The iPhone 16e might not be on the radar for tech aficionados or Apple loyalists. Instead, it’s tailored for those still holding onto an iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone X, eager for an upgrade as their aging devices struggle to keep up. For them, the priority is simple: they want a newer iPhone.
Part of my curiosity revolves around whether this rare upgrade opportunity could have been enhanced if Apple had incorporated features like MagSafe or the ultra-wideband chip for improved tracking of AirTags. Even without these additions, the iPhone 16e’s pricing feels approximately $100 too steep, particularly when considering the array of competitive smartphones in the same price segment. Additionally, the introduction of the iPhone 16e raises confusion, as it costs $170 more than the now-discontinued iPhone SE.
My time with the iPhone 16e this past week has led me to reflect on its $599 MSRP, which raises questions about its value. While this may be less of a concern for consumers in the US, who often buy through carriers that reduce upfront costs, it still results in a $600 (locked) phone spread over a payment plan. In a thriving used iPhone market, it seems likely that anyone eyeing the iPhone 16e could find better value alternatives in the iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro.
Battery Performance
Undoubtedly, the standout feature of the iPhone 16e is its battery life. Given that this is a 6.1-inch iPhone, which typically ranks lower in battery performance, this turn of events is notably pleasant. Throughout my average usage this week, I found it challenging to drain the battery below 50 percent by the end of the day; it typically lingered around the 51 or 49 percent mark at bedtime. In fact, the iPhone 16e outperforms the iPhone 16 in battery longevity.
On a day when I utilized GPS navigation, streamed music, and snapped pictures, I still had around 30 percent battery left by bedtime. On another hectic day, I achieved nearly nine hours of screen-on time, finishing with 15 percent remaining. That’s quite impressive. While it may not claim the title for the best battery life in the iPhone family—that would belong to the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus—it’s certainly adequate enough to alleviate battery anxiety during outings.
According to Apple, this battery improvement is partly due to the first-ever Apple-designed C1 modem incorporated in the phone. Apple invested years in developing this connectivity chip to lessen its reliance on third-party suppliers like Qualcomm, and it appears to be yielding results. Over the past week, I didn’t encounter any cellular connectivity problems with the AT&T eSIM provided by Apple, though performance can vary by region (I am in New York City). I conducted speed tests with Ookla alongside various other smartphones and found nothing out of the ordinary. However, let’s not forget Antennagate; only time will tell how the C1 modem performs on a larger scale with users worldwide.
