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Apple iPhone 16e: A New Chapter In The Midrange Segment - Specs, Features, And Performance Breakdown

🔑 Article ID: 643
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📅 Published: 2025-02-20 04:17:29
📅 Modified: 2025-03-01 01:03:35
Author: Radon Lee

Discover the full specs of the iPhone 16e, Apple's new midrange smartphone. Learn about its display, camera, performance, battery, and whether it's worth the price.

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The iPhone 16e marks a shift for Apple in the midrange smartphone market, serving as the successor to the iPhone SE (2022). Although it may carry a new name, it retains the core philosophy of delivering a premium experience in a more affordable package. Positioned as a mid-range device, the iPhone 16e features a robust build, impressive display, and solid performance at a price point that will appeal to users who want the iPhone experience without breaking the bank.

This phone will appeal to those who appreciate Apple's ecosystem, offering a compact and sleek design, great performance, and the familiar iOS experience. It is an excellent choice for users looking for a no-nonsense smartphone with solid camera performance and powerful internals, but who don't want the cost of flagship models like the iPhone 16 or 16 Pro.

However, it may not be the best option for power users or anyone seeking high-end features like a telephoto camera or advanced display technologies. Those who are into gaming, heavy multitasking, or need features like a larger screen or extra storage options might want to look into flagship models.

Body and Build Quality: Compact, Durable, and Stylish

The iPhone 16e boasts a compact, pocket-friendly design with dimensions of 146.7×71.5×7.8 mm and a weight of just 167 grams. At 5.78 inches tall and 2.81 inches wide, it strikes a balance between size and portability. Apple continues its tradition of delivering high-quality materials, with the front protected by Ceramic Shield glass (a staple for durability), a glass back, and an aluminum frame.

The phone comes in two colors: Black and White, keeping things minimalistic but classy. While it doesn't have the flashy gradient finishes of higher-end models, it retains that unmistakable Apple elegance.

Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationApple iPhone 16e
General
  • Slogan: Latest iPhone. Greatest price.
  • Type: Smartphone
  • Models: A3212 (USA), A3408 (Canada, Mexico, Middle East), A3409 (international), A3410 (China)
  • OS: iOS 18.4
Dimensions H: 146.7 mm (5.78″), W: 71.5 mm (2.81″), D: 7.8 mm (0.31″)
Mass 167 g (5.89 oz)
Material Ceramic Shield glass for display protection; glass back; aluminum frame
Colors Black, White

When it comes to the body of the iPhone 16e, Apple has struck a balance between design and usability. Those dimensions and weight put it in the "just right" category. It's not too bulky, not too flimsy. For most users, this means it's comfortable to hold for extended sessions - whether you're typing away on social media, scrolling through news, or watching a video. It's compact enough to easily slip into a pocket or bag without causing an unwieldy bulge, making it an excellent choice for people who like to keep their phone close without it becoming an annoyance.

For comparison, its 6.1-inch display puts it in the middle ground between larger "phablets" and the ultra-compact category, so it's perfect for those who find bigger phones too cumbersome but don't want to compromise on screen space. The slight curve of the edges ensures it feels natural in the hand, and the lightweight design makes it feel like it was crafted specifically for comfort over prolonged usage.

Apple's Ceramic Shield glass is more than just a marketing buzzword; it's a practical feature. It's a tougher variant of the glass typically found on smartphones, and Apple claims it's tougher than any other smartphone glass. The Ceramic Shield display protection significantly enhances durability, helping protect the phone against everyday mishaps like drops and bumps. It incorporates ceramic crystals into the glass, improving its scratch resistance and preventing cracking upon impact.

While it doesn't make the screen completely indestructible (nothing does, unfortunately), it offers peace of mind for users who might be prone to clumsy moments. Plus, it provides that reassuring feeling when you toss the phone into your bag or drop it on your desk with a little less caution than usual.

Apple's choice of glass back and aluminum frame contributes to a premium feel without being too heavy or delicate. The glass back serves dual purposes: it gives the phone a shiny, polished look that's in line with the "premium" feel Apple is known for, while also enabling wireless charging. However, as with any glass surface, it can pick up fingerprints and smudges, so you might want to invest in a case to keep it pristine. On the upside, the smooth finish ensures it feels comfortable and smooth against your hand.

