- By Konark Tyagi
- Fri, 28 Feb 2025 05:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
iPhone 16e First Impressions: Apple has just introduced its first major launch of the year, the entry-level iPhone 16e, which was also rumored to be called the iPhone SE 4. This device was highly anticipated, but does this device really stack up against the hype which costs almost 60K? And does it really provide the best bang for the buck? Let's find out in this first impression of the iPhone 16e.
A18 Chip: Built For Apple Intelligence
Firstly to begin with, this so-called affordable iPhone 16e is an addition to the iPhone 16 series that was released last year, and with that said it hosts the latest A18 chip under the hood which is there in all 16 series iPhones, and is built for Apple Intelligence. This made for Apple Intelligence iOS 18.4 is a big deal and Apple is betting big with this especially when it comes to localized Indian context and UI optimisation. So Apple Intelligence is finally here for India.
Now this is a good start but there are several compromises with the device as well.
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Display And Design: Still 60Hz?
Even though the device sports Apple's latest A18 chip one of the biggest letdowns is the 60Hz display. The phone does have an exceptional display quality with its 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, in my opinion when in 2025 we have smartphones that cost well under 50k or even 40k that can offer refresh rates of up to 120hz, Apple really kind of missed the mark here. Although when it comes to optimization Apple leaves no stone unturned and you can still expect smooth scrolling, this still feels underwhelming. Another thing that Apple claims is that this phone offers the best battery life for any 6.1-inch smartphone, now this is something that will have to be tested, so stay tuned.
Speaking of the display, design-wise the bezels on this one feel outdated, with the current trend going more towards thinner and thinner bezels. The iPhone 16e just doesn't measure up. But on the plus side, the device is light and the build quality is great, something Apple never compromises on, with its iconic ceramic Shield Front Glass back, it makes the device more sturdy and gives a good in-hand feel.
Another thing that I feel Apple missed out on is the colour options. While the rest of the 16 series iPhones come in five bold colour options this one only has two, it would have been better if the fans could have had a few more options to choose from.
Camera: Missing Out On The Dual Camera Setup
Now we all know that iPhones are known for their good camera quality, and are a go-to device for content creators as well, but does the iPhone 16e deliver that?
Well, the device comes with only one rear camera that is a 48-megapixel fusion camera setup and misses out on dual lenses, unlike the rest of the smartphones in the 16 series lineup. It does support integrated 2x telephoto zoom and is capable of shooting 4K videos and will definitely be great for clicking pictures and video content. But, in my opinion, an ultrawide camera would have helped in justifying the price at which the phone currently comes.
No Dynamic Island, Sticking to iPhone 14 Style
This was one of the biggest disappointments I had with this device, the missing Dynamic Island. Now we all know that Dynamic Island is there on all 16 and 15 series iPhones, in fact it's there on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max as well. But still, Apple went with the traditional notch style of the iPhone 14 which again is a bit outdated considering the fact that Smartphones in the same series have it.
First iPhone With C1 Modem
Well in this department Apple has brought out its original game and this is the first iPhone to host Apple's own in-house C1 modem, this cuts down its dependency on Qualcomm, and the tech giant also claims that this will enhance its battery life.
Final Thoughts
Now the starting price for the base variant of the iPhone 16e which has 128GB storage will cost Rs 59,990, out of which Apple Intelligence takes up a big chunk of the storage. It also raises the question of whether one should buy this or go for the iPhone 15 which is currently listed on Amazon for Rs 61,499 which also has Dynamic Island. In my opinion, the starting price should have been under 50K for the base variant as the device misses out on some very key aspects. Stay tuned for more as we unveil the iPhone 16e in its entirety.