iPhone 16e Review: The Good and the Bad of the Apple Smartphone

Is the iPhone 16e worth it? I tried it and this is my honest opinion.

With each generation of the iPhone, Apple launches not just a product, but a statement of intent. And this year, with the iPhone 16e , the company is once again relying on a formula that has already served it well: a more affordable model , without sacrificing the core of the Apple experience.

But of course, when we talk about “cheap iPhone,” doubts automatically arise:
Where does Apple cut corners to achieve this price? Do I lose much if I choose this model instead of the Pro? Is it really worth it in countries like Chile, where prices are already high?

I had the opportunity to use theiPhone 16e for two weeks as my primary device, and in this review, I'll share all the good and not-so-good things I found. Let's cut through the marketing and get straight. If you're considering this iPhone as your next phone, this review is for you.

What is the iPhone 16e and why did Apple release it?

The iPhone 16e is, like the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 Plus, an alternative designed to democratize access to the iOS ecosystem . But this time, Apple didn't just take a previous model and recycle it: the 16e has its own identity.

Some of its key features:

• 6.1” Super Retina XDR display (same as iPhone 15).

• A16 Bionic chip , the same one we saw in the iPhone 14 Pro.

• Lighter and more colorful design , with flat edges made of recycled aluminum.

• Enhanced dual camera , with advanced computational photography.

• Dynamic Island , present for the first time in an “economic” model.

This all sounds pretty good, right? But as we'll see later, there are some compromises you should be aware of before you buy .

The good thing about theiPhone 16e : reasons to say “yes”

1. More than enough performance

One of the 16e's strong points is its A16 Bionic chip. It may not be the newest, but it's still more powerful than many premium Android phones from 2024 , and it shows.

• Games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly.

• Multitasking is solid and lag-free, even with heavy apps.

• Energy efficiency is good: the battery lasted me all day with moderate use.

Plus, being part of the Apple ecosystem means you're guaranteed updates for at least five years . And that, for many users, is more valuable than any one-off new features.

2. Amazing camera for the price

Despite only having two lenses, theiPhone 16e 's camera performs very well thanks to computational photography. Night mode , Smart HDR, and Portrait mode have all been improved compared to previous generations.

Outdoor photos: excellent sharpness, color and contrast.
Low-light photos: not at the level of a Pro Max, but much better than a mid-range Android.
Video: As always with Apple, video is one of the strongest points. Top-notch stabilization.

For most users, this camera is more than enough for social media, family photos, and even semi-professional content.

3. Dynamic Island and Premium User Experience

Seeing Dynamic Island in an accessible model is a great surprise. And it's not just a decoration: it improves the way we interact with apps like Music, Maps, Calls, and Recorder.

iOS 18 runs flawlessly on theiPhone 16e , and the ecosystem (AirPods, Mac, Apple Watch) remains a tough advantage to match.

The bad thing about the iPhone 16e: what Apple doesn't tell you

1. Screen without ProMotion

Yes, the display looks great… but it’s limited to 60Hz . In a world where many budget phones offer 90 or even 120Hz, this feels like a step backward.

Is it noticeable? It depends. If you've never had a device with more than 60Hz, you won't miss it. But if you're coming from a fluid Android or an iPad Pro, you'll certainly notice that "lack of smoothness."

2. No telephoto or ultra-wide angle lens

Here's the biggest drawback in photography. You only have one main lens and a secondary lens for depth. No optical zoom or ultra-wide shots.

This significantly limits creative possibilities. If you're a mobile photography enthusiast, you might want to consider the 16 Pro.

3. “Affordable” price, but not cheap

In the United States, the iPhone 16e starts at $599 USD. In Chile, with taxes and distribution, that easily translates to $750,000 to $800,000 CLP .

Is it competitive? Compared toAndroid phones like the Pixel 7a or the Galaxy A55, not so much in terms of specs. But the added value of iOS and its long-term durability can make up for the premium price.

Quick comparison: iPhone 16e vs other models

Is it worth it over the iPhone 15? Only if the price is much lower. If you can stretch your budget, the iPhone 15 is a better investment.
Compared to the Pixel 7a? The latter wins in terms of display and camera, but loses in terms of operating system and ecosystem.

Who is the iPhone 16e for?

• Users who want a new, reliable, and durableiPhone , without reaching a million pesos.

• Those who aren't obsessed with the camera or screen Hz , but do value design, iOS, and integration.

• Older people or teenagers, where ease of use is key.

iPhone 16e yes or no?

The iPhone 16e is a hit in Apple's mid-to-high-end range . It has everything you need for a smooth, secure, and modern experience, without being overly luxurious. Of course, there are some cutbacks that could weigh on your profile: if you value an advanced camera or an ultra-smooth display, it might not be for you.

In short, it's an iPhone for those who want to enter (or stay) in the Apple world without paying the price of a Pro.

Are you thinking about changing your iPhone ?

Leave your comments below: Would you buy the 16e or wait for the next model? Or maybe you'd rather look at Android alternatives?

And if you want to see more comparisons, analysis, and the best deals for Chile, keep visiting GSMPRO.CL
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