iPhone 16e

Please be aware that this A3410 iPhone 16e model is compatible with 23 different 5G bands, but excludes n14 (700 PS), n29 (700d MHz), n53 (TD 2500), and n71 (600 MHz), as well as the mmWave bands n258, n260, and n261. It also lacks support for 4G LTE bands 14 (700 PS), 29 (700d MHz), 53 (TD 2500), and 71 (600 MHz). Unlike other iPhone 16e models, this version completely lacks eSIM support, instead providing dual physical nano-SIM slots. It is exclusively sold in mainland China (Hong Kong and Macao use the A3409 "Global" model). However, it remains technically compatible with carriers 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.

In mainland China, this iPhone 16e is priced at RMB 4499, 5499, and 7499 for the 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB models respectively, when paid upfront. It can also be financed over a two-year contract for RMB 187, 229, and 312 per month.

The China-specific iPhone 16e variant generated particular interest among regional technology analysts who examined Apple's localization strategy in one of its most important markets. Reviewers acknowledged the practical necessity of dual physical SIM support for Chinese consumers while questioning whether the complete absence of eSIM functionality might limit the device's appeal to international travelers. The model's competitive positioning against domestic rivals drew scrutiny, with critics noting that local manufacturers offered more camera versatility at similar price points. Technology journalists highlighted the curious decision to introduce Apple's first C1 modem in this market-specific variant, viewing it as a calculated risk in a highly competitive landscape. Despite reservations about feature omissions, the device earned recognition for maintaining Apple's build quality standards and delivering the iOS experience that continues to command premium pricing in the Chinese market.