Apple has revamped its entry level phone lineup by introducing the iPhone 16e, a modern version of the iPhone SE. The iPhone 16e is Apple Intelligence ready and available for pre-order from Saturday for just under one thousand Australian dollars.
But is the iPhone 16e worth A$999 when you look at it side-by-side with the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro lineup? I mean for the same price on the Android side you can get close to flagship performance and features. But they are still not iOS devices and that means we have to think different … when considering Apple’s latest release.
So for A$400 less than the iPhone 16 what are you missing out on?
CAMERAS
There’s only one rear camera but it’s a good one. The 48MP Fusion camera is a “2-in-1” workhorse that we see on the other models. Its 2x telephoto zoom punches in on the sensor to give that extra reach.
iPhone 16e will capture video in 4K with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps but it won’t do spatial video due to its single lens limitation. It will do Spatial Audio for immersive listening with AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, or a surround sound system. In the end most photos are taken with the main camera on the flagship phones so it’s not that concerning for most people.
The front-facing selfie camera is also the same as the other phones.
MAGSAFE
MagSafe is one of Apple’s best inventions but you won’t find it on the iPhone 16e. This is a shame as magnetic chargers and stands are absolutely everywhere. Obviously some things have to be left out but this one is a bit annoying, It has Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W.
DYNAMIC ISLAND
No Dynamic Island at the top of the display but I have no problem with that omission whatsoever.
GOOD THINGS YOU GET
- 6.1″ Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield front
- Face ID
- A18 chip
- Up to 26 hours video playback (better than iPhone 16)
- Apple Intelligence
- Action Button (no camera control button)
- USB-C (support USB 2 – like iPhone 16)
- C1 Modem
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
iPhone 16e will be available in black or white.
Pre-orders begin Saturday, 22 February, with availability beginning Friday, 28 February.
iPhone 16e will be available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, starting at A$999.