The aluminum frame keeps the overall weight of the phone relatively light and provides durability. Unlike steel, aluminum's lower density keeps the phone balanced without making it feel too solid or hefty. The frame has a matte finish that contrasts nicely with the shiny glass back and helps avoid the phone from slipping too easily out of your hands.

The combined feel of these materials is a nice middle ground - offering an upscale aesthetic and tactile experience while maintaining some level of practicality for everyday use.

Apple keeps things simple and sleek with two color options for the iPhone 16e - Black and White:

  • Black: For those who like a more understated, professional, or even a bit of a "mysterious" vibe, the black iPhone is a perfect fit. It's sleek, timeless, and effortlessly cool. It appeals to personalities that appreciate classic aesthetics and prefer their tech to blend in with a sophisticated lifestyle. If you're the type to wear all-black outfits or love keeping things low-key, the black iPhone 16e will seamlessly match your style.
  • White: On the flip side, the white version of the iPhone is fresh, clean, and modern. It appeals to personalities who lean toward minimalist, fresh designs and enjoy standing out a little more. It suits those who gravitate toward a bright, airy aesthetic - think of the kind of person who's into light colors, enjoys attention to detail, and likes one's tech to reflect one's personality. The white finish on the iPhone gives it an approachable and optimistic vibe, perfect for those who want a phone that looks both modern and approachable.

In short, Black is for those who love understated elegance, while White is for the bright, minimalist, and modern-minded crowd. Either way, both colors offer an aesthetically pleasing experience with a personality that can fit a wide range of tastes.

To sum it up, the iPhone 16e strikes an excellent balance in terms of body design. It's comfortable for long sessions, easy to carry around, and offers a premium feel thanks to the Ceramic Shield glass, glass back, and aluminum frame. While the colors are simple, they are perfectly in tune with Apple's minimalist approach to design - each suited to different personalities. Whether you prefer the understated elegance of Black or the modern freshness of White, the iPhone 16e is a stylish companion that's comfortable for all-day use without being a burden in your pocket or bag.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

For durability, the iPhone 16e carries an IP68 rating, making it dust-tight and water-resistant up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. This adds a layer of protection for users who may encounter some accidental splashes or brief submersions.

The "IP" stands for Ingress Protection, and it's followed by two digits. The first digit (6 here) represents the level of protection against solid objects or dust. A rating of 6 means the iPhone 16e is dust-tight. No pesky particles are sneaking into this device! It's a fortress against the tiniest invaders.

The second digit (8 here) is the aquatic superhero. A rating of 8 signifies exceptional water resistance. The iPhone 16e can handle being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for a glorious 30 minutes. So, accidental drops in the pool or unexpected rain showers are nothing more than a splash in the park for this phone.

In simpler terms, with its IP68 rating, the Apple iPhone 16e is like a superhero in the tech world, impervious to both dust storms and water escapades. Whether you're conquering dusty trails or braving the rain, this phone stands tall, ready for any adventure you throw its way! Now, who said technology can't be an action-packed thriller?

General Tip: It is a good idea to use a protective case and a screen protector to give your phone that extra layer of security.

Display: Vibrant Super Retina XDR OLED with Impressive Brightness

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

Apple's display technology is one of its strong suits, and the iPhone 16e does not disappoint. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display has a resolution of 1170×2532 pixels, providing a pixel density of about 457 PPI. With HDR10 support, you can expect vibrant colors and deep contrasts, making it great for watching movies, browsing the web, and reading text. The peak brightness of 1200 nits ensures that even in direct sunlight, the display remains legible.

Apple iPhone 16e display
Apple iPhone 16e display. Image credit: Apple

The 19.5:9 aspect ratio gives the screen a modern look with close to 90% screen-to-body ratio, meaning the bezels are narrow. The Super Retina XDR OLED ensures color accuracy, sharpness, and a premium viewing experience.

Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationApple iPhone 16e
Size 6.1″ (155 mm) diagonal
Type Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution (px) 1170×2532, about 457 PPI
Brightness HBM: 800 nits; Peak: 1200 nits
Features HDR10

Apple has always been known for delivering top-notch displays, and the iPhone 16e is no exception. The phone features a Super Retina XDR OLED display, which brings a host of improvements to both the visual quality and user experience. Super Retina XDR displays are Apple's premium panel technology, offering deep blacks, excellent contrast, vibrant colors, and sharp details.

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) is known for its ability to individually light each pixel, meaning the phone doesn't rely on a backlight. This results in better contrast ratios because the display can completely turn off pixels to achieve true blacks - something impossible for traditional LCD screens. You'll see a sharp contrast between bright highlights and dark shadows, making everything from photos to videos look richer and more immersive.

With a resolution of 1170×2532 pixels, the iPhone 16e provides a 19.5:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of about 457 PPI. This means that everything on the screen will appear crisp and sharp, even when you're looking at tiny text or detailed images. With such a high pixel density, the individual pixels are virtually imperceptible to the naked eye at typical viewing distances. Whether you're browsing the web, reading emails, or watching videos, everything will be clear and well-defined.

The 1170×2532 px resolution is well-balanced for a 6.1-inch display, providing enough pixel density for clear visuals without overtaxing the GPU. For most users, this level of sharpness is more than sufficient for daily tasks and media consumption. It's not as high as the QHD+ displays you'll find in some high-end flagship phones, but it strikes a great balance between quality and efficiency.

One of the standout features of the iPhone 16e's display is its 800 nits typical brightness and 1200 nits peak brightness. The typical brightness is the brightness level you'll typically see during everyday usage. Whether you're reading your favorite blog, checking social media, or replying to emails, the display will stay bright and legible in most indoor environments. For an OLED display, 800 nits is a solid level that ensures you won't struggle to read text or see visuals, even in brighter environments like an office or a café.

Peak brightness comes into play when you're looking at high-contrast content, such as HDR videos or bright scenes. The 1200 nits peak brightness ensures that HDR content looks vibrant and true to life, with bright highlights standing out against deep blacks. If you're watching a movie or playing a game with HDR10 support (we'll get to that in a minute), the screen can reach a brightness level that ensures the image pops and remains visible, even in direct sunlight.

The high peak brightness also helps when you're outside, especially in bright sunlight. The display can get bright enough to be easily readable in outdoor conditions, preventing you from squinting at your phone while waiting in the sun.

The HDR10 support on the iPhone 16e adds another layer of vibrancy and detail to the display. HDR10 is an HDR (High Dynamic Range) video standard that enhances the range of contrast between the brightest whites and the darkest blacks. When you're watching HDR content (be it YouTube videos, movies, or streaming shows), you'll notice that highlights pop with greater brightness, while shadows maintain detail without becoming murky.

This makes content look much more immersive, with a much wider color range and deeper contrasts than what you'd get on a standard SDR display. For users who love watching movies, playing games, or streaming content on their phone, HDR10 support elevates the overall experience by providing more visually stunning images with enhanced depth and realism.

In conclusion, the iPhone 16e display is a fantastic choice for users who want a vibrant, sharp, and easy-to-read screen that performs well in both indoor and outdoor environments. The Super Retina XDR OLED technology offers high contrast, rich colors, and deep blacks, making it a joy to use for everything from browsing to watching HDR content. The combination of 800 nits typical brightness and 1200 nits peak brightness ensures it's adaptable to all lighting conditions, while HDR10 support adds another layer of richness when viewing compatible content.

While it may not be the most advanced display Apple offers (hello, ProMotion and 120 Hz refresh rates), it certainly delivers a premium experience in the iPhone 16e's price range. Whether you're a content consumer, a casual gamer, or someone who loves great visuals, this screen will impress you with its clarity and vibrancy.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

Networking is the invisible thread that connects us all in the digital world! The Apple iPhone 16e, with its support for the networking quartet of GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G technologies, is like a well-connected socialite in the world of networks.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.

Additionally, the iPhone 16e sports emergency SOS, messages, Roadside Assistance, and Find My apps via satellite. It is like having a lifeline when you find yourself in situations where traditional communication methods may fail. This feature brings an additional layer of safety and peace of mind, especially for those who venture into remote or challenging environments. Whether you're exploring the wilderness, sailing the seas, or traversing deserts, you can potentially send emergency signals from virtually anywhere on the planet.

