iPhone 16e

It should be noted that this A3409 iPhone 16e model supports 24 different 5G bands but lacks compatibility with n14 (700 PS), n29 (700d MHz), n71 (600 MHz), and the mmWave bands n258, n260, and n261. It also does not support 4G LTE bands 14 (700 PS), 29 (700d MHz), or 71 (600 MHz). This version supports dual eSIM and a physical nano-SIM. It is designed for carriers in most global markets—sold in at least 188 countries—but is not available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, mainland China, and a few other nations. It remains technically compatible with networks worldwide.

Introduced as an entry-level, budget-friendly successor to the iPhone SE 3, the iPhone 16e shares many external similarities with the iPhone 14. However, it forgoes MagSafe in favor of USB-C, a higher-resolution single-lens camera, and an "Action" button. Internally, it is more akin to the iPhone 16, featuring the A18 processor (though with one less GPU core), but it lacks 5G mmWave, Wi-Fi 7, Ultra Wideband, and Thread networking support, while offering improved battery life.

All iPhone 16e models feature a 6.1-inch (diagonal) haptic-touch capable "Super Retina XDR" display (2532x1170, 460 ppi) that covers almost the entire front. It has two cameras: one front and one rear. The front "TrueDepth" camera, housed in the "notch," supports Face ID, has an f/1.9 aperture, captures 12-megapixel photos, and shoots 4K video. The rear camera, marketed as a "2-in-1 camera system," is a single 4K-capable 48-megapixel "Fusion" camera (f/1.6 aperture) that supports both 24 and 48-megapixel photos.

The iPhone 16e has an aluminum case with flat sides, along with a glass front and back. The front is protected by a "Ceramic Shield" cover for durability, and the device is splash, water, and dust-resistant to the IP68 standard. It is available only in matte white or black finishes.

Inside, the iPhone 16e is driven by a 4.0 GHz "Apple A18" processor with a six-core CPU (two performance, four efficiency), a 4-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. It includes 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB of flash storage. The device also supports 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 with 2x2 MIMO, 5G wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC for Apple Pay, "Express Cards with power reserve" for transit, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS via satellite.

Apple's battery life estimates for the iPhone 16e are up to 90 hours of audio playback, 26 hours of video playback, and 21 hours of streamed video playback.

Pricing is country-dependent, but in the UK, this specific iPhone 16e costs £599, £699, and £899 for the 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB models, respectively, when paid upfront. Alternatively, it can be financed over a two-year contract for £24.95, £29.12, and £37.45 per month.

The iPhone 16e faced considerable scrutiny from international technology reviewers who found themselves divided over Apple's approach to creating an affordable entry point into its ecosystem. While evaluators praised the device's solid performance credentials powered by the A18 processor and its exceptional battery endurance, many expressed frustration at what they perceived as artificially imposed limitations. The decision to exclude Camera Control while retaining the Action button puzzled critics who saw this as an inconsistent product strategy. Consumer technology publications particularly criticized the elevated pricing compared to the discontinued SE line, noting that the "economical" positioning seemed at odds with the actual cost. Nevertheless, the model earned recognition for successfully modernizing Apple's budget offering with a larger OLED display and contemporary design language, even if reviewers ultimately concluded it occupied an uncomfortable middle ground in the smartphone market.