Verdict on the Apple iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e is currently the cheapest iPhone on the market. For this reason alone, the successor to the iPhone SE is likely to attract lots of buyers, despite its ambitious price. This version is particularly attractive for owners of older iPhones who want to upgrade to a current model.
At the same time, the iPhone 16e is a good smartphone that has all the important features: a bright OLED screen, a good camera, longer battery life than the iPhone 16, a long update period and a fast SoC. During everyday use, the fact that the Apple A18 processor inside the iPhone 16e only uses 4 GPU cores instead of 5 is irrelevant. The iPhone 16e also supports Apple Intelligence and comes with a fresh design.
Compared to the iPhone 16, which isn't that much more expensive, the iPhone 16e has had to make quite a few compromises. There is no ultra-wide-angle camera and therefore no macro shots, and the camera button is missing. Wireless charging via MagSafe doesn't work either, the phone only has a notch instead of the Dynamic Island, and AirTags can't be located all too precisely due to its lack of an ultra-wideband chip.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
The Apple iPhone 16e retails for $599 and can be ordered directly from Apple.
Table of Contents
- Verdict on the Apple iPhone 16e
- Specifications
- Case - iPhone 14 design for the iPhone 16e
- Connectivity - Apple Intelligence runs on the iPhone 16e
- Software - The Apple iPhone 16e runs iOS 18
- Communication and GNSS - The first iPhone with Apple's 5G modem C1
- Telephone functions and call quality - Dual-eSIM support for the iPhone 16e
- Cameras - Fusion camera with 48 MP
- Accessories and warranty - Not picky about the power supply unit
- Input devices and operation - The iPhone 16e with FaceID and an Action button
- Display - iPhone-14 OLED at 800 nits
- Performance - The iPhone 16e's Apple A18 lacks a GPU core
- Games - 60fps is the limit
- Emissions - Stereo speakers with balanced sound
- Battery life - Runs longer than the iPhone 16
- Notebookcheck total rating
- Possible alternatives compared
Apple's most affordable smartphone goes by the name iPhone 16e and is the successor to the iPhone SE, of which a total of three editions have been released since 2016. However, its successor hardly adheres to the iPhone SE's concept of putting older hardware inside a case with an older design and then selling it at a lower price.
Neither the technology nor the design of the iPhone 16e is really outdated. Instead, Apple has cut back on lots of its features. Even so, the iPhone 16e starts at an MRSP of $599, making it only $200 cheaper than the iPhone 16.
Specifications
Case - iPhone 14 design for the iPhone 16e
On the outside, the 6.1-inch iPhone 16e looks very similar to a standard iPhone, so it has nothing in common with the outdated iPhone 8 design of the iPhone SE. Gone are its wide display bezels and, alongside Touch ID, the physical fingerprint sensor of its predecessor. Instead of an IPS display, it now features an OLED screen protected by Ceramic Shield.
The case design of the 167-gram iPhone 16e is roughly the same as that of an iPhone 14. Its selfie camera is not located in the Dynamic Island that can be found on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, but instead sits inside a notch. Although the iPhone 16e hasn't inherited the camera button from the current iPhones, it has been given the Action button. It is also IP68-certified, which means it can survive a drop into water and is dustproof.
There aren't many cameras to count on its matte glass back, as the iPhone 16e does without an ultra-wide-angle lens and is limited to a single 48 MP camera flanked by an LED flash. The iPhone 16e is also notable for its lack of color options, as Apple only sells this model in black or white.
Connectivity - Apple Intelligence runs on the iPhone 16e
Apple sells its smartphone in three storage variants, each with 8 GB of RAM. As a result, Apple Intelligence also runs on the iPhone 16e. Compared to the last iPhone SE model, the iPhone SE 2022, which started at around $565, its prices have been raised. However, the predecessor model also stopped at 4 GB RAM and had no more than 256 GB of storage.
• 128 GB storage: $599
• 256 GB storage: $699
• 512 GB storage: $899
The iPhone 16e has inherited Bluetooth 5.3 and an NFC chip, which is only available in read mode, from the iPhone 16 series. An ultra-wideband chip for precise AirTag positioning, as well as support for Thread networks, is not included.
Its USB-C port works according to the USB 2.0 standard and achieved a typical USB 2.0 data rate of 33.6 MB/s during our copying test with the Samsung Portable SSD T7. Screen mirroring via USB-C doesn't work with the iPhone 16e.
