So, Apple finally did it. They killed the old SE design and gave us the iPhone 16e.
It’s about time, honestly. We’ve been staring at that iPhone 8-style body with the home button for what feels like a decade. Now, things are different. The iPhone 16e release basically signals that Apple is done with the "retro" look for its entry-level phones. You get the 6.1-inch OLED screen, the notch, and a very modern-feeling chassis for $599.
Is it perfect? No. But it's interesting.
What is the iPhone 16e, really?
Think of it as a remix. Apple took the shell of an iPhone 14, stuffed the brains of an iPhone 16 inside, and then clipped one of the cameras off the back. It sounds like a Frankenstein situation, but in the hand, it just feels like a standard iPhone.
The big news here isn't just the look. It's the A18 chip.
Apple didn't give this phone a three-year-old processor. They gave it the same silicon found in the flagship iPhone 16, though with a tiny catch: it has a 4-core GPU instead of the 5-core version. You probably won't notice that unless you're trying to play Resident Evil Village at max settings while on a Zoom call. For everyone else, it’s fast. Real fast.
The Apple Intelligence factor
The main reason the A18 is in here is for Apple Intelligence.
Apple is desperate to get their AI tools—things like Genmoji, Writing Tools, and the revamped Siri—into as many hands as possible. To run that local on-device AI, you need 8GB of RAM. The old SE couldn't do it. The iPhone 15 couldn't even do it. But the 16e can.
If you want the cheapest way into Apple’s AI ecosystem, this is officially it.
The "e" stands for essential (sorta)
Apple likes to play with letters. In the past, "SE" was Special Edition. Now we have "e." Some folks at Apple have hinted it stands for "essential," and looking at the spec sheet, that's exactly what it is.
You get the essentials.
- A 48MP Fusion camera: It’s just one lens, but it's a good one.
- The Action Button: No more mute switch; you can program this to open your flashlight or a custom shortcut.
- USB-C: Lightning is officially dead across the entire new lineup.
- Face ID: Touch ID has finally left the building.
But let's talk about that camera. It’s a single 48MP lens. Because the sensor is so high-res, Apple uses the middle pixels to give you a "virtual" 2x optical zoom. It’s not a real telephoto lens, but for most people taking photos of their lunch or their dog, it works surprisingly well. You miss out on the Ultrawide lens, though. If you love those "0.5x" group photos at the bar, you’re going to be disappointed.
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Why the battery life is actually better
Here is a weird fact: the iPhone 16e actually beats the standard iPhone 16 in some battery tests.
How?
Apple introduced their own custom C1 modem in this phone. It’s their first-ever in-house cellular chip. Because Apple designed it to work perfectly with the A18, it’s incredibly power-efficient. Most reviewers, including the folks over at GSMArena, found that the 16e lasts about 26 hours for video playback. That’s a massive jump from the old SE and even beats out the base iPhone 16 by a few hours.
It’s the "road warrior" phone for people who don't want to carry a Pro Max brick.
The stuff they left out
You aren't getting everything for $599. Apple is too smart for that.
First, there's no MagSafe. Yeah, you heard that right. While it supports wireless charging (Qi), it doesn't have the magnets built into the back. If you have a drawer full of MagSafe wallets and chargers, they won't "snap" on here. You can fix this with a MagSafe-compatible case, but it’s a bit of a bummer that it's not native.
Second, the screen is still 60Hz.
In 2026, 60Hz feels a little sluggish if you've ever used a Pro model with ProMotion (120Hz). Scrolling through Instagram just isn't as buttery smooth. Also, you get the notch—not the Dynamic Island. The "pill" at the top is reserved for the more expensive models.
Pricing and storage
The math is pretty simple.
- 128GB: $599
- 256GB: $699
- 512GB: $899
Honestly, the 128GB is fine for most, but if you take a lot of 4K video, you’ll hit that ceiling fast.
Who should actually buy this?
If you are still holding onto an iPhone 11 or an older SE, the iPhone 16e release is your green light to upgrade. You get the modern look, the fast charging, and the AI features without spending $800+.
However, if you can find a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro, you might get a better deal. The 15 Pro has the 120Hz screen and the extra cameras, though you’ll lose out on that legendary battery life the 16e offers thanks to the new C1 modem.
It’s a trade-off.
Moving forward with the 16e
If you decide to pick one up, keep these practical steps in mind to get the most out of it:
- Skip the 512GB model: If you're spending $899, just buy an iPhone 17 or a 16 Pro. The value of the "e" series is only at the $599 entry point.
- Get a MagSafe Case: Since the magnets are missing, a $20 case with a built-in magnet ring will restore compatibility with all your favorite accessories.
- Turn on 24MP Photos: The camera defaults to 24MP to save space, but it’s the "sweet spot" for detail. Don't feel like you need to force 48MP for every shot.
- Check your carrier: Because this is the "budget" model, carriers are being very aggressive with "free with trade-in" deals, even for older broken phones.
The iPhone 16e isn't trying to be the best phone in the world. It's just trying to be the best phone for people who are tired of spending a thousand dollars every two years.