Apple on Wednesday unveiled the new iPhone 16e – a phone which in many ways is a spiritual successor to the iPhone SE 3rd gen that debuted in 2022 but with a fresh name and identity that aligns more closely with Apple’s modern flagship lineup. The older SEs were known for blending older bodies with newer guts but the iPhone16e breaks this pattern by dropping the classic home button and embracing a modern OLED display with an iPhone 14-like notch. This move shifts the iPhone 16e from the niche of budget phones to an affordable entry-level option in the standard iPhone family. By adopting a Face ID and a larger display, the iPhone 16e no longer feels reminiscent of older SEs but rather a natural extension of Apple’s latest design ideas.
Unlike the older SEs which were more like an affordable alternative to the standard model with several obvious compromises, the iPhone 16e comes with fewer trade-offs. iPhone 16e comes with the same A18 chip that you get inside iPhone 16 and Apple has introduced its new in-house 5G modem. However, some differences – such as the single camera on the back and the lack of MagSafe charging- are a reminder that it is still a budget-friendly option. The launch of the iPhone 16e has sparked considerable interest, especially among those looking to stack it up against the iPhone 16 series and the previous iPhone 15 models. Today we delve into the differences and similarities between these models, taking note of every aspect including design, display, performance, camera prowess, and India prices, to help you make an informed decision.
Design and display- Aligning with Apple’s modern design philosophy
The iPhone 16e marks a major departure from Apple’s traditional design, notably eliminating the dropping the home button. This change brings the 16e closer in the race against the modern aesthetics of its counterparts, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display. However, unlike the iPhone 16’s dynamic island design, the 16e retains the older notch-style cutout seen in the iPhone 14. The iPhone 15 also offers a 6.1-inch OLED display but includes the dynamic island feature. All models support Face ID.
Performance and hardware: Under the hood
iPhone 16e is equipped with Apple’s latest A18 chipset and 8GB of RAM which isn’t bad for multitasking. It also packs in Apple’s first in-house 5G modem- the C1- which reportedly excludes millimeter-wave 5G and supports standard 5G connectivity but offers improved battery life. The iPhone 16 series also shares A18 chip inside. The iPhone 15, powered by the A16 Bionic chip, lags slightly in processing prowess compared to its successors.
Camera capabilities: Through the lens
The iPhone 16e features a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a massive upgrade from previous entry-level models. This camera supports advanced computational photography which Apple is marketing as a 2–in-1 camera. Basically, the integrated 2x telephoto in the phone will let you zoom in with “optical quality.” It also supports 4K video in Dolby Vision.
The iPhone 16 series, in contrast, comes with a dual-camera setup, including an additional ultra-wide lens, offering more versatility in photography. The iPhone 15 also packs in a dual-camera system but with slightly lower specifications compared to the iPhone 16 series.
Battery life and charging: Banking on the power
Battery performance is a critical parameter for many users. The iPhone 16e, thanks to its energy-efficient A18 chip and C1 modem, claims to offer longer battery life. However, it lacks MagSafe wireless charging, a feature you get to see in both the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series. MagSafe chargers are faster and safer wireless charging options. All models have adopted USB-C ports, aligning with one charger for all policy of EU.
Pricing: Weighing the options
The iPhone 16e is priced at Rs 59,900 for 128GB, Rs 69,900 for 256GB and Rs 89,900 for 512GB, respectively, positioning it as a more affordable alternative within Apple’s lineup. The iPhone 16 series, with its enhanced features, commands a higher price point. The phone starts at Rs 79,900 for the base model in India. The iPhone 15, at a reduced price of Rs 61, 499, remains a viable option for those prioritising important features over the latest technology.
Choosing between the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 series, and iPhone 15 depends on personal choices and requirements. The iPhone 16e strikes a balance between modern features and affordability, making it a viable option for users seeking the latest technology without premium pricing. The iPhone 16 series caters to those eyeing the latest features and enhanced capabilities, while the iPhone 15 is a reliable and cost-effective option with essential functionalities.