Software - The Apple iPhone 16e runs iOS 18
iOS 18 runs on the iPhone 16e, and Apple Intelligence has finally made it to Europe since the update to iOS 18.4. AI functions such as ChatGPT integration in Siri, editing photos or summarizing messages can now also be used on the iPhone 16e.
Apple offers long update cycles for its smartphones, which are usually at least 5 years. For example, the iPhone 11, which was released in 2019, will still receive an update to the upcoming iOS 19.
Sustainability
According to Apple, the iPhone 16e is made from more than 30% recycled materials. Its battery and taptic engine are made from 100% recycled cobalt and tungsten, respectively. Apple states that 96% of its rare earths are recycled, while 85% of the phone's frame is made from recycled aluminum. The manufacturer provides more detailed information in its Environmental Report for the iPhone 16e.
The device's packaging is plastic-free and consists of 100% wood fibers. These have either also been recycled or come from responsibly managed forests.
Apple offers a self-repair service for the iPhone 16e, which includes a repair manual and a web store with original spare parts and tools. Alternatively, the smartphone can be sent in for repair.
Communication and GNSS - The first iPhone with Apple's 5G modem C1
In the iPhone 16e, Apple has debuted its in-house 5G modem C1 for the first time, which gives the smartphone access to a large pool of mobile frequencies. The C1 modem also brings the iPhone 16e the emergency satellite call function, Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 with 2x2 MIMO.
Our WLAN test with our reference router, the Asus ROG Rapture AXE11000, revealed that the iPhone 16e doesn't support the 6 GHz band, which is why rivals such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE didn't give it a chance in this respect. Within the 5 GHz band, Apple's smartphone achieved very stable transfer rates at a maximum of 765 MBit/s, which were slightly below average in comparison.
| Networking | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
| Average 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
| Average of class Smartphone | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 6GHz | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 6GHz | |
The iPhone 16e supports all important satellite systems for positioning, namely GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou and NavIC. During our test, it quickly established a signal and proved to be very suitable for navigation. The iPhone 16e recorded the route of our 4-kilometer walk almost as precisely as the Garmin Venu 2 fitness smartwatch.
Telephone functions and call quality - Dual-eSIM support for the iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e supports VoLTE and WiFi calls, and has space for a nano SIM card. You can additionally activate an eSIM for dual SIM operation. Alternatively, you can use 2 eSIMs.
The iPhone 16e delivers good call quality and reliably suppresses ambient noise. In hands-free mode, we sounded a little muffled to the other party during our test, but intelligibility remained high.
Cameras - Fusion camera with 48 MP
The iPhone 16e shares the same selfie camera as the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup. It takes good photos and, like its main camera, records videos at up to 4K at 60 frames per second.
On the back, however, you can tell from a distance that the iPhone 16e isn't a "normal" iPhone, as there is only a single camera lens on its back cover. Behind it is a 48 MP sensor with optical image stabilization and integrated 2x magnification, which Apple has been using in this form since the iPhone 15.
However, it isn't quite the same Fusion camera as in the iPhone 16 because inside the iPhone 16e, it has to make do without sensor shift technology. By default, the camera takes photos at 24 MP and can be switched to 12 MP.
When taking a look at photos and videos shot in good lighting conditions, you'll hardly notice any difference in quality compared to the other iPhone 16 models. Its 48 MP camera takes good photos with realistic skin tones, vibrant colors and lots of details. In low-light conditions and when zooming, on the other hand, its imaging performance isn't quite as high. Up to 2x magnification, however, the differences in its zoom shots are marginal.
Due to its single-camera setup, the iPhone 16e lacks a few photographic options. For example, the smartphone doesn't support Cinema or Action mode for video recordings, as these require additional depth information. The camera also needs this for Portrait mode, so the camera software has to step in here instead. Its lack of an ultra-wide-angle camera additionally means that you can't take macro photos or videos.
Image Comparison
Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.
Daylight photoDaylight photo5x zoomLow-light photo
In our test lab, the 48 MP camera showed that it can reproduce colors very precisely under ideal lighting conditions. The test chart appeared blurred at 1 lux of residual light, but was still complete.
Accessories and warranty - Not picky about the power supply unit
The iPhone 16e comes with a USB cable, a SIM tool and a number of leaflets with information material. A range of accessories, such as power adapters, protective covers and headphones, are available via Apple's online store. During our test, the smartphone worked with all of the third-party USB-C power adapters we used, so you don't necessarily have to buy one from Apple.
Apple offers a 12-month warranty on its iPhone 16e. In addition, you can protect your smartphone against accidental damage with Apple Care+ for a deductible, and insure it against theft or loss. You'll pay $99.99 a year or $9.99 monthly.
