The iPhone 16e is a Good Deal, But It Isn’t the Deal We Were Expecting

Apple has announced the brand new iPhone 16e, which will be available in stores starting tomorrow.
Packed with Apple Intelligence, 48MP Fusion camera, A18 chip, 6.1” display, USB-C, Action button, and FaceID—all for $599—the iPhone 16e joins the iPhone 16 lineup and offers great features at an affordable price.
As the successor of the longtime iPhone SE, it may seem like a good deal. But it isn’t the deal that we hoped for.
iPhone 16e features the A18 chip, enabling Apple Intelligence and is 80% faster than iPhone 11. It also includes a new Apple C1 chip, the first cellular modem designed by Apple.
The new 48MP Fusion camera boasts an integrated 2x telephoto camera, ensuring that users don’t experience any loss in image quality when zooming in. It can also capture 4K 60fps video in Dolby Vision.
But it lacks features like MagSafe, Dynamic Island, and only has a single camera. The iPhone 16, on the other hand, offers the Dynamic Island, dual camera, the Camera Control button, and MagSafe—just for an additional $200.
Surprisingly, the 16e offers two hours more battery life than the 16, possibly due to the efficiency of the new C1 chip.
With a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, iPhone 16e is splash, water, and dust resistant. The Ceramic Shield front glass makes it as durable as the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. Also, the USB-C opens the device to more convenient charging options and accessories.
If you’re on a strict budget and wanting to buy a new iPhone, the 16e is a good option.
But if you can wait until September, the iPhone 17 may be the way to go.