iphone 16e review Apple provides big step up from SE

Jennifer Jolly

Special to USA TODAY

Apple’s new iPhone 16e arrived on my doorstep at a critical time in our personal tech world. Prices are higher, consumer demand is lower, and all the 'incremental improvements' companies are pushing to get us to dole out the equivalent of a mortgage payment for the next new thing are, well, quite frankly boring. Especially compared with all the novel breakthroughs of just a few years ago.

That’s what I’m thinking about as I unbox Apple’s latest new smartphone, the lower-priced 'entry' level iPhone 16e. I’ve had it for a full week now, and overall, it’s a genuinely snazzy successor to the third-generation iPhone SE that Apple launched in March 2022.

Going from the SE to the 16e is a big step up in all the ways that matter the most:

At first glance, it’s hard to tell much of a difference between the 16e and the rest of the iPhone 16 family of phones. Gone is the ancient home button of the SE, replaced by Face ID and a 6.1-inch OLED display that brings Apple’s entry-level phone into the modern age. The A18 chip inside has the same horsepower as its pricier iPhone 16 sibling, but Apple had to cut a few corners to get there − no MagSafe, no ultra-wide camera and just two color options − hope you like black or white!

Battery life is a half-day (or more) better. (Apple says 26 hours of video playback.)

The camera specs are a big leap forward from the last SE.

The 16e now offers the big 'Apple Intelligence' (AI) tricks (although many people who now have newer iPhones don’t know how to use most of them yet).

So, is the 16e a good deal, or should you buy an iPhone 16? After spending the past week using it, here’s what I’ve found.

Since when is $600 considered a ‘budget’ phone?

At a starting price of $599 (can we just say $600 already?!), this is not a 'budget' phone. It’s $170 more than the one it replaces. That has led some insiders to speculate that Apple’s done trying to offer an 'affordable' phone and will now focus on a slightly downscaled model of its current flagship lineup instead. The 16e is $200 less than the lowest-price 16, but it used to be a $400 difference.

It raises the question: If you’re already paying $600 for a phone, why not pay the additional $200 − especially if that comes down to $8 on a two-year installment plan − and get the whole enchilada? The 16e is a good enough phone, but is it good enough value

It’s not MagSafe compatible

The 16e does not support MagSafe accessories. I didn’t realize how big of a bummer this would be until I watched it slide off the dashboard holder in my car. You can still charge it wirelessly, but only with the older, slower Qi way of doing things, and it’s noticeably slower to charge than my iPhone 16 Pro. Just remember, it won’t stick to anything without the help of a third-party MagSafe case like the ESR for iPhone 16e case ($12.57) on Amazon or another attachment like PopSocket’s Adaptor Rings ($35+).

There’s only one camera

The new camera specs on the 16e are significantly better than those on the last SE, but there’s still just one lens peeping out the back of the device. Apple calls the upgraded 48-megapixel camera a '2-in-1 Fusion Camera.' That’s fancy branding for how the phone uses one high-resolution sensor to simulate multiple focal lengths. Still, it’s not a complete replacement for the triple-camera systems found on the iPhone 16 Pro models.

The 16e’s primary 48MP sensor captures high-quality standard shots, but the selfies aren’t as good as the ones I shoot on my 16 Pro.

Also, instead of a dedicated telephoto lens, the camera digitally crops into the 48MP sensor to create an optical-quality 2x zoom, effectively giving you a second focal length without adding a physical lens. In other words, Apple uses high-resolution sensor cropping to simulate a telephoto lens while maintaining detail, which is a smart way to offer zoom without adding extra hardware.

But can one camera work the same iPhonography-magic as the higher-end models? No. Not without the ultra-wide lens and a dedicated telephoto zoom lens beyond 2x, which you get on the Pro models. If you mostly shoot at 1x or 2x, the 16e’s camera will feel just as capable. But for true photography enthusiasts, the extra lenses on the Pro models make a giant difference.

Is the 16e the right new phone for you?

OK, back to the pros: The iPhone 16e bridges the gap between the classic simplicity of the iPhone SE and the modern aesthetic and performance of the flagship iPhone 16 models. Its updated design offers a smooth transition into today’s smartphone standards and Apple’s ecosystem without a giant learning curve or an even bigger budget-blowing price tag.

The aluminum build feels sturdy, and while the black-and-white color options won’t win any awards for creativity, they signal Apple’s focus on simplicity and durability. The switch to USB-C charging brings the device in line with Apple’s latest models, a welcome change for anyone tired of juggling different cables.

The 16e also doesn’t skimp on speed. Apps launch quickly; multitasking feels seamless, and even intensive games run smoothly.

Battery life is another bright spot. Apple claims up to 26 hours of video playback. I haven’t put it to that test, but if you’re upgrading from an SE, it feels as if you get weeks more battery life than previous models. You don’t. Though it’s a massive improvement, I still get down to about 30% by about 2 in the afternoon. Admittedly, I’m much harder on my phones than the average person, but still, I cannot imagine this little gadget staying awake as long − or working as hard − as I do. (Smart Data mode helps extend that life by automatically switching to LTE when 5G isn’t necessary.)

AI and Apple Intelligence: Worth the hype?

The iPhone 16e supports Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI-driven software suite designed to make the iPhone more intuitive. Features like Visual Look Up, which lets you identify objects through the camera, are genuinely helpful, not just gimmicks. However, it’s worth noting that this software is still evolving, and so is most people’s general understanding of how to use it to make life easier (I’m looking at you, Mom).

Siri is just as hit-or-miss on the SE as it is on my 16 Pro, which means it does what I want it to do about half the time. I’m still hoping for better performance on all the models.

Why the iPhone 16e matters

Apple’s decision to phase out the iPhone SE and replace it with the 16e reflects broader changes in consumer expectations. The market for small, low-cost smartphones is shrinking, and users now demand more from their devices − bigger screens, better cameras and faster performance. The 16e delivers on all fronts without reaching flagship pricing levels.

At $599, it’s a significant jump from the SE, but for most people, the extra investment will be worth it. The added screen size, modern design, improved camera and support for Apple’s latest AI features make this more than just a minor upgrade.

The bottom line: Should you buy it?

If you’re still holding on to an iPhone that’s 5 years old or older or thinking about switching from Android, the iPhone 16e is the best entry point into Apple’s ecosystem in years. It offers the core features of the iPhone 16 at a more palatable price and doesn’t feel like a stripped-down version of a flagship model. It’s a 'good enough' phone for a decent-ish price.

If you’re paying for the device upfront, $200 is a big deal. But if you go with an installment plan, it’s more like an additional $8 a month on a two-year contract plan, which makes it hurt a little less. Or just wait for the iPhone 17.

The bottom line? While the SE’s price jump may turn off some budget-conscious buyers, those willing to spend a bit more will get a phone that feels anything but entry-level.

Jennifer Jolly is an Emmy Award-winning consumer tech columnist and on-air contributor for 'The Today Show.' The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. Contact her at JJ@Techish.com or follow her @JennJolly in Instagram.