The debates surrounding the new iPhone 16e have been fascinating. On the one hand, the media set up false expectations. We got ready for Apple to drop a follow-up to the third-generation iPhone SE, a model that served as a more cost-friendly entry point to the range of smartphones by using device frames of old packed with up-to-date internals. A smart move that didn’t translate into a sales runaway, but the SE had a very clear value proposition for customers. It was the cheapest way you could enter the Apple product ecosystem without life-altering hardware compromises.
But on the other hand, Apple was never explicit in what they were about to drop. And with what they did drop, we’re left wondering who the 16e is even for, which is mind-boggling for a company like Apple. At least from a hardware standpoint, the 16e is a good
smartphone, if nothing else for doing the minimum of everything you expect from a “lower-cost” smartphone perfectly fine. But the value offering only starts to make more sense when you’ve logged in, and you’re presented with what you’ve actually signed up for.
The price is (not) right
Selling from R15 999, the 16e is overpriced. End of line. The mid-to-upper range smartphone segment is a competitive playing field and in terms of product innovation, the likes of Samsung and Honor will sell you a device that, if not surpass, then at least meets value for money and offers a more compelling features list. That said, we can attribute disappointment towards the price tag as a result of the above-mentioned false expectations, and the price jump from the 16e to its big brother, the iPhone 16, as an indication there was an effort to make a more affordable iPhone.
What you really pay for with the 16e is access. Access to the Apple software ecosystem. What Apple as a technology brand excels better than any other is building and maintaining a digital biosphere that is secure, supported, and provides the high-quality, essential applications and services you need. Making the jump from Android to iOS, it is the thing that is most apparent with the Apple user experience. And critically, that experience does not differ or is somehow lesser than that of the more expensive iPhones.
16e users still get to enjoy Apple Intelligence, including existing and yet-to-be-announced features, software support for a minimum of five years, and security updates for a minimum of six. That kind of longevity further reinforces the iPhone value offering (one that many, many, MANY people have accepted), especially at a moment in time when global trade trends could see smartphone prices escalate. Does that still justify its initial retail place? Ngghghh…maybe shop around for it first.
Passive on the outside, powerful on the inside
Apple hardware, even supposedly budget hardware, is not to be messed with. The iPhone 16e can be accused of having a boring appearance with only two colour options (black and white), sports the case of the older iPhone 14, the most evident trait of which being its front camera cutout (Dynamic Island made its debut in the iPhone 15). The device lacks inspiration on presentation. That said, it compensates for that with build quality thanks to its aluminium frame, rounded edges, and compact feel.
The 16e boasts a 6.1-inch OLED display with 1170×2532 resolution, the same size and almost resolution as its bigger iPhone 16 brother, and is protected by Ceramic Shield glass. Its peak brightness of 1200 nits does strain in very light environments, a drawback exacerbated especially if users are accustomed to larger devices. Users may also take issue with Apple continuing to deploy an OLED display but it remains tried and tested, delivering ample clarity and detail and capable of a quality viewing experience, especially when you’re streaming content with audio coming through its stereo speakers (which have more bass than they have any right to have).
All this brings the phone to a level satisfactory to the typical phone user but the 16e draws its power, figuratively and literally, from its internals. Its A18 chipset (the same used in the rest of the iPhone 16 range) and GPU, the latter packing only one core than other current iPhones, is critical to both the delivery of the Apple basket of applications and the overall daily experience. Opening and swapping between apps is immediate and smooth, while customisation levels incorporated throughout the UI enable users to truly make the device their own and fit their usage behaviour.
That behaviour can be elongated thanks to a very impressive battery life. Though featuring a 4000mAh battery pack, the 16e can go without charging for up to two days without charging (subject to more casual usage). Meanwhile, its single, 48MP camera lens gets the job done. With minimal shooting options and features, it’s not really possible to say much beyond that.
An exercise in access
It’s possible to make a valid case against the iPhone 16e. The variables that will eventually compel people to make a purchasing decision in favour of it will come down to their relationship with the Apple brand, its digital ecosystem, and whether they’re interacting with it the first time. The decision is ultimately less about hardware, even if the hardware does stand up to scrutiny.
For a more in-depth review of the iPhone 16e, Click Here.