iPhone 16e Review: Is This Apple’s Budget Option Worth It?

iPhone 16e Review: Is This Apple’s Budget Option Worth It?

Apple has launched the iPhone 16e, a device positioned as the company’s most affordable model for 2025. However, with a starting price of NPR 109,990, many question whether this phone justifies its cost given its limitations. Let’s explore its features, performance, and ideal user base.

Design and Build

The iPhone 16e mirrors the compact, familiar design of the iPhone 14, making it easy to handle and comfortable to carry. Apple has introduced a matte finish on the back, similar to the iPhone 16, but opted for last-generation Ceramic Shield glass for screen protection, which is less durable than the glass used in newer models. The phone retains the IP68 water resistance rating and includes a customizable action button, though it lacks a dedicated camera button.

Display

Equipped with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen, the iPhone 16e offers strong visuals with 800 nits peak brightness and Dolby Vision HDR support. However, the display remains stuck at 60Hz, which feels laggy compared to 90Hz or higher refresh rate screens found in modern competitors. The large notch at the top also appears dated next to the dynamic island used in recent iPhones. While visibility is generally good indoors, sunlight exposure reveals weaker brightness levels compared to the iPhone 16.

Battery Life

One of the phone’s stronger aspects is its battery performance. Thanks to a slightly larger battery and the efficiency of Apple’s in-house C1 5G modem, the iPhone 16e delivers impressive longevity. In everyday use, users can expect around seven hours of screen-on time, outperforming the iPhone 16 under similar conditions. This makes it a solid choice for those who need a device that can last through a full day.

Performance

Powered by the A18 chip, the iPhone 16e offers performance on par with Apple’s flagship models. While it features one fewer GPU core than the iPhone 16, day-to-day tasks and gaming show negligible differences. Apps launch quickly, and games like PUBG and Genshin Impact run smoothly. The phone also supports Apple Intelligence features, including advanced writing and cleanup tools, which are unavailable on older models. However, thermal management is slightly less effective than in the iPhone 16, causing minor throttling during prolonged heavy use.

Camera capabilities

The iPhone 16e’s camera setup is a major drawback, featuring only a single 48MP wide lens on the back and a 12MP front camera. This lacks an ultra-wide lens, limiting creative possibilities for content creators. While daylight photos closely resemble those from the iPhone 16, low-light images show more grain, and video recording lacks sensor-shift optical image stabilization, resulting in noticeable shake. Additionally, users miss out on cinematic video modes and photographic styles available on newer iPhones.

Charging and Connectivity

Wired charging remains at 20 watts, which is adequate but unexceptional. More disappointing is the absence of MagSafe charging; while wireless charging is supported, speeds are capped at 7.5 watts even with a MagSafe case, making it impractical by today’s standards.

Verdict

At its current price point, the iPhone 16e struggles to justify its cost in 2025. Competitors like the iPhone 15, iPhone 16, or even flagship Android devices such as the OnePlus 13 offer superior specs and features for a comparable price. However, Apple typically reduces base model prices significantly during year-end sales. If the iPhone 16e follows this trend and drops to around NPR 40,000, it could become a compelling budget option, particularly for users who value a compact form factor and Apple’s ecosystem without needing advanced specifications.