In emergency situations, cellular networks can become unreliable or non-existent. Emergency SOS and messaging via satellite ensures that you can reach out for help even when traditional communication infrastructure is unavailable. This independence is crucial in remote areas or during natural disasters. The satellite connectivity adds an extra layer of resilience. In case of network outages or if you're in a location with poor cellular reception, the satellite connection becomes a reliable backup, ensuring that your distress signal reaches the appropriate channels.

For outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and professionals working in challenging environments, this feature is a game-changer. Whether you're on a mountain, in the middle of the ocean, or deep in the wilderness, having the ability to call for help via satellite provides a sense of security.

In essence, Emergency SOS and messaging via satellite is a safety net for users who find themselves in situations where conventional communication methods may fall short. It ensures that help is just a signal away, regardless of your location on the globe.

SIM

The US model of Apple iPhone 16e supports dual eSIM (8 or more, at most 2 at a time); the China model supports dual Nano-SIM; and the international model supports a Nano-SIM and dual eSIM (at most 2 at a time). With these capabilities, the iPhone 16e keeps your work and personal life nicely compartmentalized.

Chipset - Performance: Apple A18 Chipset - Power and Efficiency

Under the hood, the iPhone 16e is powered by Apple's new A18 chipset, built on a 3-nm process. This gives it an edge in both power efficiency and performance. The hexa-core CPU includes two types of cores, which should offer a smooth experience for most tasks, from browsing to moderate gaming. The quad-core Apple GPU complements the CPU, ensuring that the phone can handle graphics-intensive applications and even some gaming with relative ease.

While it's not designed for extreme multitasking or heavy gaming like the iPhone 16 Pro models, it's more than capable for everyday use, social media, light gaming, and productivity apps. The iPhone 16e is a step up from previous budget models, with performance on par with what you expect from Apple.

Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationApple iPhone 16e
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2×4.04 GHz + 4×2.20 GHz)
GPU Apple-designed (quad-core)

The Apple A18 chipset powering the iPhone 16e is an impressive piece of hardware, and as is typical with Apple's chips, it offers a solid mix of performance and energy efficiency. This is a 3-nm chipset, which means it's built on a cutting-edge manufacturing process that improves power efficiency and performance compared to older chips. The smaller the process node (measured in nanometers), the more transistors can fit onto the chip, making it faster and more efficient. This allows the A18 to deliver excellent performance while drawing less power, which translates into longer battery life for the iPhone 16e.

Since Apple makes its own chips, it has complete control over both hardware and software, which allows for seamless optimization. You won't find that level of integration in many other smartphones, which is why the A18 chipset performs so efficiently despite not being as powerful as some high-end Android chips in raw benchmarks.

The A18 chipset includes a hexa-core CPU, which consists of two sets of cores designed for different tasks: two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores. This architecture is known as big.LITTLE in the tech world, and it helps balance raw performance with power efficiency. Let's break down the roles of each set of cores:

  • High-Performance Cores - Turbocharged for Heavy Tasks: The two high-performance cores are clocked at 4.04 GHz. These are designed to handle tasks that demand maximum processing power, such as:
    • Gaming: When you're playing graphically demanding games, the high-performance cores will kick into action to handle the processing and rendering of the game's graphics and logic.
    • Video Editing: If you're working with video or photos, these cores will help speed up processing and render high-definition content quickly.
    • Multitasking: When running multiple apps or performing demanding tasks, these cores will handle the load, ensuring smooth performance and responsiveness.
    • Augmented Reality (AR): With AR becoming more common in apps and games, the high-performance cores handle the heavy computational workload involved in processing real-time data.

    These cores are the powerhouse of the A18, ensuring that demanding tasks are handled with ease, providing the iPhone 16e with the speed it needs for tasks that go beyond everyday use.

