Apple has unveiled its latest iPhone model, the iPhone 16e, in India. Alongside this launch, the company has quietly removed the iPhone SE from its official store, indicating a potential discontinuation of its budget-friendly lineup. Instead of launching an iPhone SE 4, Apple has expanded its iPhone 16 series with a more affordable model aimed at cost-conscious buyers. Here’s everything you need to know about the iPhone 16e’s price, pre-order details, features, and specifications.
The iPhone 16e is priced at $599 (approximately Rs 49,500) in the US for the base 128GB storage variant.
In India, the pricing details are as follows:
128GB variant – Rs 59,900
256GB variant – Rs 69,900
512GB variant – Rs 89,900
For comparison, the standard iPhone 16 starts at Rs 79,900 in India, making the iPhone 16e Rs 20,000 more affordable. Pre-orders for the device will begin on February 21, with deliveries expected to start from February 28.
The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a notch that houses Apple’s Face ID system for secure facial recognition. Unlike the older iPhone SE models, the iPhone 16e replaces the traditional mute switch with an Action button. This button provides quick access to functions such as launching the camera, activating Do Not Disturb mode, and more.
Additionally, the iPhone 16e comes with a USB-C port, marking Apple’s shift from the Lightning connector, aligning with its latest iPhone models.
Under the hood, the iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s A18 chip, delivering significant performance improvements over its predecessors. The A18 chip features a 6-core CPU, which Apple claims is 80% faster than the A13 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 11. It also includes a 4-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, optimized for handling AI and machine learning tasks efficiently.
The iPhone 16e is equipped with Apple Intelligence, Apple’s latest suite of AI-driven features. This includes:
Genmoji – AI-powered emoji creation
Writing Tools – Smart suggestions for text formatting
ChatGPT Integration – Seamless AI assistance for various tasks
Apple claims that the Neural Engine processes AI models up to six times faster than the A13 chip, making the iPhone 16e a powerful device for modern smartphone users.
The iPhone 16e boasts a 48MP Fusion rear camera, enabling users to capture high-resolution images with great detail. Key camera features include:
2x Telephoto zoom for close-up shots without losing quality
Default 24MP image capture, with an option for 48MP resolution
Portrait Mode, Night Mode, and HDR for improved image quality in various lighting conditions
For selfies and video calls, the 12MP TrueDepth front camera offers autofocus support. The device also supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second and Dolby Vision HDR for superior video quality.
Apple claims that the iPhone 16e provides up to 26 hours of video playback on a single charge. The device supports wireless charging and introduces satellite connectivity features such as:
Messages via Satellite – Stay connected in areas with no cellular coverage
Emergency SOS via Satellite – Send distress signals in remote locations
Crash Detection – Automatically alerts emergency services in case of a severe accident
However, Apple has not yet confirmed whether Emergency SOS via Satellite will be available for Indian users or remain limited to the US market.
The iPhone 16e is a compelling choice for users looking for an affordable iPhone experience with modern features. It offers a high-quality OLED display, a powerful A18 chip, AI-driven enhancements, and a top-tier camera. With its budget-friendly pricing compared to the standard iPhone 16, the iPhone 16e is likely to appeal to consumers who want a balance between performance and affordability.