Input devices and operation - The iPhone 16e with FaceID and an Action button
Thanks to its powerful hardware, the iPhone 16e feels very smooth to use. However, its display doesn't appear quite as buttery because the precise touchscreen only runs at a maximum of 60 Hz.
The iPhone 16e doesn't have a camera button with touch controls, but it does feature a multifunctional Action button that activates silent mode by default. Alternatively, it can be configured to launch the camera, switch on the flashlight or call up the translation function, for example.
The iPhone 16e relies on FaceID for biometric unlocking, which is very secure thanks to its three-dimensional facial recognition, and it works super quickly and reliably.
Display - iPhone-14 OLED at 800 nits
The iPhone 16e's OLED display is 6.1 inches in size, like that of the iPhone 16, but it isn't the same model. Firstly, its brightness is lower, because instead of the usual 1000 nits, this screen only shines at a maximum of 800 nits. Furthermore, its resolution is slightly lower at 2532 x 1170 pixels. Both of these factors suggest that the iPhone 16e has "recycled" the OLED screen from the iPhone 14.
Nevertheless, this doesn't make the screen worse per se. The OLED display with a brightness of up to 839 cd/m² is very evenly illuminated, reproduces colors accurately and increases to up to 1201 cd/m² when displaying HDR content. Its compatibility is exemplary and includes HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HLG, HDR.
Sensitive users may be bothered by the PWM flickering that is typical of OLED screens. The panel flickers at 60 Hz across all the brightness levels we tested. At the same time, it uses a PWM dimming frequency that, at 476 Hz, isn't too high.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 99 %
Center on Battery: 833 cd/m²
Contrast: ∞:1 (Black: 0 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 0.7 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.86
ΔE Greyscale 0.6 | 0.09-98 Ø5.1
99.9% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.19
| Apple iPhone 16e OLED, 2532x1170, 6.1" | Apple iPhone 16 Super Retina XDR OLED, 2556x1179, 6.1" | Apple iPhone SE 2022 IPS, 1334x750, 4.7" | Google Pixel 8a AMOLED, 2400x1080, 6.1" | Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra Flow AMOLED, 3200x1440, 6.7" | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE AMOLED, 2340x1080, 6.7" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | -13% | -89% | -44% | -33% | -40% | |
| Brightness middle | 833 | 1101 32% | 662 -21% | 1518 82% | 1846 122% | 1211 45% |
| Brightness | 837 | 1102 32% | 647 -23% | 1466 75% | 1850 121% | 1214 45% |
| Brightness Distribution | 99 | 99 0% | 92 -7% | 88 -11% | 93 -6% | 99 0% |
| Black Level * | 0.4 | |||||
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 0.7 | 0.9 -29% | 1.44 -106% | 1.2 -71% | 1.2 -71% | 1.6 -129% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 1.6 | 1.5 6% | 4.74 -196% | 3.3 -106% | 2.9 -81% | 2.4 -50% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 0.6 | 1.3 -117% | 1.7 -183% | 2 -233% | 2.3 -283% | 1.5 -150% |
| Gamma | 2.19 100% | 2.16 102% | 2.179 101% | 2.2 100% | 2.25 98% | 2.13 103% |
| CCT | 6525 100% | 6480 100% | 6746 96% | 6786 96% | 6707 97% | 6456 101% |
| Contrast | 1655 |
* ... smaller is better
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 60 Hz Amplitude: 15 % Secondary Frequency: 476 Hz |  | |
The display backlight flickers at 60 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) . The frequency of 60 Hz is very low, so the flickering may cause eyestrain and headaches after extended use. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8437 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | |||
Measurement series with fixed zoom level and different brightness settings (The amplitude curve at minimum brightness looks flat, but this is due to the scaling. The info box shows the enlarged version of the amplitude at minimum brightness).
We used a spectrophotometer and the Calman software to determine how accurate its color display is. With the True Tone function deactivated, the OLED screen showed only very slight deviations from the ideal values and managed a very good picture quality overall.
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2.26 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 1.058 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 1.205 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 10 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (20.7 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 17.14 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 0.4675 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 16.67 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 29 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (32.3 ms). | ||
When used outdoors, the iPhone 16e is most noticeable for not having a screen as bright as the iPhone 16. However, if you avoid direct sunlight, you can easily read content on its viewing angle-stable display.
