Apple has introduced its latest budget-friendly smartphone, the iPhone 16E, offering high-end features at a significantly reduced price. The device, which starts at Dh2,599—Dh800 less than the standard iPhone 16—maintains many core functionalities of its premium counterpart, making it an appealing option for cost-conscious consumers.
Performance and Software
The iPhone 16E is powered by Apple’s latest A18 chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 16. This ensures seamless performance, compatibility with iOS 18, and access to Apple Intelligence features such as an enhanced Siri, writing tools, and photo Clean Up. Preorders for the device have already begun, with official availability set for February 28.
Display and Build Quality
Both the iPhone 16E and iPhone 16 feature a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. However, the iPhone 16 boasts a brighter screen with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, compared to the 1,200 nits on the 16E. Both models sport a durable ceramic shield front, glass back, and aluminum frame, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. In terms of weight, the iPhone 16E is slightly lighter at 167 grams, compared to the iPhone 16’s 170 grams.
The iPhone 16E retains the Action button but lacks the Camera Control button and Dynamic Island feature, which are exclusive to the iPhone 16. Additionally, the 16E is available in only black and white, while the iPhone 16 offers a wider range of colors, including pink, teal, and ultramarine.
Battery Life and Charging
Surprisingly, the iPhone 16E delivers better battery life than its more expensive counterpart. It offers up to 26 hours of video playback and 21 hours of streamed video playback, compared to the iPhone 16’s 22 hours and 18 hours, respectively. This efficiency is attributed to Apple’s new C1 modem, designed to optimize power consumption.
Both devices support 20W wired charging, but there are differences in wireless charging capabilities. The iPhone 16E supports 7.5W Qi wireless charging, while the iPhone 16 offers 15W Qi2 wireless charging and MagSafe compatibility, allowing for faster charging speeds.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 16E is equipped with a 48-megapixel wide camera, delivering high-quality shots similar to the iPhone 16. However, it lacks the 12-megapixel ultrawide camera found on the iPhone 16. Instead, it uses sensor cropping for 2x zoomed-in shots. Both devices feature a 12-megapixel front-facing camera and support 4K video recording at 60fps. The iPhone 16, however, introduces 1080p spatial video recording at 30fps, a feature missing on the 16E.
Apple Intelligence Integration
One of the standout features of the iPhone 16E is its inclusion of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI-powered suite of tools. Previously limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 series, this integration underscores Apple’s push to make AI-driven features more accessible across its product range.
Conclusion
The iPhone 16E presents a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers seeking high performance at a lower price. While it lacks certain premium features such as Dynamic Island, an ultrawide camera, and faster wireless charging, it retains the powerful A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, and an impressive battery life. At Dh2,599, the iPhone 16E offers exceptional value, making it a strong contender in the affordable smartphone market.
