### Apple Finally Bestows Its Budget iPhone the Recognition It Deserves
Apple has convincingly transitioned away from regarding its budget-friendly iPhone as merely an afterthought. Though many anticipated a new iPhone SE, Apple instead launched the **iPhone 16e**, a model that sits proudly alongside the other iPhone 16 variants. This shift transcends a mere name update—the 16e boasts identical dimensions, processor, and noteworthy features as its more expensive siblings, positioning it as an attractive addition to the iPhone family.
Nevertheless, the iPhone 16e comes with a significantly elevated price point compared to the now-retired iPhone SE. Is the added expense justified, or would it be better to opt for the standard iPhone 16 with a slight extra investment? Let’s explore further.
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## **Apple iPhone 16e Pricing**
The **iPhone 16e begins at $599** for the entry-level variant with 128GB of storage. Upgrading to **256GB is priced at $699**, while the **512GB model costs $899**.
This represents a considerable price increase from the iPhone SE, which debuted at **$429 in 2022**. With the SE and the iPhone 15 now out of circulation, the 16e stands as the most budget-friendly new iPhone on the market—but it occupies a distinctly different price range.
That being said, the iPhone 16e offers **double the base storage** of the previous SE and feels quite contemporary. Unlike the SE, which sported an outdated design, the 16e presents itself as a modern iPhone in both appearance and performance.
*The display boasts a 6.1-inch OLED, akin to the iPhone 16.*
*Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable*
The pricing is bound to evoke mixed feelings. Some consumers who are unwilling to pay more than $500 for a smartphone may feel left behind, while others could be thrilled to acquire a **genuine iPhone 16-series device for $599**.
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## **Apple iPhone 16e Aesthetics**
When I assessed the iPhone SE in 2022, it felt obsolete, with a **compact display and large bezels**. The iPhone 16e, on the other hand, tells a completely different tale.
From the front, the 16e **bears resemblance to the iPhone 14**, showcasing a **6.1-inch OLED display**. Unlike more recent iPhone iterations, it **lacks Dynamic Island**, instead maintaining the traditional notch that accommodates the front camera, Face ID sensors, and speaker.
At the rear, the 16e features a **single camera with a flash**. While some may yearn for the multi-camera configurations found in higher-end iPhones, the **sleeker design** genuinely appeals. The phone comes in just **two colors: black and white**. My review unit was white, and I appreciated the **matte glass back** along with the contrast between the white frame and dark display bezels.
The **aluminum frame** imparts a premium touch, and Apple has integrated the **Action Button**, which replaces the traditional mute switch. Although I typically assign it a single function and disregard it, it’s still a commendable enhancement.
*You have a single camera, but it offers a multifunctional capability.*
*Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable*
Apple also provided me with **blue and pink silicone cases**, which pair nicely with the device. Weighing in at **167 grams**, the iPhone 16e is the **lightest device in the iPhone 16 range**, making it significantly easier to manage in comparison to the heftier Pro models.
One major alteration is in **dimensions**. At **6.1 inches**, the iPhone 16e is nearly the same size as the standard iPhone 16. As a result, Apple **no longer offers a genuinely small iPhone**, which may not sit well with enthusiasts of compact models.
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## **Apple iPhone 16e Performance and Battery Duration**
The iPhone 16e comes across as a **business-oriented iPhone**—sleek, understated, and robust. It matches the performance of the iPhone 16 and even **exceeds it in several aspects**.
Beneath the surface, the iPhone 16e is powered by **Apple’s A18 chip**, the same processor utilized in the iPhone 16, though with **four GPU cores rather than five**. The distinction is minimal in practical usage.
Apple does not divulge RAM specifications, but **benchmarks indicate the 16e carries 8GB of RAM**, akin to the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro models. Coupled with **128GB of base storage**, the device offers **seamless, lag-free performance**, even when executing demanding applications and