  • Efficiency Cores - Power Savers for Light Tasks: The four efficiency cores are clocked at 2.20 GHz, and their role is to handle less demanding tasks while consuming less power. They come into picture when you're using your phone for lighter tasks, such as:
    • Browsing Social Media: Scrolling through Instagram or Twitter doesn't need a lot of power, so the efficiency cores take over, saving battery life while still providing snappy performance.
    • Messaging and Email: Typing out messages or replying to emails is a light task that doesn't require the full horsepower of the performance cores.
    • Background Processes: When your phone is handling background tasks like syncing data, updating apps, and pushing notifications, the efficiency cores take care of it, ensuring the phone remains responsive without draining the battery.

    By using these efficiency cores for less demanding tasks, Apple ensures that the iPhone 16e doesn't waste power unnecessarily, meaning you get better battery life without sacrificing overall performance.

Alongside the CPU, the Apple A18 also comes equipped with a quad-core Apple GPU, which is responsible for rendering visuals on the phone. While Apple doesn't always disclose exact GPU clock speeds or configurations, its custom-designed GPUs are known for being highly optimized and efficient. The Apple GPU powers everything:

  • Gaming: The GPU ensures that games run smoothly, with fast frame rates and crisp graphics, even in demanding titles.
  • Graphics Rendering: Whether you're editing photos or videos, the GPU assists in speeding up rendering and real-time visual effects.
  • Display and UI: The GPU ensures smooth animations, transitions, and visuals across the entire iOS interface, making everything from scrolling through apps to playing videos feel buttery smooth.

Thanks to the efficient nature of the A18's GPU, the iPhone 16e can handle gaming, media consumption, and app performance without any hiccups.

Overall, this combination of chipset, CPU, and GPU ensures that the iPhone 16e is fast and efficient, able to handle everything from casual apps and social media to heavier gaming and content creation. The combination of high-performance cores for speed and efficiency cores for battery conservation means the phone performs well while keeping energy use in check - an ideal balance for everyday users. Whether you're multitasking or using it for light browsing, the A18 chipset ensures a seamless experience across the board.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationApple iPhone 16e
RAM 8 GB
Internal Storage Type NVMe
Memory Card Slot No
Internal Storage Variants 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB

Paired with 8 GB of RAM and storage options of 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB, the iPhone 16e should provide ample space and speed for most users.

Camera System: 48 MP Main Camera for Sharp Photos

One of the standout features of the iPhone 16e is its 48 MP primary camera, which is a significant improvement over previous SE models - for instance, the iPhone SE (2022) featured a 12 MP main camera. It offers PDAF and OIS for better low-light performance and clearer photos.

The camera setup supports 4K video recording at up to 60 fps, giving you the ability to capture high-quality video with rich details and smooth motion. You also get HDR capabilities and stereo sound recording, ensuring your videos look professional. The 12 MP front camera supports 4K video recording, perfect for high-quality selfies or video calls.

Though this isn't a multi-camera system with telephoto or ultra-wide lenses, the 48 MP main shooter can still capture detailed and vibrant photos in most conditions. It's a strong contender in the midrange smartphone camera market, delivering great results without overwhelming the user with unnecessary complexity.

Rear Camera

Apple iPhone 16e main camera setup
Apple iPhone 16e main camera setup. Image credit: Apple

The iPhone 16e's main camera packs in a 48 MP sensor with some solid features that elevate its performance for both casual users and those who want to capture professional-looking content. Apple has done a great job of balancing the camera system to offer versatility without overcomplicating things, and it comes with advanced features that help you capture sharp, vivid images in a variety of situations. Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationApple iPhone 16e
Number of Cameras 1 (Single)
Resolution (Megapixels) 48 MP (wide)
Focal Length 26 mm
Aperture f/1.6
Autofocus PDAF
Image Stabilization OIS
Video Recording 4K at 24/25/30/60 fps, 1080p at 25/30/60/120/240 fps, OIS, HDR, 3D (spatial) audio, stereo sound recording
Other Features Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR

With a 48 MP (f/1.6) wide lens, the iPhone 16e offers a 26 mm field of view and great low-light performance. This high-resolution sensor captures incredible detail, ensuring that photos are sharp and crisp, even in challenging lighting conditions. Whether you're shooting landscapes, portraits, or close-ups, the 48 MP sensor provides excellent clarity and depth.

PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) is one of the fastest autofocus technologies around. It helps the iPhone 16e lock focus more quickly and accurately by comparing the contrast between adjacent pixels. This is especially useful when capturing fast-moving subjects or trying to shoot in low-light environments where focusing might be tricky.

It's a huge benefit for those spontaneous, action-packed moments that demand quick autofocus.

OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is a game-changer for both photos and videos. It compensates for small shakes and movements while taking pictures, ensuring that the images come out sharp and clear. For video recording, OIS helps maintain smooth footage, preventing that shaky, jittery effect that often happens when shooting handheld.

Whether you're walking or filming a moving subject, OIS ensures the video looks steady, even when you're not.

The dual-LED dual-tone flash improves low-light photography by using two different color temperatures (warm and cool). This gives the flash a more natural look, avoiding that harsh, overexposed flash that makes photos look artificial.

The result? Better-looking portraits or night shots that feel more balanced and true to life.

Panorama mode allows you to capture wide, sweeping landscapes.

And HDR (High Dynamic Range) ensures that the camera balances highlights and shadows in challenging lighting.

HDR brings out details in both the brightest and darkest parts of an image, making sure you get the best possible shot whether you're shooting a sunset or a high-contrast scene.

The iPhone 16e's video recording capabilities are just as impressive, offering a range of features that make shooting professional-quality video easier than ever. For video, OIS helps maintain smooth, stable footage even when you're on the move.

This is particularly useful for vloggers, content creators, or anyone who shoots dynamic, handheld video. Without OIS, video footage can often appear jerky, but with this feature, you get fluid motion, even if you're walking or running.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) video ensures that your footage has more contrast and depth, producing more vibrant, lifelike colors. It's especially helpful in challenging lighting conditions, like when you're shooting in bright daylight with dark shadows.

HDR video ensures that details in both light and dark areas are preserved, which is key to maintaining the natural look of your footage.

3D (spatial) audio records sound in a more immersive way, capturing the directionality and depth of the audio in your video. This means that when you play back the video, you can experience the sound as if you were in the same location, hearing it from the same angles as the original recording.

This is especially powerful for videos with dynamic sound environments, like concerts, outdoor adventures, and action scenes.

The stereo sound recording feature adds a richer audio experience by recording sound from two channels - left and right - rather than a single mono channel.

This provides a more immersive sound experience during playback, making videos feel more lifelike and dynamic.

The iPhone 16e can shoot video at some very high frame rates, including 120 fps and 240 fps. These frame rates are key for slow-motion video recording, allowing you to capture fast-moving subjects in a way that looks smooth and detailed:

  • 120 fps: This is great for shooting slightly slower movements, like a person jumping or a ball being thrown. When you play it back at regular speed, the motion looks dramatically slower, which can be used to highlight key actions in a video. It's the perfect frame rate for action scenes, sports, or capturing those little moments that happen in the blink of an eye.
  • 240 fps: This is even better for ultra-slow-motion video. At 240 fps, you can capture extremely fast movements, like a water balloon bursting or a person doing a quick flip. The slower playback highlights even the smallest details, making it perfect for dramatic or creative video moments. Ultra-slow motion can give a unique feel to your content, creating a cinematic quality that's hard to achieve with standard video recording.

These high frame rates give you the flexibility to create dynamic and engaging video content, allowing for smooth slow-motion effects that add a layer of creativity and impact to your videos.

In conclusion, the iPhone 16e's camera system is perfect for anyone looking to capture high-quality photos and videos with the right balance of features, speed, and creativity. Whether you're a casual user snapping photos or a content creator working with video, this setup delivers excellent results across the board.

Front Camera: Clarity and Creativity at Your Fingertips

The selfie camera sits inside a centered trapezoidal cut-out on the top of the display, along with an SL 3D sensor. Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationApple iPhone 16e
Resolution 12 MP (wide)
Aperture f/1.9
Video Recording 4K at 24/25/30/60 fps, 1080p at 25/30/60/120 fps, HDR, Dolby Vision HDR, 3D (spatial) audio, stereo sound recording
Other Features HDR, SL 3D (depth / biometrics sensor)

The 12 MP front camera on the iPhone 16e is no slouch, delivering high-quality selfies and video calls. One standout feature in video recording with the selfie camera is Dolby Vision HDR. This ensures that your selfie videos have rich colors, better contrast, and more detail in both the brightest and darkest areas.