Performance - The iPhone 16e's Apple A18 lacks a GPU core
Thanks to the Apple A18 and 8 GB RAM, we noted no performance problems on the iPhone 16e, and it can develop an enormously high performance that is currently barely needed by any app. During our test, the Apple phone was also at the forefront when it came to AI calculations.
| AImark - Score v3.x | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Average Apple A18 (30473 - 33181, n=3) | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Average of class Smartphone (82 - 307528, n=138, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| Geekbench AI | |
| Single Precision Core ML Neural Engine 1.2 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Average Apple A18 (n=1) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (3564 - 4595, n=3, last 2 years) | |
| Half Precision Core ML Neural Engine 1.2 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Average Apple A18 (n=1) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (22072 - 33194, n=3, last 2 years) | |
| Quantized Core ML Neural Engine 1.2 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Average Apple A18 (n=1) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (26006 - 46302, n=3, last 2 years) | |
In contrast to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16e's Apple A18 lacks a GPU core, reducing their total number from 5 to 4. During the graphics benchmarks, the smartphone was therefore always a little weaker than its iPhone 16 colleagues. Nevertheless, the SoC still offers so much power that its lack of a GPU core won't be noticeable in practice.
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7: T-Rex Onscreen | 1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen
GFXBench 3.0: on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL | 1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen
GFXBench 3.1: on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen | 1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen
GFXBench: on screen Car Chase Onscreen | 1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen | on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen | 2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen | on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen | 1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen | 3840x2160 4K Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen
| 3DMark / Wild Life Extreme Unlimited | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| 3DMark / Wild Life Extreme | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| 3DMark / Wild Life Unlimited Score | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| 3DMark / Solar Bay Score | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| 3DMark / Solar Bay Unlimited Score | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| 3DMark / Steel Nomad Light Unlimited Score | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| 3DMark / Steel Nomad Light Score | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7 / T-Rex Onscreen | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7 / T-Rex Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| GFXBench 3.0 / Manhattan Onscreen OGL | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| GFXBench 3.0 / 1080p Manhattan Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| GFXBench 3.1 / Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| GFXBench 3.1 / Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| GFXBench / Car Chase Onscreen | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| GFXBench / Car Chase Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| GFXBench / Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| GFXBench / 4K Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
In the browser benchmarks, the iPhones were in a class of their own, with the iPhone 16e proving to be no exception. Web pages load quickly and are set up in no time at all. Even so, its low refresh rate of 60 Hz makes scrolling feel a little sluggish.
| Jetstream 2 - 2.0 Total Score | |
| Apple iPhone 16e (Safari 18) | |
| Average Apple A18 (270 - 300, n=3) | |
| Apple iPhone 16 (Safari 18) | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra (Chrome 134) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99) | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (Chrome 130) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 387, n=165, last 2 years) | |
| Google Pixel 8a (Chrome 126) | |
| Speedometer 2.0 - Result | |
| Apple iPhone 16e (Safari 18) | |
| Average Apple A18 (539 - 550, n=2) | |
| Apple iPhone 16 (Safari 18) | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (Chrome 130) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chome 99) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (15.2 - 569, n=147, last 2 years) | |
| Google Pixel 8a (Chrome 126) | |
| Speedometer 3.0 - Score | |
| Apple iPhone 16e (Safari 18) | |
| Apple iPhone 16 (Safari 18) | |
| Average Apple A18 (29.9 - 33.3, n=3) | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (Chrome 130) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (1.03 - 34, n=96, last 2 years) | |
| Google Pixel 8a (Chrome 126) | |
| WebXPRT 4 - Overall | |
| Apple iPhone 16e (Safari 18) | |
| Average Apple A18 (263 - 273, n=3) | |
| Apple iPhone 16 (Safari 18) | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (Chrome 130) | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra (Chrome 134) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (22 - 273, n=157, last 2 years) | |
| Google Pixel 8a (Chrome 126) | |
| Octane V2 - Total Score | |
| Apple iPhone 16e (Safari 18) | |
| Apple iPhone 16 (Safari 18) | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra (Chrome 134) | |
| Average Apple A18 (90158 - 97104, n=3) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99) | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (Chrome 130) | |
| Google Pixel 8a (Chrome 126) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (2228 - 100368, n=207, last 2 years) | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total | |
| Average of class Smartphone (277 - 28190, n=166, last 2 years) | |
| Google Pixel 8a (Chrome 126) | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE (Chrome 130) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99) | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra (Chrome 134) | |
| Average Apple A18 (285 - 290, n=3) | |
| Apple iPhone 16e (Safari 18) | |
| Apple iPhone 16 (Safari 18) | |
* ... smaller is better
Apple relies on fast NVMe storage for the iPhone 16e. Unfortunately, we can't objectively assess its performance as there are no reliable storage benchmarks available for iOS.
