Before You Buy The iPhone 16e, Read This Review First
Apple's budget smartphone is a step in the right direction, but it comes with both hits and misses.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 13 Mar 2025, 11:39 AM
Apple has made a habit of iterating on its product lines in ways that are both predictable and, at times, surprisingly refreshing.
The iPhone 16e is the latest example — a device that offers the core iPhone experience at a more accessible price
Starting at RM2,999, it may not have the bells and whistles of its pricier counterparts, but for those looking for an affordable entry into the Apple ecosystem, the 16e presents an intriguing option.
The smartphone comes in only two colour choices — white and black — alongside three storage options: 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. I had the opportunity to try out the black variant.The iPhone 16e retains Apple's signature build quality. Its matte glass back and aluminium frame gives it a premium feel, despite being a more budget-conscious device
The iPhone 16e, while maintaining the aesthetics and premium feel of its pricier sibings, is designed for practicality.
Image via Sukhbir Cheema / SAYSThe compact size ensures a comfortable grip. For someone with large hands, I prefer larger smartphones. The iPhone 16e, surprisingly, was great to hold and use.
The device even maintains the IP68 water resistance rating, meaning it can handle a drop in the sink or a sudden rain shower.
The display, while not cutting-edge, is still a sharp 6.1-inch OLED panel with ceramic shield protection.
The iPhone 16e supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, making it suitable for media consumption. And while the refresh rate remains locked at 60Hz, the panel itself produces vibrant colours and deep blacks — perfect for binge-watching my favourite TV series on the go.
Under the hood, the iPhone 16e is powered by Apple's A18 chip — albeit with one fewer GPU core than the standard iPhone 16
For someone with large hands, it felt good holding and typing on the iPhone 16e.
Image via Sukhbir Cheema / SAYSIn practical use, this means it still delivers solid CPU performance and AI-driven features, including Apple Intelligence.
Everyday tasks, from browsing the web to handling intensive apps, feel smooth, and even gaming remains a viable option, albeit with some graphical limitations.
Software support is another win. The iPhone 16e runs iOS 18 out of the box, complete with long-term updates that ensure it will remain relevant for at least five years.
The inclusion of Apple's ChatGPT-powered assistant is also a neat touch, adding another layer of intelligence to the device.
Camera-wise, the 48MP main sensor produces detailed shots in good lighting, with vibrant colours and wide dynamic range
The rear camera lens functions as both a standard and 2x telephoto lens.
The selfie camera also holds its own, delivering sharp images with natural skin tones. And when it comes to video, Apple's reputation for stabilisation holds up — daylight footage is smooth, detailed, and well-balanced.
While the iPhone 16e doesn't come packed with the camera system of its premium siblings, I was still able to take some good shots, especially portraits of my loved ones.
But, of course, don't expect the image quality the iPhone 16 Pro models are loved for.
For those seeking a practical, long-term smartphone for everyday use, the single-lens camera system is good enough. It also lends a minimalist feel to the iPhone 16e. The device feels lightweight and it sits comfortably in my large hands.
Of course, affordability comes at a cost, and the iPhone 16e does have some noticeable trade-offs. The most glaring is the 60Hz refresh rate
While Apple has managed to optimise iOS to feel smooth, the difference between the iPhone 16e's 60Hz refresh rate and the 120Hz ProMotion displays found on higher-end iPhones is stark.
Scrolling and animations just don't have the same fluidity, which feels particularly outdated in a market where even mid-range Android phones offer at least 90Hz.Brightness is another issue. At a peak of 800 nits, outdoor visibility suffers under direct sunlight. A boost in peak brightness would make a significant difference here, especially for users who frequently use their phone outdoors.
Battery life, while not disastrous, doesn't quite live up to expectations
Despite having a larger battery than the standard iPhone 16, its screen-on time is lower — possibly due to the use of older display technology.
This could have been mitigated with better optimisation, and users who prioritise long battery life might need to carry a charger more often than they’d like.
Speaking of which, Apple continues its trend of not including a charger in the box, adding an extra expense for those without a compatible adapter. However, it does come with a charging cable.
Finally, the lack of Dynamic Island makes the notch feel even more outdated. While this is a clear attempt to differentiate the 16e from its pricier siblings, Apple could have at least introduced a smaller notch or found a middle ground in terms of design evolution.Despite its shortcomings, the iPhone 16e is a sensible choice for those who want an iPhone at a lower price point without resorting to an older model
It delivers solid performance, a premium build, and a software experience that will remain relevant for years. The inclusion of Apple Intelligence and the latest iOS features ensures that it doesn't feel immediately outdated, despite its compromises.
Also, by trading in an older Apple device, you could shave off the iPhone 16e's price even further.
However, the 60Hz refresh rate, lower brightness, and missing camera versatility make it feel like a step behind in certain aspects. While none of these are deal-breakers, they do highlight the balancing act Apple has made to keep costs down.
If you can live with these limitations and value the iOS ecosystem above all else, the iPhone 16e is worth considering.
