iPhone 16e - Everything You Need in an iPhone, for Less?

Apple has officially announced the iPhone 16e in its latest press release, introducing it as the newest addition to the iPhone 16 lineup. According to Apple, this might just be the most powerful budget iPhone yet. With a modern design, a stunning OLED display, the powerful A18 chip, and a 48MP camera, the iPhone 16e delivers flagship-level features at an incredible price. Starting at $599, the iPhone 16e delivers a premium experience at a lower price, making it perfect for anyone who wants a fast phone without the flagship cost.

Wait… wasn’t this supposed to be the iPhone SE 4?

For months, leaks and rumours suggested that Apple’s next budget-friendly iPhone would be called the iPhone SE 4 - a successor to the SE lineup known for keeping classic iPhone designs alive. However, Apple surprised everyone by rebranding the SE series as the iPhone 16e, aligning it more closely with the iPhone 16 lineup rather than sticking with the SE’s retro aesthetic.

So what changed? The iPhone 16e isn’t just a minor refresh. It’s a complete redesign, making it too modern to carry the SE name. Instead of reusing an old iPhone body like previous SE models, the 16e looks and feels like a brand-new device, with an OLED display, Face ID, and a durable aluminum build.

Pre-order & release dates

• Pre-orders open: February 21st
• Official release: February 28th
• Starting price: $599

Apple may have retired the SE branding, but what we got instead is the most advanced budget iPhone yet. So, is the iPhone 16e the right upgrade for you? Let’s break it down.

Quick links

• A fresh look that's built to last

• OLED comes to Apple's budget iPhone…finally

• A18 chip - flagship power without the flagship price

• iPhone 16e delivers battery life that goes the distance

• A camera that redefines what a budget iPhone can do

• USB-C, Face ID and the Action Button

• How does the iPhone 16e compare to the iPhone 16 lineup?

• iPhone 16e - less cost, less waste

• Is the iPhone 16e the right upgrade for you?

A fresh look that's built to last

Apple's iPhone 16e looks like a modern iPhone. Unlike previous budget-friendly models that reused older designs, the 16e gets a sleek, premium makeover, making it feel right at home alongside the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup.

Here's what makes it stand out:

• Aerospace-grade aluminum body – durable, lightweight, and stylish.
• Flat edges, just like the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, for a more modern feel.
• Black and white colour options – simple, timeless, and easy to accessorise.
• Ceramic Shield front – tougher than any other smartphone glass, ready for life’s drops and mishaps.
• Water and dust resistance, so it can handle everyday spills and unexpected accidents.

And perhaps the biggest change? No more Home Button. With an edge-to-edge OLED display and Face ID, the iPhone 16e embraces the full-screen experience, making it a major step up from past budget models.

Apple didn't just create another entry-level iPhone, they completely redefined what an affordable iPhone can be.

OLED comes to Apple's budget iPhone…finally

For years, budget iPhones were stuck with LCD displays, while flagship models enjoyed the benefits of OLED. With the iPhone 16e, that finally changes.

The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display is a massive upgrade from previous budget models, delivering:

• Vibrant colours and deep blacks for a more immersive viewing experience.
• Higher contrast and better brightness – perfect for watching videos, gaming, or reading in bright sunlight.
• Edge-to-edge design that makes the screen feel bigger and more modern.

This is the same OLED technology used in Apple's premium iPhones, meaning the 16e no longer feels like a downgrade when compared to more expensive models. Whether you're binge-watching your favourite shows or just scrolling through social media, the iPhone 16e's display is brighter, sharper, and more immersive than ever before.

A18 chip - flagship power without the flagship price

Apple didn't hold back when it came to performance on the iPhone 16e. It's running on the A18 chip, the same processor found in the standard iPhone 16, which means you are getting flagship-level speed without spending flagship-level money. Jumping between apps, editing photos, or trying out Apple Intelligence-powered features - everything feels smooth and effortless.

The A18 chip is also designed to be more efficient, meaning you get all that power without it killing your battery. Compared to older models like the iPhone 11, it's noticeably faster, with quicker load times, smoother animations, and better graphics for gaming. And since it's built with the latest tech, the iPhone 16e is set to handle iOS updates for years to come, making it a smart choice for anyone looking for a long-lasting phone.

iPhone 16e delivers battery life that goes the distance

Thanks to the efficiency of the A18 chip and Apple's latest C1 modem, this phone is designed to last all day and then some. Apple says it offers up to 26 hours of video playback.

