Web Desk: Apple has officially replaced the iPhone SE with the iPhone 16e, marking the end of the iPhone SE line. The new device, which is priced at $599, eliminates the sub-$500 iPhone option.
The iPhone 16e, available for preorder on February 21 and shipping on February 28, brings several upgrades over the previous iPhone SE, including a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, and a shift from the Lightning port to USB-C for charging.
Unlike its predecessor, the iPhone 16e no longer features the Touch ID home button or thick bezels around the screen. However, it retains a static camera notch and still comes with a 60 Hz screen refresh rate, which falls short of the 90 or 120 Hz found in most other smartphones at this price. The device uses Apple’s A18 chipset, offering impressive performance similar to the iPhone 16, but with a slight compromise in graphics due to one less GPU core.
In terms of camera upgrades, the iPhone 16e comes equipped with a 48-megapixel sensor, allowing for a 2X optical-like zoom, alongside a 12-megapixel front camera. The device also inherits the Action Button from higher-end iPhones, replacing the mute switch, though it lacks the Camera Control button found on the iPhone 16 series.
Despite missing some premium features like ProMotion and the Camera Control button, the iPhone 16e marks a modern, affordable iPhone with notable upgrades. Apple’s move to introduce the 16e aligns with new EU regulations requiring USB-C ports and is expected to appeal to budget-conscious buyers looking for a more capable, yet cost-effective, device.
