6.1-inch OLED display (up from 4.7-inch LCD in iPhone SE3).
Thicker bezels and a notch; lacks dynamic island animations.
Regular ceramic shield vs. next-gen ceramic shield on iPhone 16.
Peak brightness: 800 nits (16e) vs. 1,000 nits (16).
Charging and Connectivity
No MagSafe support; only Qi wireless charging at 7.5W.
New in-house C1 modem for better power efficiency (25% more than Qualcomm modem).
Wi-Fi 6 support vs. Wi-Fi 7 on iPhone 16.
Battery Life
26 hours of video playback (16e) vs. 22 hours (16).
Fast charging capability (50% in 30 minutes) remains.
Camera Features
Single 48MP Fusion camera with integrated 2x telephoto (no ultra-wide).
Lacks advanced features like cinematic mode, macro photography, and new photographic styles.
Regular optical image stabilization vs. sensor-shift stabilization on iPhone 16.
Performance
Both models use the A18 chip, but 16e has one less GPU core.
8GB of RAM and Apple intelligence support on both.
Color Options and Pricing
Limited to matte black and matte white for 16e; more color options for iPhone 16.
Price: $599 for 16e vs. $799 for iPhone 16.
✨ Key Takeaways
The iPhone 16e is positioned as a more affordable option with significant trade-offs in features compared to the iPhone 16.
Battery life is a strong point for the 16e, making it appealing for users prioritizing longevity over advanced features.
The absence of MagSafe and certain camera capabilities may deter some potential buyers.
🧠Lessons
Understanding the balance between price and features is crucial when choosing a smartphone.
The iPhone 16e caters to consumers looking for essential smartphone functionalities without the premium features.
Apple's strategy appears to target budget-conscious users while still providing a modern design and performance.
Overall, the iPhone 16e offers a solid entry point into the iPhone ecosystem, but potential buyers should weigh the missing features against their needs.