As the iPhone 17e launch approaches, MacRumors Videographer Dan Barbera decided to take a look back at the iPhone 16e. It looks at what it’s been like to use Apple’s budget iPhone over the past 12 months, and whether it’s worth choosing one of Apple’s more expensive models.
The iPhone 16e costs $599, making it $200 cheaper than the iPhone 17. Buyers of the iPhone 16e weren’t missing much in terms of performance or battery life compared to those who bought Apple’s more expensive iPhones, but the device only has one camera, which is one of the main drawbacks.
There’s a single-lens 48-megapixel wide-angle lens, so no telephoto or ultra-wide, which also means no macro support. Another major feature missing is MagSafe, which is very inconvenient since MagSafe charging is so prevalent. There’s no button to control the camera, but it’s easy to do without.
Apple used an older design for the iPhone 16e, so it still has a tired-looking notch instead of the Dynamic Island, and it only comes in black or white, so there aren’t any fun colors to choose from. Aside from the camera, design, and MagSafe shortcomings, the iPhone 16e is strikingly similar to Apple’s other iPhones, and you won’t notice much of a day-to-day difference between the iPhone 16e and the higher-end model.
We definitely don’t recommend buying the iPhone 16e right now, but the iPhone 17e, which will be released very soon, will definitely be worth considering over Apple’s more expensive flagship iPhones.
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 17e will fix some of the issues we had with the iPhone 16e. It might get “Dynamic Island” for the first time with the addition of all “Dynamic Island” features such as live activities and is likely to be updated with “MagSafe”. We also expect Apple’s improved C1X modem and the same A19 chip found in the iPhone 17.
If you don’t mind the lack of additional cameras, the iPhone 17e, like the iPhone 16e, will be a very competitive iPhone that gives you a lot of performance for the money. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade from an older device, the iPhone 17e has the potential to be a very good buy.