest A18 chip, the iPhone 16E launches apps and multitasks with the smoothness you’d expect from a higher-end model. Despite having one fewer GPU core than its full-fledged sibling, performance tests show near-identical speeds—making it more than capable for everyday use and even for demanding gaming sessions with ray tracing support.
Battery life is another strong suit. During an afternoon of heavy use—navigating, streaming podcasts, and testing connectivity—the phone lasted five hours and still held 41% battery. Apple even touts it as “the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone.”
Camera
The 16E’s camera system centers on a 48MP sensor that doubles as a 2x telephoto lens. While it doesn’t offer an ultrawide option (a noticeable drawback for wide-angle enthusiasts), it delivers solid images in most scenarios. Portrait mode and Photographic Styles remain functional but are not the latest versions, making this system a reliable choice for the average user rather than a professional photographer.
Apple Intelligence
The iPhone 16E introduces Apple Intelligence at a price we haven't seen before—Apple Intelligence is Cupertino's suite of AI-powered features including an updated Siri integrated with ChatGPT, Writing Tools, and Visual Intelligence. While these features hint at the future, they currently seem more like a teaser rather than a must-have, leaving potential buyers to decide if they’re worth the extra investment.
Final Thoughts
For users with older iPhones who crave a familiar, hassle-free experience without the learning curve, the 16E is a strong contender. It delivers essential features, solid performance, and innovative safety functions at a competitive price. However, those seeking the full spectrum of flagship features—such as MagSafe or an ultrawide camera—might find the compromises too steep.
I’d rather have a cool magnetic accessory system and a neat quick-glance display feature built into my phone than Apple Intelligence, especially for $600.
This encapsulates the 16E’s balancing act: it offers much of what makes an iPhone great, but it isn’t without its quirks.
It’s not perfect, but for many users, its blend of modern performance and familiar design might just hit the sweet spot.
Recommended by the editors:
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