Apple has launched another new iPhone – iPhone 16e! But the question arises whether this phone is really worth it or is it just another expensive “e-waste”? Come on, today let us see the first look of this phone and understand what new has Apple given and whether buying this phone will be a good decision or not.
iPhone 16e Specifications
Design and Build Quality
Apple has given a premium look this time too. This phone comes with glass back and aluminium frame, which gives it a classy touch. Due to its compact size, it feels good in the hand. Only 2 colors are available – Black and White.
It has IP68 rating, which means it will stay protected from water and dust. Another big thing, Apple has provided USB4, which actually supports only USB2. Meaning, forget about the dream of high-speed data transfer. Action button is also provided, which is new, but does not seem to be anything special.
Display: It is good but…
If we talk about the display, then you get 6.1-inch Super Retina XD2 display, which is of good quality. But the biggest problem is that only 60Hz refresh rate is provided! Meaning the smoothness that is available in Apple’s new models, you will not get that here. This is the same refresh rate that was given in iPhone 11. It is a bit disappointing.
It gets 1200 nits peak brightness, which is decent, but does not seem to be of flagship level. Ceramic Shield protection is also given, which increases durability. Overall display is good, but it will not give a high-end experience.
Performance: That old chipset!
The biggest disappointment is that it has A15 Bionic chipset, which was also in iPhone 13! Meaning Apple has put an old processor in the new phone. This means that if you are fond of gaming or heavy tasking, then this phone will not seem as powerful as a new phone should be.
It will come with iOS 18, which is a new software, but due to the chipset being old, it is not the best choice for future updates.
Camera: One 48MP Camera
Only one rear camera has been given in iPhone 16e, which is 48MP. It also has OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), which makes videos and photos stable. 2X optical zoom is also given and supports video recording at 4K 60FPS.
The front camera comes with a 12MP TrueDepth sensor, which gives decent selfies and Face ID support. Camera quality will be decent, but a flagship-level phone should have multiple lenses.
Battery Life
Apple has not given much details about the battery, but it has said that 26 hours of video playback backup will be available. This is good, but only after an exact battery test will we know how it will perform in real-world usage.
Talking about charging, there is no lightning-fast charging yet, and Apple has not provided a charger in the box. Meaning spend extra.
Price: Is it worth it?
You will be stunned after hearing the price!
- 128GB variant: ₹59,900
- 256GB variant: ₹69,900
- 512GB variant: ₹89,900
There are many new Android flagship phones available in this price range which offer better specs.
Should I buy iPhone 16e?
If you want a premium-looking iPhone and you only enjoy Apple’s ecosystem, then this phone is right. But if performance and value for money are important for you, then buying iPhone 13 or 14 would be a better option.
Pros:
- Compact and premium design
- Decent camera performance
- iOS 18 support
- Ceramic shield and IP68 protection
Cons:
- 60Hz display (Outdated experience)
- Old chipset (nothing new in performance)
- Single camera (no ultra-wide or telephoto lens)
- High price (is this justified?)
Final Verdict
If Apple had given A17 chip and 120Hz display, then perhaps this phone would have been value for money. But here old processor, basic display, and limited features have been given. Meaning if you are willing to pay so much for Apple brand, then it is fine, otherwise you will get better options than this in Android.