Games - 60fps is the limit
You shouldn't expect more than 60 frames per second on the iPhone 16e's OLED screen. Still, current games such as Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile max out this limit even in very high graphics settings, so very smooth gaming is generally still possible.
We measured the game frame rates using Gamebench.
Emissions - Stereo speakers with balanced sound
Temperature
Under load, the iPhone 16e heats up noticeably. We noted a maximum temperature of 43.2 °C on its surface. The 3DMark stress tests showed that the iPhone 16e can only maintain its maximum performance for a relatively short time before the SoC is throttled.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 43.1 °C / 110 F, compared to the average of 35.1 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 63.7 °C for the class Smartphone.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 43.2 °C / 110 F, compared to the average of 33.9 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.2 °C / 85 F, compared to the device average of 32.8 °C / 91 F.
3DMark Steel Nomad stress test
| 3DMark | |
| Wild Life Stress Test Stability | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| Wild Life Extreme Stress Test | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
| Solar Bay Stress Test Stability | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Steel Nomad Light Stress Test Stability | |
| Apple iPhone 16e | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | |
| Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | |
| Google Pixel 8a | |
Speakers
The phone's two speakers produce a balanced sound that conveys voices and music well. At higher volumes, they sound increasingly tinny.
You can make use of the USB-C port for wired sound output, and wireless sound works via Bluetooth 5.3—although the phone only supports Apple's AAC codec and SBC.
Apple iPhone 16e audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (88.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 15.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (9.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.1% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (3.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5.9% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (2.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (14.3% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 1% of all tested devices in this class were better, 1% similar, 98% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 36%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 16% of all tested devices were better, 4% similar, 80% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (91.9 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 20.2% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (4.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 7.3% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (6.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.3% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (3.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (17.4% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 11% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 82% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 36%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 31% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 61% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%
Battery life - Runs longer than the iPhone 16
Power consumption
The iPhone 16e has a 4005 mAh battery, which is significantly larger than the iPhone 16's model (3561 mAh). In combination with its moderate power consumption, this should theoretically enable longer runtimes. Apple hasn't provided exact details, but only speaks in general terms of up to 26 hours of video playback and up to 90 hours of audio playback.
Assuming a power supply unit of at least 20 watts, 50% of the battery's capacity should be recharged within 30 minutes. With a 65-watt power supply (Ugreen 2C1A), a full charging cycle took 80 minutes during our test, so slightly faster than with the iPhone 16. 80% of its battery was charged after 46 minutes.
The iPhone 16e doesn't support MagSafe, but can be charged with Qi chargers. However, the latter only works at a maximum of 7.5 watts.
| Off / Standby |   0.07 / 0.1 Watt |
| Idle |  0.68 / 1.89 / 1.93 Watt |
| Load |
3.77 / 9.04 Watt |
    
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Metrahit Energy | |
| Apple iPhone 16e 4005 mAh | Apple iPhone 16 3561 mAh | Apple iPhone SE 2022 2018 mAh | Google Pixel 8a 4492 mAh | Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra 5300 mAh | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 4700 mAh | Average Apple A18 | Average of class Smartphone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 9% | -2% | -25% | -18% | -57% | -6% | -18% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 0.68 | 0.51 25% | 0.6 12% | 0.92 -35% | 0.89 -31% | 0.78 -15% | 0.663 ? 2% | 0.872 ? -28% |
| Idle Average * | 1.89 | 1.42 25% | 0.9 52% | 1.46 23% | 1.19 37% | 1.31 31% | 1.437 ? 24% | 1.415 ? 25% |
| Idle Maximum * | 1.93 | 1.43 26% | 1.5 22% | 1.65 15% | 1.22 37% | 1.36 30% | 1.52 ? 21% | 1.556 ? 19% |
| Load Average * | 3.77 | 4.21 -12% | 6.5 -72% | 7.96 -111% | 8.76 -132% | 13.23 -251% | 5.83 ? -55% | 7.04 ? -87% |
| Load Maximum * | 9.04 | 10.96 -21% | 11 -22% | 10.74 -19% | 9.3 -3% | 16.23 -80% | 11.2 ? -24% | 10.6 ? -17% |
* ... smaller is better
Power consumption: Geekbench (150 cd/m²)
Power consumption: GFXbench (150 cd/m²)
Runtimes
Apple's decision to give the iPhone 16e a larger battery than the iPhone 16 has paid off when it comes to its battery life. Managing more than 23 hours of simulated web surfing and 24:20 hours when playing an HD video in a continuous loop, it clearly beat the iPhone 16 and in some cases even reached the levels of the iPhone 16 Plus. Either way, you can easily get through the day with your iPhone 16e—even with intensive use.
