If you’ve kept up to date with the latest Apple rumours, you’ll have heard the leaks about a new, budget-friendly iPhone model. While many tech outlets thought this would be a new addition to the iPhone SE line, it turns out the rumours were for a new phone altogether.

The iPhone 16e was announced on February 19th, 2025, and was revealed to be a spiritual successor to the budget-friendly iPhone SE series. The phone was then released a week later, on February 28th. When a new iPhone model is introduced, Apple usually discontinues an older one. So, the SE range being discontinued and replaced isn’t unexpected. The rebrand to ‘16e’ also makes sense, as Apple wants to distance itself from the SE branding. The 16e is closer in feature parity and hardware to the flagships than the SE devices were for their generations.

For people eyeing the iPhone 16 series but can’t justify the premium price tag, the 16e is the perfect solution. Apple is positioning the phone as the entry-level model for the 16 series, providing a cost-effective solution to experience high-end features like Apple Intelligence with minimal sacrifices.

Upon release, the iPhone 16e was met with positive reviews. Many tech outlets raised the performance in particular, noting the similarity to the base 16 series model. The price tag, battery life, and Apple Intelligence support were also noted as pros. 

Specifications & Features of the iPhone 16e

The specs for the iPhone 16e are quite similar to the base model iPhone 16, with a few key differences. The major changes are the camera, chipset, and battery. Below is a brief overview of the iPhone 16e’s specifications.

• Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR Display (OLED)

• CPU: A18 Chip featuring a new 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine

• RAM: 8GB

• Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, & 512GB

• Rear camera: 2-in-1 48MP Fusion Camera

• Front camera: 12mp

• Video recording: Supports up to 4K Dolby Vision video at 60fps

• Battery: 4,005 mAh

• Colour options: Black, White

The iPhone 16e has an all-screen design and an aerospace-grade aluminium body, similar to those used for the iPhone 14. The front of the iPhone 16e is also protected by Ceramic Shield, which helps increase its durability. It is also splash, water, and dust resistant, with a rating of IP68.

Unlike its predecessor, the SE model, the iPhone 16e supports Apple Intelligence. It features the same A18 Chip as the other 16 series phones, with a Neural Engine designed specifically for artificial intelligence. A few of the Apple Intelligence features the 16e support include:

• AI-powered writing tools that can proofread text, rewrite it (tone and wording), and summarise text with a tap. The tools are even available on third-party apps.

• Generate summaries for audio recordings and transcripts so you can easily get the most important information at a glance.

• Create new emojis using the generative AI tool Genmoji. 

• AI-powered photo editing tools, like ‘Clean Up,’ which can remove background objects from a photo with just a tap.

The iPhone 16e also supports the feature ‘visual intelligence.’ This feature can be activated using the new Action button or the Control Centre to instantly ‘learn’ about any objects or places you see. All you need to do is point your phone’s camera at the object, and it’ll bring up relevant information. For example, when you pass a restaurant, it’ll bring up reviews.

The iPhone 16e features Apple’s new Fusion camera technology, which is also utilised in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. It has the capabilities of two cameras in one. It allows for up to 4x the resolution of older iPhone models, and it also has an integrated 2x telephoto lens. 

How Does the iPhone 16e Compare To The 16 Series?

The iPhone 16e is amazing value for money and a great cost-effective entry into the 16 series. It provides the performance and features of the 16 and 16 Plus at a fraction of the original cost, with minimal sacrifices. 

While the iPhone 16e and 16 both feature Apple’s A18 processor, there is a key difference. The base model 16 has a 5-core CPU, whilst the 16e only has a 4-core GPU. Reports from PCMag found that while the 16e scored slightly lower when it came to 3D graphics, it performed better on CPU-related tests.

So, when it comes to gaming performance, the 16e is comparable to the rest of the 16 series phones. You won’t have any problems playing the latest graphic-intensive 3d games like Genshin's Impact and Honkai Star Rail. 

The biggest difference between the iPhone 16e and the rest of the series is its camera. The 16e only has a single 48mp Fusion camera on its rear, while the base 16 has the 48mp Fusion camera and a 12mp ultra-wide camera. Where the 16 supports 0.5x, 1, and 2x optical zoom, the 16e is limited to only 1x and 3x zoom. The iPhone 16e also cannot shoot macro photos and spatial photos for the Apple Vision Pro. However, the camera quality of the 16e is still incredible, especially for its price.

Another huge difference between the iPhone 16e and the base model iPhone is the battery life. Apple reports that the iPhone 16e is powered by a super-sized battery, and battery drain tests confirm that. PCMag found the iPhone 16e outlasted the base model 16 by nearly four hours.

According to Apple, the iPhone 16e can run for up to 26 hours when watching videos, which is longer than any other 6.1-inch iPhone. When it comes to bang for your buck with performance and battery life, the 16e is hard to beat.

When it comes to charging, the 16e also performs similarly to other 16 series phones. The wired charging speeds for the 16e are roughly the same as the other models to hit full charge. The only major difference is the iPhone 16e’s wireless charging support.

The phone supports standard Qi wireless charging at 7.5w; however, it is not currently compatible with any of Apple’s MagSafe chargers or accessories. Its wireless charging capabilities are also slower than any of the other 16 series phones.

The iPhone 16e perfectly executes what it sets out to do: be an affordable entry into Apple’s premium iPhone 16 series lineup. The phone offers the core iPhone 16 experience, including its cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools, at a lower price tag, especially if you’re open to buying it refurbished.

Buy the Latest Refurbished iPhones at OzMobiles 

Buying a refurbished iPhone is a great way to keep up with the latest Apple has to offer at a fraction of the original price. Here at OzMobiles, we pride ourselves on offering great deals on second-hand iPhones. If you find a better deal elsewhere, we’ll beat it by $10 (terms and conditions apply). 

Our selection of Apple products also includes the latest iPhone 16 series and accessories like Apple Watches. All the devices we sell also undergo a comprehensive refurbishment process, where the phone is inspected and restored to like-new condition by a qualified technician using industry-grade tools. 

So, you can shop with confidence at OzMobiles, knowing the devices are fully functional and running like new. Our phones also come with a battery life guarantee, a free 12-month warranty, and a 30-day risk-free return period.

If you have any questions about our selection of iPhones or refurbishment process, reach out and contact us today. The OzMobiles team would love to hear from you.