iPhone 16e Quick Review: Compact, Powerful — But Is It Worth the Price?

Apple’s Affordable Contender Impresses in Performance but Leaves Some Gaps

The iPhone 16e is Apple’s newest attempt at offering a more accessible iPhone without significantly compromising on performance. Launched globally earlier this year, it has already boosted Apple’s sales, according to Counterpoint Research. Priced at ₹59,990, the iPhone 16e offers a mix of flagship-grade internals with a few notable compromises. Here’s a quick review to help you decide if it’s worth the investment.

iPhone 16e Review: Design and Display

The design of the iPhone 16e feels premium, closely resembling the iPhone 14 with its glass and aluminium body. Some fresh elements include:

• Single 48MP rear camera

• Action Button (borrowed from Pro models)

• USB-C charging port

• IP68 rating for water and dust resistance

• Ceramic Shield protection on the front

The 6.1-inch OLED display delivers vivid colors and sharp contrasts. However, it’s limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, which feels dated compared to similarly priced Android rivals that offer smoother 90Hz or 120Hz panels. Casual users may not notice much difference, but gamers and multitaskers might.

iPhone 16e Review: Performance and Battery Life

Powered by the A18 chip, the iPhone 16e matches the flagship iPhone 16 series in processing power, though it comes with one fewer GPU core.

Performance Highlights:

• Smooth multitasking and graphic-intensive gaming with no stutters

• Minor overheating issues during extended gaming sessions

• Introduction of Apple Intelligence features with the iOS 18.4 update

Battery Performance:

• All-day battery life with heavy usage

• Fast charging supported with a 20W Apple adapter

The battery performance stands out, making the 16e an excellent choice for users who prioritize long endurance.

iPhone 16e Review: Camera Performance

The single 48MP rear camera is impressive in good lighting:

• Captures sharp, vibrant images

• Natural color tones and good detail retention

However, in low-light conditions, the performance dips slightly, with images appearing less detailed and lacking sharpness compared to higher-end models.

The front-facing camera remains capable for selfies and video calls, delivering bright, natural-looking photos.

iPhone 16e Review: Verdict

So, is the iPhone 16e worth ₹59,990?

Pros:

• Powerful A18 chip performance

• Excellent battery life

• Compact, premium design

• Reliable camera performance in good lighting

• Access to Apple Intelligence features

Cons:

• 60Hz display feels outdated

• Single rear camera setup limits versatility

• Minor heating issues during heavy gaming

• High price for the offered features

Final Word:
While the iPhone 16e is an excellent compact performer, its ₹59,990 price tag feels slightly steep given the compromises. If you can grab it around ₹50,000 during online sales, it becomes a much more compelling choice.