Apple has introduced its latest budget-friendly smartphone, the iPhone 16e, which offers a stripped-down version of the flagship iPhone experience for those who don’t want to pay top dollar.
Priced at £599 (€699/$599/A$999), the iPhone 16e is the spiritual successor to the iPhone SE line and boasts an all-screen design with an aluminium body. It features a 6.1in OLED screen, a power-efficient Apple 5G modem, and a long-lasting battery that can last up to 52 hours of general usage.
However, the iPhone 16e also comes with some compromises, including a single 48MP camera on the back (no ultrawide or macro photography), no MagSafe magnetic attachment technology, and only wifi 6 connectivity. The phone lacks some advanced features found in higher-end models, such as wifi 7 and Thread radios.
Despite these trade-offs, the iPhone 16e still offers a solid user experience, including fast performance, a great screen size, and Face ID. Apple’s budget-friendly option is also more environmentally friendly than its predecessors, with over 30% of the phone’s material made from recycled sources.
Ultimately, the iPhone 16e is best suited for those who want an affordable iPhone experience without breaking the bank. While it may not offer all the features of higher-end models, it provides a reliable and user-friendly option for everyday users.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/11/iphone-16e-review-apple-cheapest-new-phone