Apple’s new finances iPhone has been on my listing of the best upcoming smartphones to look at. Rumours urged it could get some massive upgrades. And I’m completely satisfied to say that’s precisely what we obtained. Immediately’s iPhone 16E is a refresh of the iPhone SE – and it’s the closest a finances iPhone has been to the common fashions. A brand new design, up to date show, the most recent chipset from iPhone 16, and a brand new digital camera lastly make this handset good worth for cash.
One of many largest modifications to the finances iPhone is the display. The iPhone 16E sports activities a 6.1-inch OLED panel, bringing vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and higher distinction. The acquainted notch is again quite than the Dynamic Island. It homes the front-facing digital camera and Face ID sensors, marking the top of Contact ID on Apple’s smartphones.
The again of the machine includes a single-lens digital camera setup. However don’t be fooled by the shortage of a number of snappers – it’s an enormous improve. Apple has fitted the 16E with a 48MP sensor, permitting for sharper pictures, improved digital zoom, and the long-overdue addition of Evening Mode.
The internals are equally spectacular. Powering the iPhone 16E is Apple’s newest A18 chip, the identical processor discovered within the iPhone 16. Which means flagship-level efficiency in Apple’s finances cellphone. Sitting alongside this chip, is an upgraded 6GB of RAM. Whether or not you’re gaming, enhancing movies, or diving into Apple’s newest AI-powered options, the 16E handles all of it with ease. One of many different massive upgrades is the introduction of Apple’s first custom-made modem – the C1. It’s extra energy environment friendly than ever, and may ship quicker 5G speeds.


Surprisingly, the iPhone 16E helps Apple Intelligence, beforehand reserved for the iPhone 15 Professional and newer. It’s the corporate’s suite of on-device AI instruments, which have been fairly so-so to date. After all, the brand new finances handset additionally helps Apple’s newest software program model for iPhones – iOS 18.
Battery life has additionally seen a much-needed enchancment. The brand new 16E packs a bigger cell. Apple guarantees its basic “all-day battery life,” with out revealing a precise measurement. Rumours counsel its a 3279mAh cell – a rise of almost 60%. Hopefully the bigger battery and extra environment friendly chipset really enable this cellphone to final all day – one thing the earlier iPhone SE (Third-gen) struggled with. Charging is dealt with by way of USB-C, marking the top of the Lightning port throughout the iPhone lineup.
One other welcome addition is the Action Button, which replaces the mute swap. First launched on the iPhone 15 Professional, it permits customers to shortly entry shortcuts, launch the digital camera, or allow {custom} features. And in a transfer that can please durability-conscious customers, Apple has given the 16E an IP68 ranking, that means it’s extra immune to water and mud than ever earlier than.
The iPhone 16E begins at $449/£479 for the bottom 128GB mannequin. It’s a small improve from its predecessor however justified by the numerous upgrades. There’s additionally a higher-tier model with 256GB of storage for these needing additional house. Out there in Black, White, and Product(RED), the SE 4 is obtainable to pre-order directly from Apple on Friday at 5am PST (1pm GMT). It’ll start transport out subsequent Friday.
