Apple Launches iPhone 16e: A Budget-Friendly Surprise in the iPhone 16 Lineup

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, the most affordable model in the iPhone 16 series, raising questions about the future of the iPhone SE 4. Priced at ₹59,900 in India ($599 in the US), the iPhone 16e offers a cheaper alternative to the ₹79,900 iPhone 16, while still packing several key Apple features.

Launch Details in India

Indian customers can pre-order the iPhone 16e from February 21, with the official sale starting on February 28.

Design: Classic Look with a Modern Touch

The iPhone 16e looks similar to the iPhone 14 but includes the Action Button, previously seen only on the iPhone 15 Pro. This button allows users to quickly access features like the camera or Do Not Disturb mode.

Both the iPhone 16 and 16e have a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, but the iPhone 16 is brighter outdoors, reaching 2000 nits, while the 16e is limited to 800 nits. Another difference is that the iPhone 16 has Dynamic Island, while the 16e keeps the traditional notch.

Performance: Fast but Slightly Different

Both models run on Apple’s new A18 chip with a 6-core CPU, but the iPhone 16 has a 5-core GPU, making it slightly better for graphics than the 4-core GPU in the 16e. While everyday users won’t see much difference, gamers might prefer the iPhone 16.

Interestingly, the iPhone 16e has better battery life, lasting up to 26 hours of video playback, compared to 22 hours on the iPhone 16. This is thanks to Apple’s new C1 modem, which improves 5G efficiency and reduces power consumption.

Cameras: Zoom vs. Ultra-Wide

Both phones come with a 48MP main camera, but they have different strengths:

• The iPhone 16 has an extra 12MP Ultra Wide lens, great for capturing wide-angle shots, Macro Photography, and Portrait Depth Control.
• The iPhone 16e skips the Ultra Wide lens but includes 2x Telephoto zoom in its main camera, offering optical-quality zoom without an extra lens.

While the 16e lacks spatial video recording and ultra-wide capabilities, it still delivers good-quality photos at a lower price.

Colors & Storage Options

The iPhone 16 comes in Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black, while the 16e is only available in Black and White.

Both models start at 128GB storage, but the iPhone 16 goes up to 512GB, whereas the 16e maxes out at 256GB.

Should You Buy the iPhone 16e?

If you want to save ₹20,000 while still getting a powerful iPhone with long battery life and decent photography, the iPhone 16e is a great option. However, if you want features like Dynamic Island, ultra-wide photography, or higher outdoor brightness, spending extra on the iPhone 16 might be worth it.