In real-world use, that translates to more time for texting, streaming, gaming, and browsing, without worrying about running out of juice halfway through the day. Whether you are traveling, working, or just spending hours scrolling, the iPhone 16e keeps up without constantly needing to be plugged in.

A camera that redefines what a budget iPhone can do

iPhone 16e comes with a 48MP Fusion camera, a huge step up from previous budget iPhones. This means sharper photos, more detail, and better low-light performance, all in a single-lens system that still delivers pro-level shots. The high-resolution sensor allows for 2x optical-quality zoom, so you can get closer to your subject without losing clarity.

The iPhone 16e also shoots stunning 4K video in Dolby Vision, making everyday moments look cinematic. And with Visual Intelligence, your camera becomes more than just a lens, it can recognise objects, landmarks, and even provide real-time information about what you are looking at. The iPhone 16e delivers way more than you would expect for a phone at this price.

iPhone 16e brings USB-C, Face ID and the Action Button to Apple's budget lineup

Apple is finally bringing USB-C to its most affordable iPhone, meaning you can now charge your iPhone 16e with the same cable as your MacBook, iPad, and other modern Apple devices. This change makes charging and data transfer more convenient, especially if you are already in the Apple ecosystem.

Face ID replaces Touch ID, marking the official end of the Home Button in Apple's budget lineup. With secure facial recognition, unlocking your phone, making payments, and signing into apps is now faster and more seamless.

The Action Button also makes its way to the iPhone 16e, giving you a customisable shortcut to your favourite features. Whether you want to quickly access the camera, turn on the flashlight, or activate Visual Intelligence, it’s all just a press away. Apple has taken what were once premium-only features and made them standard on its most affordable iPhone, making everyday tasks easier and more intuitive.

How does the iPhone 16e compare to the iPhone 16 lineup?

With the iPhone 16e, Apple has blurred the line between budget and flagship more than ever. But how does it compare to the other models in the iPhone 16 family? While it shares many features with the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, like the A18 chip and Super Retina XDR OLED display, there are still key differences that set them apart. If you’re torn between the iPhone 16e and the other iPhone 16 models, here’s a quick breakdown:

Who should buy the iPhone 16e?

• You want flagship-like performance without the flagship price
• You don’t need multiple cameras but still want high-quality photos
• You want a long-lasting battery
• You’re upgrading from an older SE or iPhone 11/12

Who should consider the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus?

• If you want an ultrawide camera, go for the iPhone 16
• If you want a bigger 6.7-inch screen and longer battery life, go for the iPhone 16 Plus

Who should consider the iPhone 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max?

• If you want pro photography features and 5x zoom, go for the iPhone 16 Pro
• If you want a 120Hz ProMotion display, go for the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max
• If you want the best zoom camera with a 5x periscope lens, go for the iPhone 16 Pro Max
• If you want the longest battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers up to 34 hours of video playback

iPhone 16e - less cost, less waste

Apple has been talking a lot about sustainability, and with the iPhone 16e, they are actually making moves. The iPhone 16e is built with over 30% recycled materials, including 85% recycled aluminum in the frame. That means less waste, a smaller environmental footprint and still the same premium feel you expect from an iPhone.

But being eco-friendly (check out our latest blog where we break down what 'eco-friendly' really means) isn’t just about what it’s made of, it’s about how long it lasts. Thanks to the powerful A18 chip, crazy-good battery life, and years of iOS updates, the iPhone 16e is designed to stick around. No need to upgrade every couple of years just to keep up.

Is the iPhone 16e the right upgrade for you?

If you are looking for an iPhone that feels modern, performs like a flagship, and won’t break the bank, the iPhone 16e is an easy pick. It delivers Apple’s latest A18 chip, a stunning OLED display, a powerful 48MP camera, and all-day battery life - all at a much lower price than the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup.

For those upgrading from an older SE, iPhone 11, or even iPhone 12, this is a huge step up in both performance and design. So, if you want a phone that looks and feels like a premium iPhone without the premium price tag, this might just be the perfect upgrade.