Update: Our iPhone 16elive blog is tracking all the last-minute rumors and leaks ahead of Apple’s big launch. Follow along now.
Apple has finally announced the iPhone 16e, and with comes a host of hardware additions and some fantastic AI features that help the phone to stand out as one of the most interesting we've seen in a while. However, with all that said, there are also some things to be aware of if you're looking for one of the best cheap phones.
For reference, the last iPhone SE was released in 2022 and added 5G compatibility to Apple's cheapest phone but made few other changes to the iPhone SE 2020, including keeping its aging design in place.
This couldn't be more different with the iPhone 16e, but the real question is if these changes are enough to draw you in.
iPhone 16e cheat sheet: Key upgrades
- The iPhone 16e will be available for preorder on February 21, with a final release date on February 28.
- The phone costs $599 at the cheapest, with the most expensive reaching $899
- Apple has incorporated a bigger screen, dual cameras and the iPhone 15 Action button.
- Apple will include the A18 chip and full access to Apple Intelligence.
iPhone 16e: release date and price
Apple has confirmed that the iPhone 16e will go on preorder on Friday, February 21, and the final release date is on February 28. The phone will cost $599 for the 128GB model, while the 256GB model will cost $699 and finally, the 512GB model will set you back $899.
iPhone SE 4: Design and display
The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch OLED display, a big jump from the 4.7 inches of the older model. However, the 16e doesn't feature a dynamic island like more modern iPhones, instead getting the same notch seen on some of the older models and is likely to help keep the price down.
Aside from the screen, the phone features a very similar look to the iPhone 16, including an Action button on the side which we weren't expecting. There's also a single camera on the back as well as a torch.
Apple has also pushed the durability of the phone, including a ceramic shield cover for the screen, and an IP68 rating. The phone also comes with FaceID, and a USB-C charging connection, while also supporting wireless charging.
Unfortunately, there's a lack of overall color options when it comes to the new iPhone 16e. while the original had a red option on release, the iPhone 16e only comes in black and white, which feels like a callback to an older time.
iPhone SE 4: Specs and features
As was expected the iPhone 16e comes with the same A18 chip seen in the iPhone 16 series. Not only that, the phone likely has 8GB of RAM to help it support the Apple Intelligence features that come with the device.
The phone also features a 16-core Neural Engine on board, which helps to enable Apple Intelligence features. This is also the first iPhone with Apple’s own C1 5G modem. Apple says it’s the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone, but it doesn’t seem to support mmWave connectivity. It is also unfortunate that the phone does not appear to support MagSafe.
The iPhone 16e will come with all the Apple Intelligence features that you see on the more modern iPhone. That includes features like Clean Up and Genmoji, as well as Writing Tools with ChatGPT integration and the new and improved Siri. What's interesting is that you'll also get access to the iPhone 16's Visual Intelligence feature, despite it not coming with a camera control button.
Added to this is access to iOS 18, which added features like the improved Home Screen, Control Center customization, and the new design for the photos app. You'll also have access to text and notification summarization, image and emoji generation tools and a smarter Siri is already available to use.
iPhone 16e: Camera
While it is common knowledge that every iPhone SE model only came with one camera, things are a little different with the iPhone 16e. While it only has a single physical lens, it contains in it a camera with a dual purpse. This new 2-in-1 camera system contains a 48MP main camera, as well as a 2x telephoto option.
Added to this is the 12MP TrueDepth selfie camera that auttofocuses to enable sharper close-ups and beautiful group selfies.
While it might lack the Ultrawide lens that many would want, the addition of AI features and the option to make use of telephoto might make up for it
iPhone SE 4: Outlook
The iPhone 16e is a strange phone to look at due to how different it is to both the older model, and what we expected. However, while it might be more expensive than the older phone, it has all the hall marks of something great. Instead of thinking of it as some kind of next generation affordable phone, perhaps we should look at it as more of a affordable AI device.
For the time being, we will have to wait and see what the testing of the phone reveals. However, while it is too pricy for us to consider placing the phone on our best cheap phone list, it does look like could find a place on our best phones list in general.
