iPhone 16e: Apple is kicking off the year with its first significant launch, the iPhone 16e, previously rumoured to be the iPhone SE 4. Positioned as the entry-level model in the iPhone 16 lineup, it’s got some solid hardware under the hood, but at nearly ₹60,000, does it truly live up to expectations? And more importantly, is it worth upgrading? Let’s break it down.
A18 Chip: The Power Behind Apple Intelligence
Apple’s latest A18 chip powers the iPhone 16e, the same processor in the entire iPhone 16 series. This means it’s ready to handle Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new AI-driven software built into iOS 18.4.
With localised optimisations, Apple is heavily pushing its AI capabilities, especially in markets like India. That’s great news for performance and longevity, but here’s the catch—powerful hardware alone doesn’t make a phone worth the price. Furthermore, the 16e incorporates certain compromises that may cause some concern.
Display & Design: 60Hz in 2025? Apple?
As expected, the 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display on the iPhone 16e is stunning. However—and this is a significant drawback—it remains fixed at 60Hz.
Apple’s decision to keep the refresh rate at 60Hz feels outdated in a world where even budget smartphones under ₹40,000 are rocking 120Hz refresh rates. Sure, Apple’s optimisation smooths scrolling, but it still lacks the ultra-fluid experience you get from higher refresh rates.
The bezels feel chunky on the design front, especially with brands moving towards thinner, sleeker displays. However, Apple does get it right with the build quality—the Ceramic Shield front and glass back give it a premium, sturdy feel.
One letdown? Limited colour options. Unlike the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup, which comes in five vibrant colours, the 16e only gets two. A little more variety would’ve been nice.
Also Read: iPhone 16e Pre-Sale Deals: Get Rs 10,000 OFF and Save Big on Apple’s Affordable iPhone!
Camera: One Lens Short of Perfection?
iPhones have always been a go-to for content creators, and the iPhone 16e sticks to that tradition with a 48MP Fusion camera capable of 4K video recording. It also features 2x telephoto zoom, which is a nice touch.
However, the lack of an ultra-wide camera is disappointing. Every other iPhone 16 model comes with a dual-camera setup, making this one feel like a step-down. Given the price tag, Apple should’ve included that second lens to justify the cost.
No Dynamic Island? Stuck in the iPhone 14 Era
This is one of the biggest letdowns. Dynamic Island has been a staple since the iPhone 14 Pro; even the iPhone 15 lineup included it across all models. But Apple decided to stick with the traditional notch for the 16e.
For a phone launching in 2025, this feels like a significant design setback. It makes the phone look like an iPhone 14 remake rather than a fresh new model.
The First iPhone With Apple’s C1 Modem
One area where Apple is innovating is the C1 modem. The C1 modem is Apple’s first in-house cellular modem, reducing its reliance on Qualcomm.
Apple claims the update will improve battery life, but we’ll have to see how it holds up in real-world usage. If the update proves effective, it could significantly transform the future of iPhones.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth ₹59,990?
Here’s the big question—should you buy the iPhone 16e?
The 128GB base variant costs ₹59,990, but keep in mind Apple Intelligence eats up a lot of storage. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 is listed for ₹61,499 on Amazon—just ₹1,500 more—and comes with Dynamic Island.
If Dynamic Island, an ultra-wide camera, and a 120Hz display matter to you, the iPhone 15 is the better deal. The 16e is still a solid phone, but Apple should’ve priced it under ₹50,000 at this price to make it truly competitive.
Stay tuned for our comprehensive review as we thoroughly test the iPhone 16e!
