Official manufacturer render.
Apple
iPhone 16e
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- Apple A18 · 6-core CPU
- 167 g
- From $599
Available colors
Selected: Black
Physical specifications
6.1"
Display size
167 g
Weight
146.7 mm
Height
71.5 mm
Width
7.8 mm
Thickness
—
Aspect ratio
Release and pricing
- Announced
- February 19, 2025
- Released
- February 28, 2025
- Starting price
- $599
- Market
- US
- Configuration
- 128 GB
Display
- Display size
- 6.1"
- Display technology
- Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution
- 2532 × 1170
- Refresh rate
- 60 Hz
- Peak brightness
- 1200 nits
- Protection
- Ceramic Shield
Performance
- Chipset
- Apple A18
- CPU
- 6-core CPU
- GPU
- 4-core GPU
- RAM
- 8 GB
- Storage
- 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
- Expandable storage
- No
Battery & charging
- Wired charging
- 20 W
- Wireless charging
- 15 W
- Charging standard
- MagSafe, Qi
- Battery type
- Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion
Cameras
- Rear cameras
- Fusion · 48 MP · ƒ/1.6 · 26 mm · Sensor-shift OIS
- Front cameras
- TrueDepth · 12 MP · ƒ/1.9
- Video recording
- 4K Dolby Vision up to 60 fps
Build & durability
- Frame
- Aluminum
- Back
- Glass
- Front
- Ceramic Shield
- Ingress protection
- IP68
Connectivity
- Cellular
- 5G (sub-6 GHz), Gigabit LTE
- Wi‑Fi
- Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.3
- USB
- USB-C (USB 2)
- NFC
- Yes
- eSIM
- Yes
- Satellite
- Emergency SOS via satellite
Sizometry Analysis
Overall Score
7.0
out of 10
A capable budget iPhone with surprising battery endurance and modern A18 speed, weighed down by missing MagSafe and single-lens camera limits.
Category scores
Camera
6.5
Dependable 48MP results for casual shooting, with clear single-lens limits on ultrawide and zoom versatility.
Battery and charging
8.0
reports of strong all-day endurance, often matching or exceeding the standard iPhone 16 for moderate use.
Performance
8.0
Fast routine use with occasional warmth under sustained load.
Handling and portability
8.5
Manageable daily carry with familiar reach and pocket trade-offs for the size class.
Build quality
7.5
Solid materials and IP68 protection, with a dated notch-and-bezel presentation.
Value
7.5
Balanced capability for the price with deliberate omissions versus higher tiers.
Strengths
- Strong battery reports for a compact iPhone
- Light 167 g weight with excellent handling
- A18 performance for everyday tasks
- Lowest new iPhone entry price with current silicon
Weaknesses
- No native MagSafe support
- 60Hz display and notch-era front design
- Single rear camera limits framing options
- No ultrawideband for precision AirTag finding
Best for
- iPhone 11–13 owners on a tight budget
- Cable-first chargers without MagSafe ecosystems
- Casual photographers who value simplicity
- Shoppers prioritizing weight and battery over display polish
Less suitable for
- MagSafe accessory households
- Display enthusiasts expecting 120Hz
- Users who need ultrawide or telephoto hardware
- Shoppers who can justify the iPhone 16 step up
Upgrade recommendation
Current device: iPhone 11, 12, or SE generation
Recommendation: Strongly recommendedNotes: A18 speed, improved battery reports, and USB-C address multi-generation pain points at an accessible price.
Current device: iPhone 13 generation
Recommendation: Worth consideringNotes: Gains matter mainly if battery health, storage, or camera quality are daily frustrations.
Current device: iPhone 14 generation
Recommendation: Depends on prioritiesNotes: Dual-camera flexibility and MagSafe on the standard iPhone 16 may outweigh savings unless budget is firm.
Current device: Deciding between 16e and iPhone 16
Recommendation: Depends on prioritiesNotes: The iPhone 16 is widely seen as better value at +$200 when MagSafe, ultrawide, and Dynamic Island matter weekly.
Current device: iPhone 15 or 16 standard
Recommendation: Probably unnecessaryNotes: Recent standard-model owners already have capable hardware; the 16e reads as a lateral or downward move.
Current device: Budget Android or very old phone
Recommendation: Worth consideringNotes: A sensible Apple ecosystem entry when price caps rule out the standard iPhone 16.
Everyday usability
Estimated from device dimensions and weight.
One-handed use
ComfortableIts width suits comfortable one-handed reach for many users.
Pocket friendliness
ExcellentIts footprint fits standard pockets more easily than larger phones.
Carry comfort
LightFeels light to carry relative to typical devices in its class.
Reading and media
Better for quick glances and messaging than long reading or video.
Gaming
SuitableIts hardware should handle most modern games, though demanding titles may benefit from adjusted settings.
Bottom line
The iPhone 16e earns its place as Apple’s most accessible new iPhone, not as a flagship substitute. A18 performance and unexpectedly strong battery reports make it a rational upgrade from aging hardware, while missing MagSafe, a 60Hz notch display, and a single rear camera define the compromises. Long-term accounts suggest buyers with MagSafe-heavy routines regret the omission more than they expect; cable-first owners who rarely frame ultrawide shots often find the phone quietly excellent for the price. Most shoppers who can stretch the gap should consider the iPhone 16 instead.
Models and configurations
- Storage
- 128 GB256 GB512 GB
- Connectivity
- 5G (sub-6 GHz)Gigabit LTE
- Colors
- BlackWhite
- RAM
- 8 GB
- SIM configuration
- eSIM
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