iPhone 16E Launched by Apple – Here’s What’s New?
Apple surprised everyone iPhone 16E Launched by Apple – Here’s What’s New?This phone comes with Apple Intelligence (smart AI features) and Apple’s first-ever 5G modem for faster internet.
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The iPhone 16E costs $599, which is more expensive than the old iPhone SE ($429). The regular iPhone 16 is even pricier at $799.
This phone is in the affordable category but more expensive than some competitors like the Google Pixel 8A ($499) and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE ($650).
Right now, phone companies are racing to add smart AI features to their devices as fast as possible. But Apple shows that its AI isn’t just for expensive iPhones.
The iPhone 16E has Apple’s A18 chip, the same one found in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. This means it can use Apple Intelligence, just like the more expensive models. It’s rare to see a phone under $600 with such powerful AI features.
However, the iPhone 16E is a bit tricky. It’s better than the iPhone SE in most ways, but it doesn’t have the SE’s cheap price or small size, which many people loved.
Even though $600 might seem high, phone companies will likely offer discounts. But the big question is: how long will this phone stay popular?
The iPhone 16E will be available for pre-order on Friday, Feb. 21, and will be in stores on Friday, Feb. 28. It has a design similar to the iPhone 14, featuring an aluminum body and a matte glass back to reduce fingerprints. Instead of a mute switch, Apple has added an Action button for quick tasks, including Visual Intelligence searches. The phone also comes with a USB-C charging port, replacing the older Lightning port. However, it does not have a Camera Control button like some newer iPhones.
The iPhone 16E marks the end of Apple’s home button, which had been a key feature since the very first iPhone. It has a 6.1-inch screen, meaning Apple no longer sells a small-sized iPhone. However, the screen is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, making it feel less smooth than many budget Android phones, which often start at 90Hz or higher. The iPhone 16E also has a screen notch but does not include Apple’s Dynamic Island feature.
The iPhone 16E comes in only two colors: black and white—no other color options!
The first iPhone SE came out in 2016 and looked like the iPhone 5S. Apple said SE meant “special edition,” but some people called it “small edition” because of its size. In 2020, Apple made a new iPhone SE that looked like the iPhone 8 but had the A13 chip from the iPhone 11. Then in 2022, Apple released another iPhone SE that looked almost the same as the 2020 model but had the A15 chip from the iPhone 13.
Battery Performance and C1 Modem in the iPhone 16E
The iPhone 16E has something no other iPhone has—a special Apple-made 5G modem called the C1 chip. Apple says this modem saves power better than any modem in an iPhone before. It supports 5G internet, but not the super-fast millimeter-wave 5G found in places like stadiums. We will have to test how well calls and internet speeds work on this phone.
Apple also says that the C1 chip and A18 chip together make the battery last longer. Many people want cheaper phones or longer battery life—since Apple didn’t lower the price, maybe the battery life will be the best part! However, the iPhone 16E doesn’t support MagSafe charging, meaning you can’t use magnetic accessories and wireless charging is slow (7.5 watts). But if you use a cable, it can charge faster at 20 watts
Camera
The iPhone 16E has one main camera on the back with a 48-megapixel sensor. It doesn’t have an ultrawide camera, but because of its high resolution, it can zoom in 2x using a special technique called sensor cropping. This isn’t the same as having a second camera, but it might work similarly.
On the front, there is a 12-megapixel selfie camera for taking photos and videos.
Final impressions of the iPhone 16E (for now)
The iPhone 16E is like the old iPhone SE because Apple uses parts from older iPhones to make a more affordable one. But changing the name from SE to 16E shows that Apple doesn’t just want a “cheap” phone—it wants a budget-friendly version of the iPhone 16, just like Samsung’s Galaxy FE models.
Now, the big question is: Will Apple update this phone every year? The old iPhone SE got a new version only every few years, but maybe the iPhone 16E will get a new model every year—maybe even an iPhone 17E next! We’ll have to wait and see. I’m excited to test the iPhone 16E, so stay tuned for more details and a review soon!
Apple iPhone 16E Specs
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display; 2,532×1,170 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate |
| Pixel density | 460ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 in. |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 167g (5.88 oz.) |
| Mobile software | iOS 18 |
| Camera | 48-megapixel (wide) |
| Front-facing camera | 12-megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K at 60fps |
| Processor | A18 |
| RAM/storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Expandable storage | No |
| Battery | Up to 26 hours video playback, 21 hours streamed video playback, 90 hours of audio playback. 20W wired charging, 7.5W Qi wireless charging |
| Fingerprint sensor | No, Face ID |
| Connector | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Special features | Action button, Apple C1 5G modem, Apple Intelligence, Ceramic Shield, Emergency SOS, satellite connectivity, IP68 resistance |
Data Source Apple website
