Flagship looks, a wallet-friendly price—does the iPhone 16e hit the sweet spot?

Apple has unveiled the iPhone 16e, bringing fresh upgrades to its budget-friendly lineup. With a sleek new design, improved hardware, and AI-powered features, this device offers a premium experience at a lower price. But does it justify its higher cost? Let’s find out.

The iPhone 16e starts at AU$999 for the 128GB model—AU$200 more than its predecessor. The price jump raises questions, but the phone’s upgrades might make it worth it.

What’s New?

Apple has replaced the outdated SE design with a modern, polished look. The iPhone 16e now features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, just like the iPhone 16. This upgrade delivers sharper visuals, deeper blacks, and richer colors.

Face ID has replaced Touch ID, making unlocking the phone faster and more secure.
Apple also introduced its new C1 modem, developed from its billion-dollar acquisition of Intel’s modem business. The company calls it the most energy-efficient modem ever in an iPhone, which significantly improves battery life.

Battery performance has reached new heights. The iPhone 16e lasts 12 hours longer than the previous SE and four hours more than the iPhone 16 during video playback. The new C1 modem plays a key role in this efficiency boost.

The camera system has also received a major upgrade. The iPhone 16e now features a 48MP Fusion camera with 2x telephoto zoom, capable of shooting 4K video in Dolby Vision. Apple has equipped it with the same high-resolution main camera as the iPhone 16, giving budget-conscious users access to flagship-level photography.

Apple has packed this phone with AI-powered tools, including Writing Tools, Photo Cleanup, Genmoji, and Audio Mix for videos.

For students, Writing Tools make note-taking and essay drafting easier, while Photo Cleanup improves study materials. Audio Mix enhances lecture recordings, making them clearer and more professional.
For content creators, AI-powered Writing Tools help craft captions or scripts quickly. Photo Cleanup ensures high-quality images, while Audio Mix simplifies podcast and video editing.

The iPhone 16e also includes AI features from the iPhone 16 series, such as Visual Intelligence and AI Vision mode.

Apple has replaced the traditional mute switch with the new Action Button. Instead of just silencing the phone, users can customize it to trigger functions like launching the camera, starting a voice memo, or activating a shortcut.

What’s Missing?

Despite its upgrades, the iPhone 16e lacks some key features found in the standard iPhone 16:

No MagSafe Support: The iPhone 16e doesn’t support MagSafe charging or accessories, so users miss out on snap-on wallets, battery packs, and faster wireless charging.
Limited Color Options: Apple only offers the iPhone 16e in Black and White, whereas the iPhone 16 comes in Black, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine, Lavender, and White.

In a Nutshell

AU$999 for the 128GB model – A AU$200 increase, but still Apple’s most budget-friendly new iPhone.
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display – A major upgrade over LCD, delivering sharper details and richer colors.
48MP Fusion camera – The same high-res main camera as the iPhone 16, featuring 2x telephoto zoom and 4K Dolby Vision.
C1 modem for better battery life – Apple’s first in-house modem adds 12 extra hours over the iPhone SE and four more than the iPhone 16 during video playback.
AI-powered features – Includes Writing Tools, Photo Cleanup, Genmoji, and Audio Mix for better content creation.
AI Vision mode and smarter Siri – Brings Apple’s Visual Intelligence and an upgraded assistant to the budget lineup.
Action Button replaces the mute switch – Allows users to customize it for quick access to shortcuts.
No MagSafe support – Unlike the iPhone 16, the 16e lacks MagSafe charging and accessories.
Limited color options – Available only in Black and White.

Some tech experts question whether the price hike is justified, but the best way to decide is to try it for yourself. That’s where Sloop comes in. With short-term rentals, you can test the iPhone 16e before committing to a purchase—no hidden costs, no hefty upfront fees, and an option to buy after renting.

Would you give the iPhone 16e a shot?