Apple Discontinues SE Lineup, Introduces iPhone 16e
The long-rumored successor to the iPhone SE family has finally arrived, but with a twist—Apple has officially discontinued the SE lineup and introduced the iPhone 16e instead. This new budget-friendly iPhone joins the iPhone 16 series and comes with modern hardware, an improved chipset, and Apple Intelligence capabilities.
Design and Display
The iPhone 16e borrows its design from the iPhone 14, featuring a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with Ceramic Shield protection on both the front and back. The design retains the thick bezels and a wide notch similar to its predecessor, ensuring durability and a premium look.
Performance and Software
Unlike the iPhone 14, the iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s latest A18 chipset, the same processor found in the iPhone 16 series. This 6-core processor enables Apple Intelligence features, making it a smarter device. While Apple has not officially disclosed RAM capacity, leaks suggest it houses 8GB RAM to support AI-driven functionalities. The device comes preloaded with iOS 18 out of the box.
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Camera Upgrades
Apple is introducing a “2-in-1 camera system” with the iPhone 16e. The device boasts a 48MP primary sensor, replacing the dual 12MP setup of the iPhone 14. While it lacks an ultrawide lens, it offers 2x lossless zoom, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), and 4K video recording at 60fps. The 12MP front camera remains unchanged.
Battery and Pricing
Apple has made vague comparisons, claiming that the iPhone 16e lasts 6 hours longer than the iPhone 11 and has the best battery life on a 6.1-inch iPhone. However, actual battery capacity remains undisclosed, and further teardown videos will provide more clarity.
The iPhone 16e starts at $599, making it a budget-friendly option with flagship-level performance.
iPhone 16e Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3nm) |
| CPU | Hexa-core (2×4.04 GHz + 4×2.20 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4 cores) |
| OS | iOS 18 |
| Networks | 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G |
| Display | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR OLED, 1170 x 2532 pixels, 1200 nits peak |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Card Slot | No |
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.6 (wide), PDAF, OIS |
| Front Camera | 12MP, f/1.9 (wide) |
| Colors | Black, White |
| Battery | N/A |
| Price | $599 |
Final Thoughts
With the iPhone 16e, Apple aims to deliver a premium experience at an affordable price. By upgrading the chip and camera, yet retaining an older design, Apple ensures a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. Whether it can replace the SE series’ appeal remains to be seen.
