It was a little more than two years ago when Apple refreshed its entry-level, low-cost iPhone model, ideal for people who didn’t need all of the bells and whistles but still wanted to be part of the Apple ecosystem — the iPhone SE. After a two-year hiatus, the next big refresh has arrived.
Also: What does the ‘e’ in iPhone 16e stand for?
On Wednesday, Apple launched the iPhone 16e<!–> via an online press release rather than the usual product event. The iPhone 16e received several massive upgrades from its predecessor, including a refreshed design, support for Apple Intelligence, an A18 chipset, Face ID, an Apple modem, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about the phone.
The upgrades
Compared to the last iPhone SE, released in 2022, the new model features a more modernized, iPhone 14-esque design. It has a USB-C port at the bottom, Face ID (goodbye, Home Button), and a simple notch, which some people may prefer over the Dynamic Island.
The smartphone still has its small-device appeal, though not as small as its predecessor, fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand. By the numbers, we’re looking at a 6.1-inch OLED display now, compared to the previous 4.7-inch screen. The glass exterior and aluminum frame come in two matte finishes: black and white.
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The base storage capacity also received a boost, doubling from 64GB to 128GB, with added 256GB and 512GB options. Thanks to the improved power efficiency and larger battery capacity, new users should also experience improved battery performance (though Apple won’t specify the exact value). For reference, the previous iPhone SE (2022) had a 1,624mAh battery, according to after-market tests.
The iPhone 16e features a 48MP wide camera on the back with an integrated 2x Telephoto, an upgrade from the previous model, and a 12MP front-facing camera. Therefore, despite the rest of the phone upgrades, the iPhone 16e may still not be for you if you are a photo enthusiast.
Arguably the biggest iPhone 16e upgrade is the inclusion of an A18 chipset. While it doesn’t have as many GPU cores as other A18 variants found in the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup, it still gives the phone some notable capabiltiies. This upgrade, for example, was necessary to power Apple’s suite of Apple Intelligence (AI) features, including Genmoji, Writing Tools, Notification summaries, Image Playground, and more.
Also: I revisited the iPhone SE in 2025 – and the 16e may be an even bigger hit
For something more subtle, the iPhone 16e also features Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, the Apple C1, a step away from the traditional Qualcomm processor. By using its own wireless chip, Apple should be able to cut costs and, in turn, make the iPhone 16e more affordable for users. Having full control over the chip’s integration with 5G networks could also lead to a more optimized cellular experience.
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Since this newer technology is still in development, it may not yet match Qualcomm’s capabilities. Given the chip’s nascency, we can likely expect upcoming, entry-level products like the iPads to adopt Apple’s modem before the company incorporates it into flagship devices.
Availability
This year’s hardware and software upgrades make the iPhone 16e<!–> a very competitive option for smartphone shoppers. While the iPhone 16e retails for more than its predecessor, it’s still hundreds of dollars cheaper than the base iPhone 16 model–>, which starts at $799. You can pre-order the phone starting Friday, Feb. 21, and deliveries will begin a week after, on Feb. 28.
Also: The best Apple deals of February 2025: iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads, and more
Notably, this price point places the iPhone 16e a little higher than competing entry-level phones from Google and Samsung, with the Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G costing $499 and $399, respectively. By reintroducing a lower-cost option, Apple is positioning itself to reach a more generalized demographic of customers that its latest release may have missed.
The question now is whether or not the iPhone 16e will be just as successful as the last model, when the market is much more competitive this time around.
Source: Robotics - zdnet.com
