iPhone 16e review: Best entry point to the Apple ecosystem

About ten years ago, Apple launched the first iPhone SE. The goal was to bring Apple’s technology to more people, especially in countries like India and Latin America. Now, in 2025, Apple is doing the same with the new iPhone 16e. This phone is made to give people a chance to use Apple’s best features, including its smart tools, at a lower price. The letter “e” in iPhone 16e could mean “experience” or “expectation” because people expect a good phone even if it costs less.

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When I first held the iPhone 16e, I was surprised by how light it was. It felt much easier to hold compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is much heavier. Even though it feels small, the screen is actually 6.1 inches, which is almost as big as the largest iPhones.

When I turned on the phone, the screen looked bright and clear, just like other iPhones. But I noticed some small differences. The edges of the screen are thicker than in expensive iPhones, and instead of the new floating camera cutout, it has the older black notch at the top. The design still looks like an iPhone, with the volume buttons on the side and a new Action Button above them. Another big change is that it uses a USB-C charger instead of Apple’s old Lightning cable.

This phone comes with iOS 18.4, Apple’s latest software. The Action Button can be set to do different things. I set it to use Apple’s new visual tool, which lets the camera describe things around you. It works really well—you just point the camera at something and ask what it is. If the phone doesn’t know, it asks ChatGPT for help and gives an answer in a few seconds. I really like this feature because it helps me learn about new plants when I go to parks. Before, you had to take a photo first, but now you get the answer instantly with extra details.

The iPhone 16e is the cheapest iPhone that can use Apple’s smart features. It lets you create custom images, emojis, and even helps with writing. The writing tool can fix grammar, improve sentences, or turn paragraphs into bullet points. You can also ask ChatGPT to write in the Notes app. I like that Apple always tells you when it is using outside help, like ChatGPT, to give answers.

One big reason people buy an iPhone is the camera. The iPhone 16e has a single 48MP camera with 2X zoom. For most people, the main camera is all they use. But Android phones at this price usually have three cameras, so some people might think the iPhone has fewer features. Apple will have to convince people that its single camera is just as good.

Overall, the iPhone 16e is a great choice for people who want an iPhone without spending too much money. It brings Apple’s smart features, good design, and a great camera to more users. It may not have everything the expensive models have, but it still gives a smooth and powerful iPhone experience.