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Today marks the launch of the iPhone 16e, and we were eager to get our hands on one right away. While Apple promotes this model with the tagline “Latest iPhone. Greatest price,” this message resonates more in the United States and the UK, where the starting price is $599/£599. In Europe, however, prices escalate significantly, with the phone retailing at €699 in Germany, €719 in France, and €729 in Italy. Such pricing approaches that of some high-end Android models expected to release in 2024, which may offer better specifications for similar or lower costs.
Inside the box, Apple includes a braided USB-C charging cable along with a SIM eject tool.
In terms of size, the iPhone 16e stands out as somewhat compact for modern smartphones. Yet, initial reactions from users often suggest it feels larger than anticipated, likely due to the considerable buzz surrounding its rumored smaller size in the weeks leading up to launch.
Indeed, the iPhone 16e is larger than the iPhone SE (2022), featuring a 6.1-inch display, which closely mirrors the dimensions of the iPhone 16.
When compared to Android competitors, particularly the Galaxy S25, the iPhone 16e is approximately equivalent in size. The Galaxy S25 is marginally taller by 0.2mm and wider by 1mm, although it is also slightly lighter and boasts a 0.1-inch larger display enabled by its thinner bezels.
In terms of display quality, the comparison favors the Galaxy S25, which, despite a lower pixel density, offers superior brightness and a fluid 120Hz refresh rate, a feature that significantly enhances visual performance.
Comparison of size: iPhone 16e and Galaxy S25
Shifting back to the iPhone’s features, Apple tends to highlight the strengths of its products, yet the 16e does face some limitations when set against its rivals. A notable drawback is the presence of the traditional notch, which has been replaced by more modern designs in the newest base iPhone 16 models.
Furthermore, both base models of the iPhone 16 come without displays exceeding a 60Hz refresh rate. This limitation is apparent, as the animations on the 16e appear less smooth due to the lower refresh rate.
The camera system also sees a compromise with the iPhone 16e being equipped with a single 48MP camera. While this might sound comparable to the main sensor of the iPhone 16, it utilizes a smaller sensor size of 1/2.55 inches, compared to the 16’s 1/1.56-inch sensor, resulting in less effective 2x optical zoom capabilities.
Ending this initial review positively, the build quality of the iPhone 16e matches the premium feel associated with the Apple brand. Despite the slower screen refresh rate, the device runs efficiently and smoothly. Powered by the Apple A18 chip, even with one less GPU core compared to its counterparts, it is likely to handle demanding applications effortlessly.
We anticipate that the iPhone 16e will deliver impressive battery life, making it a viable choice for users. Stay tuned for our in-depth review coming soon!
Apple iPhone 16e
Source
www.gsmarena.com