You may also have seen in Apple's comparison tool that the iPhone 16e lacks “DC-HSDPA,” even though it's available in its pricier siblings. This is a 3G carrier aggregation technology that isn't as common these days, since 3G networks are being deprecated, so it shouldn't be an issue.

Apple delivered its latest budget handset, the $599 iPhone 16e, without pomp. There was no big event in person, nor was there one online. No journalists

There’s no question: the new modem makes a difference to the exceptional battery life in the iPhone 16e. After all, Apple says it’s the most power-efficient modem ever in an iPhone. So, the company is right to point out that the new phone has the best battery life of any iPhone with a 6.

Before the iPhone 16e’s arrival, the best budget iPhone option was the SE, which had a decade-plus-old design and a tiny IPS screen with a lower resolution and an IPS panel. Replacing the SE with a product with modern design, top-tier specs, and Apple Intelligence is a major leap forward for Apple’s entry-level smartphone.

Are you a fan of the classic iPhone home button? Cue the mournful violin. With Apple’s new iPhone 16e, the one-press escape hatch/fingerprint reader is no more. The end of the home button also marks the end of the sub-$500 iPhone.

The iPhone 16e costs $200 less than the iPhone 16 — naturally, it’s missing a few features. There is a single 48-megapixel rear camera with two-times zoom but no ultra-wide or

First, the company shifted away from the “SE” branding after nearly a decade. Then it priced the budget phone higher than expected at $599 – a notable jump from the $429 iPhone SE.

The iPhone 16e has an IP68 rating, which means it is well protected against dust and water. It can sit in up to about five feet of water for up to 30 minutes without worry. This puts it on the same footing as the rest of the iPhone 16 family and slightly ahead of the Pixel 8a, which has an IP67 rating.

The decidedly retro iPhone SE was the only model to deviate from the above naming trend. The arrival of the iPhone 16e marks the end of the road for the iPhone SE and the iPhone 1

The "essential" iPhone 16e is all you need to enjoy your visit to the walled garden. Apple Intelligence included.