USB-C and Face ID come tо Apple’s cheapest iPhone that starts at $599, but it’s missing MagSafe.
Apple officially unveiled the iPhone 16E, bringing significant updates tо its entry-level lineup. The home button іs gone, replaced by Face ID, and the Lightning port makes way for USB-C, aligning with EU regulations. Despite losing MagSafe and fast wireless charging, the 16E offers impressive features at a lower price point, making іt a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.
A New Era: Goodbye Home Button, Hello Face ID
The iPhone 16E ditches the classic Touch ID and embraces Face ID with a modern notch design.
The death of the home button marks the end of an era. The iPhone 16E borrows the design of the iPhone 14, complete with a notch that houses the front camera and Face ID sensors. This shift allows for a sleeker design and better security, though it may take some users time to adjust. The Action Button makes its way to this model, providing a customizable shortcut for quick actions, but the new Camera Control feature remains exclusive to the iPhone 16 series.
Design and Display: Bigger, Brighter, and More Modern
With a 6.06-inch OLED screen and an Action Button, the 16E is almost the same size as the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16E’s 6.06-inch OLED display is vibrant and sharp, bringing it closer in size to the standard iPhone 16. Its dimensions are only slightly smaller, making it an appealing choice for users who want a large screen without the flagship price. However, the absence of MagSafe and the limited 7.5W Qi wireless charging might disappoint those hoping for faster, more convenient charging options. Still, the phone retains water resistance and a sturdy build, making it a solid everyday device.
Performance and Features: A18 Chip, Apple Intelligence, and Custom Modem
Powered by the A18 chip, the 16E can handle Apple Intelligence, and it’s the first iPhone with an Apple-built modem.
Under the hood, the iPhone 16E is no slouch. It runs on the A18 chip — the same processor as the standard iPhone 16 — delivering top-tier performance for apps, games, and Apple’s new AI features. The phone is powerful enough to support Apple Intelligence, including advanced tools like notification summaries and smart suggestions. Plus, it debuts Apple’s in-house modem, signaling a shift away from Qualcomm components. This move could improve connectivity, but real-world performance remains to be seen.
Pricing and Availability: More Expensive, but More Capable
Starting at $599 with 128GB of storage, the iPhone 16E is available to preorder on Friday and ships February 28th.
The iPhone 16E starts at $599, a jump from the iPhone SE’s $429 price, but that increase comes with plenty of upgrades. The base model now includes 128GB of storage, up from the SE’s 64GB, and offers a far more modern design with features like Face ID and USB-C. Preorders begin this Friday, with the official launch set for February 28th. For users wanting an affordable iPhone without sacrificing too many features, the 16E strikes a compelling balance.