| Apple iPhone 16e 4005 mAh | Apple iPhone 16 3561 mAh | Apple iPhone SE 2022 2018 mAh | Google Pixel 8a 4492 mAh | Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra 5300 mAh | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 4700 mAh | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | -10% | -38% | -29% | -21% | -46% | |
| Reader / Idle | 2842 | 2772 -2% | 2049 -28% | 1803 -37% | ||
| H.264 | 1460 | 1385 -5% | 797 -45% | 1132 -22% | ||
| WiFi v1.3 | 1390 | 1096 -21% | 769 -45% | 796 -43% | 1103 -21% | 749 -46% |
| Load | 244 | 217 -11% | 164 -33% | 211 -14% |
Notebookcheck total rating
The iPhone 16e is Apple's most affordable iPhone and proves to be an interesting upgrade option, especially for owners of older iPhones. The 6.1-inch device offers decent features including a bright OLED display, good camera and long battery life. However, the iPhone 16e lacks an ultra-wide-angle camera as well as MagSafe and an ultra-wideband chip.
Apple iPhone 16e
- 05/02/2025 v8
Manuel Masiero
Total Sustainability Score: Possible alternatives compared
Image | Model / Review | Price | Weight | Drive | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. 84.1%  | Apple iPhone 16e Apple A18 ⎘ Apple A18 GPU ⎘ 8 GB Memory, 128 GB NVMe | Amazon: 1. $39.00 Apple iPhone 16e Silicone Ca... 2. $5.98 Ailun Screen Protector for i... 3. $7.99 iPhone 16e Fast Charger Bloc... List Price: 699 Euro | 167 g | 128 GB NVMe | 6.10" 2532x1170 460 PPI OLED |
2. 88.2%  | Apple iPhone 16 Apple A18 ⎘ Apple A18 GPU ⎘ 8 GB Memory, 512 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $39.99 Apple iPhone 16 Silicone Cas... 2. $7.99 ($4.00 / Count) Car Carplay Cable for iPhone... 3. $48.75 Apple iPhone 16 Pro Silicone... List Price: 1329€ | 170 g | Apple 512GB NVMe | 6.10" 2556x1179 460 PPI Super Retina XDR OLED |
3. 86.1% v7 (old)  | Apple iPhone SE 2022 Apple A15 Bionic ⎘ Apple A15 GPU 5-Core ⎘ 4 GB Memory, 64 GB SSD | Amazon: 1. $512.93 2022 Apple iPhone SE (128 GB... 2. $111.48 Apple iPhone SE (128GB, (Pro... 3. $5.98 Ailun Screen Protector for i... List Price: 519€ | 144 g | 64 GB SSD | 4.70" 1334x750 326 PPI IPS |
4. 81.9%  | Google Pixel 8a Google Tensor G3 ⎘ ARM Mali-G715 MP7 ⎘ 8 GB Memory, 128 GB | Amazon: $487.00 List Price: 549€ | 188 g | 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | 6.10" 2400x1080 431 PPI AMOLED |
5. 85.3%  | Xiaomi Poco F7 Ultra Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite ⎘ Qualcomm Adreno 830 ⎘ 16 GB Memory, 512 GB | Amazon: 1. $7.99 Anoowkoa 2 Pack for Xiaomi P... 2. $8.99 Suttkue for Xiaomi Poco F7 P... 3. $6.99 Aiziki (2 Pack Designed for ... List Price: 800€ | 212 g | 512 GB UFS 4.1 Flash | 6.67" 3200x1440 526 PPI Flow AMOLED |
6. 85.7%  | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Samsung Exynos 2400e ⎘ Samsung Xclipse 940 ⎘ 8 GB Memory, 128 GB | Amazon: 1. $6.75 Supershieldz (3 Pack) Design... 2. $6.94 amFilm Auto-Alignment OneTou... 3. $7.19 3 Pack Glass Screen Protecto... | 213 g | 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | 6.70" 2340x1080 385 PPI AMOLED |
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The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was provided to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or retailer for the purpose of this review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. We never accept compensation or payment in return for our reviews. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
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