iPhone 16e Falls Short of Expectations Despite Promising Features

The iPhone 16e has garnered mixed responses, highlighting both the good and the bad about the device. One of the most notable criticisms is the construction of the USB-C port, which is said to be “terrible” due to the lack of repairability. As opposed to the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, where the USB-C port is readily accessible, the iPhone 16e needs many components to be removed in order to fix it, such as the front camera, primary camera, logic board, and SIM card holder. This design step backward is due to its shared chassis with the iPhone 14, which has the same repair difficulties.
The other significant omission in the iPhone 16e is the lack of MagSafe, which has become a minimum expectation for the majority of iPhone users. MagSafe provides a convenient and secure wireless charging experience, and its absence is seen as a step back. While the iPhone 16e does feature Qi charging, it lacks the newer Qi2 standard. Users can still achieve some level of MagSafe compatibility with third-party magnet-containing cases, but it’s not the same as it being built-in.
The iPhone 16e also lacks some of the more advanced features of higher-end iPhones. It lacks an ultra-wideband chip, so users can’t utilize the Precision Tracking feature in Find My for AirTags. It also only supports Wi-Fi 6 and not the newer Wi-Fi 6E or 7 standards, so it will not be capable of taking advantage of increased peak speeds when Wi-Fi 7 routers become ubiquitous. It also lacks support for Thread radio, so it will not be compatible with some smart home devices.
In terms of camera features, the iPhone 16e lacks Action mode, Cinematic mode, and Spatial mode found on other iPhones. While it does offer optical image stabilization and excellent 4K video recording, it lacks the focus-switching feature after a photo has been captured, unlike the iPhone 16. The display is covered with Ceramic Shield, but not the newer and more durable version applied to the iPhone 16.
For all these limitations, though, the iPhone 16e does provide some significant enhancements. It features Apple’s latest C1 modem, which is the first modem designed in-house by the company. The C1 modem has been performing similarly to Qualcomm modems in real-world testing, and it has helped Apple achieve better battery life. Apple is saying the iPhone 16e provides the best battery life for a phone of this size, with users easily being able to get through a full day of use.
The iPhone 16e also features Apple Intelligence, with AI-powered features such as writing assistants and a revamped Siri with ChatGPT integration. But the current version of Apple Intelligence is quite underwhelming and not yet finished, with its most promising potential still on the horizon.
Overall, the iPhone 16e seems to be positioned as a budget option for consumers who do not require all the additional features of higher-end models. It will suffice for those who are upgrading from a previous iPhone and do not mind the absence of features like MagSafe or ultra-wideband. For others who are willing to pay a bit more, some of the other models like the iPhone 15 may offer better value with additional features.