The iPhone SE may have come to an end, but its successor has arrived — or has it? Apple’s latest budget-friendly offering, the iPhone 16e, isn’t exactly the affordable smartphone you might expect. In fact, it’s a step up in several key areas compared to its predecessor, and it differs in some surprising ways. While you might think of it as a replacement for the SE, the iPhone 16e more closely resembles the iPhone 14, with some noteworthy tweaks. It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Is it the right budget option for you? Let’s dive in and find out.
Design and Build Quality: The Right Balance
The iPhone 16e is a sleek, lightweight device that boasts a timeless design. It’s easy to hold, and the slim profile fits comfortably in your hand. The rear camera module is subtle compared to the ones on higher-end iPhones, so it doesn’t cause much wobble when placed on a flat surface.
If you’re coming from the 3rd-generation iPhone SE, the design will be a noticeable upgrade. Gone are the days of the home button, small screen, and rounded edges. Instead, you’ll get an all-screen design with flat, squared edges, bringing a more modern look to the table. For those familiar with Apple’s current lineup, however, the 16e may seem a bit behind. While it’s branded as part of the 2024 iPhone family, it’s more aligned with the design language of earlier iPhone generations.
When you compare it to the iPhone 14, the iPhone 16e shares most of the same external features. It has an aluminum frame and a glass back (though without the color shifts seen in the iPhone 15), a 6.1-inch display with a 2532×1170 resolution, and a notch at the top. The device feels familiar, but it’s slightly lighter than the iPhone 14, likely due to its single rear camera setup — more on that shortly.
One of the notable differences between the iPhone 16e and both the iPhone 14 and the 3rd-gen SE is the introduction of an Action button on the left edge, replacing the mute switch. While you can still use it to mute notifications, it’s more versatile. You can reprogram it to open the Camera app, activate Focus mode, turn on the Flashlight, or choose from several other quick actions.
Pricing of the iPhone 16e
If you’re wondering about the price, here’s the breakdown based on storage options:
- $599 for 128GB
- $699 for 256GB
- $899 for 512GB