This is especially helpful for shooting videos in less-than-ideal lighting or when you want to create high-quality content for social media, such as Instagram stories or TikToks. Dolby Vision adds that cinematic touch, making your videos pop with vivid colors and incredible depth.

The SL 3D (structured light 3D) sensor is a depth sensor that plays a critical role in biometrics and facial recognition. It's responsible for creating a 3D map of your face, which is used for Face ID. This enables highly accurate facial recognition, allowing you to securely unlock your phone, authenticate payments, and more, all with a simple glance.

But that's not all. The SL 3D sensor also enhances your portrait shots by allowing the camera to capture more detailed depth information, which can result in better background blur (bokeh) and more natural-looking portraits. Whether you're using Face ID or taking selfies, the depth sensor ensures everything from security to imaging works more smoothly.

Battery and Charging: Quick Wired Charging, Limited Wireless Support

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationApple iPhone 16e
Battery Type Li-ion
Capacity Unspecified
Wired Charging Yes, 50% in 30 minutes
Wireless Charging Qi: 7.5 W

While Apple hasn't disclosed the exact battery capacity, the iPhone 16e comes with support for wired charging, providing a 50% charge in just 30 minutes. This is an impressive charging speed for a midrange model, especially when compared to some of its competitors. Wireless charging is supported via Qi at 7.5W, but it doesn't match the faster wireless charging speeds found on premium models.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

SpecificationApple iPhone 16e
Loudspeaker Yes (stereo speakers)
Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack No

You won't find a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is a bit of a letdown for audio purists, but wireless headphones can easily replace this functionality.

Connectivity

The Apple iPhone 16e leaves no stone unturned in connectivity options. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The WLAN hotspot feature allows the device to act as a wireless access point, enabling other devices to connect to the internet through its Wi-Fi connection. This functionality is particularly useful when you need to share your device's internet connection with other devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, without requiring a separate Wi-Fi router. Whether it's in a coffee shop, airport, or on the go, the WLAN hotspot feature provides a convenient way to stay connected and share internet access with friends, family, and colleagues.

The iPhone 16e boasts Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

Lost? Not with the positioning capabilities of the Apple iPhone 16e! It supports multiple global navigation satellite systems, including GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, and NavIC. This means your device always knows where you are, no matter where you travel in the world. Whether you're navigating through bustling cities or remote wilderness, your device's positioning technology ensures you're always on the right path.

The Apple iPhone 16e features NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments (Apple Pay is supported), share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.

Sensors

The Apple iPhone 16e comes equipped with the following sensors:

  • Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
  • Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
  • Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
  • Barometer: Measures atmospheric pressure. It tells you about your altitude and improves GPS elevation results. You can also use it to make weather predictions.
  • Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.
  • Face ID: Developed and popularized by Apple, Face ID is a biometric authentication method that scans and recognizes the unique features of a user's face to grant access to the device. This secure and convenient technology employs a sophisticated facial mapping technique to create a detailed 3D map of the user's face. At the time of unlocking, infrared light is projected onto the user's face, enabling the sensor to capture precise details, even in low-light conditions or complete darkness.

Conclusion

The Apple iPhone 16e's price tag is reasonable considering the features it offers. The A18 chipset, 48 MP camera, OLED display, and durable build make this phone a solid choice for users who are looking for a premium experience without the flagship price tag.

However, for users seeking more advanced features like a larger screen, telephoto lenses, or faster charging, they might be better off looking at flagship devices. That said, if you're looking for a compact, powerful iPhone with a great camera and solid performance, the iPhone 16e will serve you well. The features and performance are definitely in line with the asking price, offering great value for the money.

Final Verdict: The iPhone 16e is a fantastic entry-level iPhone, offering a great balance of performance, features, and price. While it may not cater to users who want cutting-edge tech, it provides a reliable, solid experience for everyday use.

Feature (top) image credit: Apple.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is Apple iPhone 16e release date?

    The Apple iPhone 16e has been announced on the 19th February, 2025. It is expected to release on the 28th February, 2025.




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