The iPhone SE (2025) iPhone 16e is the primary Apple machine to launch in 2025 and its arrival left us with a number of query marks.
What’s up with the value hike?
Whereas it begins at $599 within the U.S., the 16e is disproportionately dearer throughout Europe and different key markets. The iPhone 16e isn’t any low-cost cellphone. By the best way, the iPhone 15 continues to be accessible immediately from Apple for $699, which will get you an ultrawide digital camera, MagSafe and Dynamic Island capabilities.
| United States | United Kingdom | Germany | India | China | Japan | |
| 128 GB | $599 | £599 | €699 | INR 59,900 | CNY 4,499 | JPY 99,800 |
| 256 GB | $699 | £699 | €829 | INR 69,900 | CNY 5,499 | JPY 114,800 |
| 512 GB | $899 | £899 | €1,029 | INR 89,900 | CNY 7,499 | JPY 144,800 |
Whereas many of the protection deems the 16e as “Apple’s reasonably priced iPhone,” that time period is relative solely to the remainder of the iPhone 16 collection. This begs the query…
Who’s the target market?
Older iPhone SE customers? Compact cellphone customers (RIP iPhone mini)? The “I simply need an iPhone” crowd? We’re not so certain ourselves. Apple is asking higher midrange cash for what is basically a tool fully made with recycled components from earlier generations of iPhones.
Sure, the A18 chip is pretty new, although it is not the precise one used within the iPhone 16 collection telephones. However no less than the 16e boasts a customized 5G modem.
The Apple C1 modem is a milestone for Cupertino
After years of hypothesis and reviews of fully abandoning its in-house modem plans, the celebrities lastly aligned for Apple. The 16e is the primary Apple machine with an in-house 5G modem and it’ll lay the muse for a way forward for much less reliance on Qualcomm.
The hefty $1 billion acquisition of Intel’s modem enterprise could also be lastly justified if the 16e performs as much as par, which stays to be seen.
No MagSafe is a bummer
It’s been part of each new iPhone (sans the SE fashions) for the final 5 years however Apple selected to omit its MagSafe charging and accent system although the 16e is reusing the iPhone 14’s physique.
Apple confirmed that its new C1 modem just isn’t interfering so we will solely see this as simply one other cost-cutting measure. At the very least the OLED show, FaceID and Motion Button made their means.
The place did the colours go?
We can’t assist however draw parallels between the iPhone 16e and the iPhone 5c. When Apple launched the iPhone 5c again in 2013, we acquired among the most original and enjoyable colours on an iPhone so far.
We really feel like Cupertino may have utilized that very same method with the 16e to spice up its enchantment, however the one means you’d be capable to add some pop is by slapping on a case.
Potential battery champ?
The binned A18 chip, paired with the 6.1-inch OLED display screen (60Hz) and that new C1 modem, ought to ship some mighty battery endurance. Apple is already promising “the very best battery life in an iPhone this measurement” on the 16e’s official web page.
Whereas we don’t have an precise battery capability to go along with, we will solely use Apple’s video playback claims, which promise 26 hours on the 16e in comparison with 22 hours on the iPhone 16. If this holds up, the 16e may grow to be one of many better-performing compact telephones when it comes to battery endurance.
So lengthy residence button and mute swap
The 16e marks the official outing of the house button and mute swap. The pair has been synonymous with the iPhone since day one, and whereas occasions have modified and buttons have advanced, we’re left a bit nostalgic.
So lengthy residence button and mute swap
The house button, particularly, had an enchantment for aged customers and those that desire tactile suggestions. Comparable factors may be made for the mute swap. On the flip aspect, the Motion Button provides much more versatility than the single-purpose mute swap, and the swipe gestures include added display screen real-estate.
