With the iPhone 16e, Apple is launching a new entry-level model aimed at price-conscious users. With a starting price of 699 euros, it offers many of the latest Apple technologies, but also omits some features from the more expensive models. The first test reports are in - and they show that the iPhone 16e is a mixture of innovation and compromise. How does the iPhone 16e perform in everyday life? Is it really a cheap alternative or should you go for the regular iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16e is coming out this Friday and brings with it some interesting new features. For the first time, Apple is using its own 5G modem, the C1 modem, and is relying on a powerful A18 chip. At the same time, there are some compromises: the device does not have MagSafe, does not offer an ultra-wide-angle camera and has a slightly weaker GPU than the regular iPhone 16. Opinions on these decisions are mixed. While some reviewers praise the device as a solid choice for the average user, others criticize the missing features that have been standard in Apple's iPhones in recent years. But how good is the iPhone 16e really?
Technical specifications
The iPhone 16e is technically closely related to the regular iPhone 16. The most important key data at a glance:
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED with Face ID
- Processor: A18 chip with 4-core GPU
- Camera: 48 MP main camera with 2x optical zoom quality
- Connectivity: Apple C1 modem for 5G and LTE
- Battery: Up to 26 hours of video playback
- Ports & Buttons: USB-C, Action Button
- Special features: Support for Apple Intelligence, but no MagSafe
The new C1 modem – Apple says goodbye to Qualcomm
For the first time, Apple is using its own 5G modem in an iPhone. Qualcomm modems have been used so far, but with the C1 modem Apple wants to become more independent. However, the first tests show that the C1 modem does not bring any significant improvements in network performance. According to Allison Johnson from The Verge There is no noticeable difference in usage between the iPhone 16e with C1 modem and the regular iPhone 16 with Qualcomm modem. John Velasco from Tom's Guide confirmed that 5G speeds in New York barely differ from each other. Apple itself emphasizes, however, that the C1 modem is more energy efficient than previous solutions. Whether this will be an advantage in the long term remains to be seen. Apple has also announced that it will equip other devices with its own modems - including future iPhones and iPads.
Battery life – The iPhone 16e sets new standards
Apple promises the longest battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone, and testing largely confirms that. In Tom's Guide's benchmark test, the iPhone 16e lasted 12 hours and 41 minutes. For comparison, the regular iPhone 16 lasted 12 hours and 43 minutes - a minimal difference. In the best test scenarios, the iPhone 16e lasted 12 hours and 49 minutes, while the iPhone 16 maxed out at 13 hours and 19 minutes. According to Dave Lee of the YouTube channel Dave2D The iPhone 16e has a 3,961 mAh battery - that's 11 % more capacity than the 3,561 mAh of the regular iPhone 16. This larger battery, in combination with the efficient C1 modem, is likely responsible for the strong runtime.
A18 chip with 4-core GPU – is the performance sufficient?
The iPhone 16e has the same A18 chip as the regular iPhone 16, but with one small limitation: the GPU has only four cores instead of five. Patrick Holland from CNET has checked this in benchmark tests and found that the reduced GPU performance is noticeable in graphics-intensive applications. So if you play a lot of games or edit videos, you could benefit from the additional GPU core of the iPhone 16. However, for normal everyday use - surfing, social media, streaming and messaging - the performance of the iPhone 16e is perfectly sufficient.
MagSafe is missing – a big disadvantage?
One thing that surprised many testers is the lack of MagSafe. The magnetic charging and accessory system has been standard since the iPhone 12, but Apple has omitted it from the iPhone 16e. Patrick Holland of CNET says that many users who have never used MagSafe will hardly notice the difference. But those who already own MagSafe accessories may be annoyed by the lack of support. MagSafe makes wireless charging easier and allows you to dock accessories such as power banks or wallets. Without MagSafe, the iPhone 16e is limited to regular Qi charging with a maximum of 7.5W, while other iPhone models can be charged with up to 25W using Apple's MagSafe charger. Apple has not commented on why MagSafe is missing from the iPhone 16e. One possible explanation is the new internal design that accommodates a larger battery. Those who do not want to do without MagSafe will have to resort to a third-party case that is MagSafe compatible.
The most important arguments for and against the iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e is a great mix of modern features and small savings. It offers:
- A solid camera with 48 MP
- A fast A18 SoC with sufficient performance
- One of the best battery life of all iPhones
- An efficient, if not faster, C1 5G modem
- Apple Intelligence and the new Action Button
However, there are limitations:
- No MagSafe
- No ultra-wide-angle camera
- Only Wi-Fi 6 instead of Wi-Fi 7
- Less GPU power than the regular iPhone 16
Whether the iPhone 16e is worth it for you depends on which features are important to you. If you just want a solid, modern iPhone at a slightly cheaper price, you can go for it without hesitation. If you want MagSafe, a better camera or a little more GPU power, you should take a closer look at the iPhone 16. (Image: Apple)
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