iPhone 16e Long-Term Review: What to Know Before the iPhone 17e Launches

Source: MacRumors

As we approach the launch of the iPhone 17e, MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera looked back at the iPhone 16e. He reviews what it’s been like using Apple’s budget iPhone over the past 12 months and whether it’s worth choosing over one of Apple’s more expensive models.

The iPhone 16e is $599, $200 cheaper than the iPhone 17. iPhone 16e buyers didn’t miss much in terms of performance or battery life compared to those who bought Apple’s higher‑end iPhones, but the device only has a single camera, which is one of the main downsides.

• Camera: A single‑lens 48‑megapixel wide‑angle sensor; no telephoto, ultra‑wide, or macro support.
• MagSafe: Missing, which is inconvenient given the prevalence of MagSafe charging.
• Design: Uses an older chassis with a notch instead of the Dynamic Island, and is available only in black or white, lacking the fun colors of newer models.

Aside from the camera, design, and MagSafe shortcomings, the iPhone 16e is remarkably similar to Apple’s other iPhones, and day‑to‑day differences between it and higher‑end models are minimal.

We don’t recommend buying an iPhone 16e right now, but the upcoming iPhone 17e should be worth considering over Apple’s more expensive flagship iPhones.

Rumors suggest the iPhone 17e will address many of the iPhone 16e’s limitations:

• Potential addition of a Dynamic Island with Live Activities.
• Inclusion of MagSafe support.
• Upgraded C1X modem and the same A19 chip found in the iPhone 17.

If you don’t mind the lack of extra cameras, the iPhone 17e, like the iPhone 16e, promises strong performance for the price. For anyone waiting to upgrade from an older device, the iPhone 17e could be a very good buy.