Apple recently introduced the iPhone 16e, a new addition to its lineup that aims to offer a balance between affordability and performance. As the successor to the iPhone SE 3, the iPhone 16e boasts a 6.1-inch OLED display and is powered by the A18 chip. With media outlets and YouTubers getting their hands on early test units, the first reviews have started pouring in. Let’s take a closer look at the key findings, from the performance of Apple’s new C1 modem to battery life, graphics capabilities, and camera quality.
iPhone 16e reviews: Impressive Battery, Solid C1 Modem, but Pricy
One of the most significant changes in the iPhone 16e is its modem. Unlike other iPhone 16 models that use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X71 modem, the iPhone 16e is equipped with Apple’s first-ever in-house modem, the C1. This shift marks Apple’s move toward self-reliance in wireless technology, but how does it compare in real-world usage?
According to early tests, the C1 modem performs remarkably well. The Verge reported that there were no noticeable differences in 5G reception or speed tests compared to Qualcomm’s modem in the standard iPhone 16. Tom’s Guide echoed this sentiment, stating that the connectivity experience remained consistent across both models.
However, one limitation of the C1 modem is the lack of support for millimeter-wave 5G (mmWave). While mmWave technology can deliver ultra-fast speeds, its deployment remains limited to select regions and carriers. Moreover, mmWave support has always been exclusive to iPhones sold in the United States, making this omission less significant for global users.
Battery Life: A Pleasant Surprise
Battery performance is an area where the iPhone 16e truly shines. Apple has stated that this model offers the best battery life among 6.1-inch iPhones. Thanks to the efficiency of the C1 chip and optimizations in power consumption.
Several reviewers confirmed Apple’s claims. Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) highlighted the phone’s strong battery performance, and Engadget also praised its longevity. YouTuber Dave Lee conducted a test in which the iPhone 16e lasted 12 hours and 54 minutes while continuously loading Reddit via Wi-Fi. In comparison, the standard iPhone 16 lasted 11 hours and 17 minutes under the same conditions.
Tom’s Guide ran a separate battery test, which simulated web browsing over a cellular connection. The iPhone 16e clocked in at 12 hours and 41 minutes, with peak performance reaching 12 hours and 49 minutes. For reference, the iPhone 16 reached a maximum of 13 hours and 19 minutes in the same test.
CNET conducted a more real world test, using the phone for six days and requiring only three charging sessions. Additionally, a charging test with a 30W adapter showed that the iPhone 16e could go from 0% to 59% in just 30 minutes.
Perhaps the most surprising test involved video streaming. After one hour of playback at full brightness, the iPhone 16e retained 100% battery. Whereas the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 dropped to 97%. These findings indicate that Apple’s optimizations in the A18 chip and C1 modem contribute to a more efficient power management system.
Performance: A Slight Downgrade in Graphics
The iPhone 16e is powered by the A18 chip, similar to the standard iPhone 16. However, there is a key difference in their graphical capabilities. While the iPhone 16 has a five core GPU, the iPhone 16e features only four GPU cores. This slight downgrade affects performance in graphically intensive tasks.
CNET’s benchmark tests showed that while the iPhone 16e delivers smooth performance in most scenarios, it lags behind the iPhone 16 when it comes to demanding graphics tasks. Its performance aligns more closely with the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus in terms of GPU benchmarks. However, for everyday users who are not heavily invested in gaming or high end graphics applications, this difference is unlikely to be noticeable.
The Absence of MagSafe: A Notable Downgrade
One aspect that has disappointed many reviewers is the lack of MagSafe support on the iPhone 16e. Since its introduction with the iPhone 12, MagSafe has become a key feature. Allowing users to magnetically attach accessories such as wireless chargers, battery packs, and wallets to the back of their devices.
Reviewers, including The Verge and Tom’s Guide, found this omission puzzling, given the popularity of MagSafe accessories. Apple has not provided an official reason for removing MagSafe from the iPhone 16e. However, this decision may have been made to reduce costs and differentiate the iPhone 16e from higher end models.
Camera Performance: Good, but With Trade Offs
The iPhone 16e features a single 48 megapixel camera sensor, similar in resolution to the standard iPhone 16. However, the sensor itself is smaller, leading to some compromises in image quality.
MKBHD pointed out that the smaller sensor results in shallower depth of field and reduced sharpness in low light conditions. This means that photos taken in dim environments may appear softer compared to those captured by the iPhone 16. To compensate for this limitation, the iPhone 16e relies heavily on Night Mode to enhance low light shots.
Despite these drawbacks, most reviewers agreed that the iPhone 16e’s camera still delivers solid performance. The Verge noted that for the average user, the camera is more than adequate for capturing high quality photos and videos.
Missing Features: The Trade Offs of a Budget Friendly Model
While the iPhone 16e has received generally positive reviews, it does come with several limitations:
- 60Hz Refresh Rate: Unlike some competitors that offer higher refresh rates, the iPhone 16e sticks to a 60Hz display, which may feel outdated to users accustomed to smoother 90Hz or 120Hz screens.
- No Ultra Wideband Support: Apple’s Ultra Wideband technology, used for precise location tracking with AirTags and improved AirDrop functionality, is absent on the iPhone 16e.
- No Wi Fi 6E Support: Unlike the higher end iPhone 16 models, the iPhone 16e does not support Wi Fi 6E, which offers improved speeds and lower latency on compatible networks.
Conclusion: A Solid Entry Level iPhone With Some Compromises
Overall, the iPhone 16e presents a compelling option for users seeking an affordable yet capable iPhone. With a sleek 6.1 inch OLED display, the efficient A18 chip, and Apple’s first in house modem, it offers strong performance in most areas. The battery life is particularly impressive, outperforming even the standard iPhone 16 in several tests.
However, certain omissions, such as the lack of MagSafe, a slightly weaker GPU, and the absence of mmWave 5G, may deter some buyers. Additionally, the 60Hz refresh rate and lack of Ultra Wideband support make it feel less future proof compared to other models in the iPhone 16 lineup.
For users who prioritize battery life and a solid everyday experience over cutting edge features, the iPhone 16e remains a worthy contender. However, those looking for a more premium experience may find better value in the standard iPhone 16 or other models in Apple’s lineup.
