Janet Ingber
Editor’s Note:
As someone who is blind, I’ve been a longtime fan of Apple’s SE—now known as the “E” line—of iPhones. I personally find these models strike an ideal balance by delivering the power needed to support the latest iOS features, while omitting many of the high-end elements that tend to focus on visual use, especially the camera. Since I don’t rely heavily on the camera, I can skip those premium extras and still enjoy a fast, capable device—with better battery life and a significantly lower price.
In fact, the features that often set apart the flagship iPhones—such as advanced photography tools or enhanced displays—are things I rarely need. I primarily use the camera for OCR, image recognition, or the occasional casual photo that doesn’t need to look polished. For my use, it just needs to get the job done.
That’s why I think the E line is such a solid option, especially for blind users like myself who want modern functionality—including features like Apple Intelligence—without paying extra for tools we won’t use.
Of course, everyone’s needs are different. That’s why I always recommend using Apple’s iPhone comparison tool when shopping for a new model. You can compare up to three iPhones side by side, making it easy to see what’s included and what’s left out, as well as compare aspects like brightness and battery life. I usually compare the two models I’m considering alongside my current phone, just to understand the trade-offs.
Introduction
Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, a more affordable model in the iPhone 16 lineup. While it doesn't include every feature found in the flagship versions, it does share some key elements, such as Apple Intelligence and the new Action button.
Cost
Prices shown are standard retail and do not reflect trade-in values or carrier-specific deals:
- 128GB – Starting at $599
- 256GB – Starting at $699
- 512GB – Starting at $899
Overview
The iPhone 16e sports a durable design, with a Ceramic Shield on the front and a glass back. It features a 6.1-inch display and is powered by the same A18 chip found in the standard iPhone 16. Charging is handled via USB-C—a cable is included in the box, though a wall adapter is not.
Physically, the device measures 5.78" × 2.82" × 0.31" and weighs 5.88 ounces. It comes in two finishes: black and white.
Unlike the earlier SE series, the iPhone 16e drops Touch ID in favor of Face ID for biometric security. VoiceOver offers guided setup instructions to help users configure it. The traditional Home button has also been removed.
On the left edge of the device, the classic mute switch has been replaced by the customizable Action button, with volume buttons located just below it. The power button remains on the right side. Unlike higher-end iPhone 16 models, the 16e does not include a Camera Control button or the Dynamic Island interface.
Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence brings a suite of AI-powered features to the iPhone 16e, including:
- Smarter prioritization, sorting, and summarization of notifications, emails, and messages
- A more conversational and natural-sounding Siri
- ChatGPT integration when Siri is unable to provide an answer
- Visual search that allows users to locate photos using natural language descriptions
- Writing tools that offer tone adjustments and stylistic suggestions
Cameras
The iPhone 16e features a single 48MP rear camera redesigned with Apple’s Fusion technology. This allows it to replicate the functionality of a dual-camera system while maintaining a compact design. The front-facing camera comes in at 12MP, making it a solid choice for selfies and video calls.
The Action Button
Replacing the mute switch, the Action button offers a range of customizable shortcuts, including:
- Launching apps
- Calling specific contacts
- Silencing the device
Users can tailor the button’s function to suit their preferences, with the aim of providing a more customizable experience compared with the traditional mute switch.
Satellite Connectivity
The iPhone 16e includes support for satellite-based services designed for use when cellular or Wi-Fi connections are unavailable. These include:
- Emergency SOS
- Roadside Assistance
- Satellite Messaging
- Find My tracking
Service availability may vary depending on location.
Battery Life
With Apple’s C1 modem, the iPhone 16e offers longer battery life than previous entry-level models. Apple reports up to 26 hours of video playback on a full charge.
Conclusion
The iPhone 16e may appeal to users looking for a lower-cost iPhone that still includes modern features like Face ID, Apple Intelligence, and satellite support. While it doesn’t offer everything found in flagship models, it covers the basics and adds some newer tools in a familiar design.
