As crazy as it sounds, I almost feel sorry for Apple. They try to listen to customer feedback—people said they wanted a cheaper iPhone, so Apple delivered the iPhone 16e. But then the complaints started rolling in: it lacks features, it’s pointless, it’s a downgrade. But maybe we’re missing the point. Maybe the features that were removed weren’t even being used that much. Maybe what’s left are the essentials—the features that really matter in everyday life. And that raises an important question: Is the iPhone 16e actually the perfect iPhone?
You’re Buying Into More Than Just a Phone
When you buy an Apple product, you’re not just buying a device. You’re buying into an entire experience. You’re getting 24/7 online support, access to real people in physical stores, and long-term software support. These are things that make your iPhone valuable even years down the line. That’s what makes Apple more than just hardware—it’s an ecosystem.
Let’s Talk Price
A lot of people are saying the iPhone 16e is $100 too expensive. But let’s think about how people are actually buying these phones. Most will get them through carrier deals. That means you’re not paying the full price upfront. It’s the monthly payment that really matters.
Even if you go through Apple and use their 24-month interest-free financing, you’re looking at around £25 a month. That’s pretty reasonable. And if, like me, you bought it outright, the extra £100 spread over 3-5 years of use really isn’t a huge deal. What matters more than that £100 is what you’re getting—like the OLED screen instead of a cheaper LCD. You’ll notice a better screen every single day. You won’t notice that £100 after a few months.
The 60Hz Display Debate
Some people are very vocal about the lack of a 120Hz refresh rate. But honestly, most people buying the iPhone 16e won’t even know the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz. Many probably haven’t even heard of refresh rates. And here’s the thing: Apple controls its entire hardware and software stack. That means even with a 60Hz panel, iOS still feels smooth and responsive. Android phones often rely on higher refresh rates to mask inefficiencies in software. Apple doesn’t need to.
Battery Life Surprises
The iPhone 16e’s battery is impressive—even though it’s not the biggest. It packs a 4,005 mAh battery, while the 16 Pro Max has a 4,685 mAh unit. And yet, the 16e performs better. Why? Possibly because it doesn’t have an always-on display, which saves power. It could also be due to the new C1 modem and the efficient A18 chip.
The A18 chip is a key feature—it’s up to 30% faster than the A16 in the iPhone 15 and 50% faster than the A15 in the iPhone 14. It can even match the A16’s performance while using 30% less power. That’s a huge efficiency gain. For many users, this means longer battery life and better overall performance.
Why the iPhone 16e Beats the 15 Pro
Some people say the 16e is pointless and that the 15 Pro is the better buy. I disagree. Buying the 15 Pro means buying older hardware. The 16e gives you newer technology, faster performance, and better efficiency. Why go backwards when a better, fresher option exists?
A Simpler, Smarter Camera
The iPhone 16e has a single 48MP rear camera using Apple’s fusion design. And guess what? It takes amazing photos. No, there’s no separate telephoto lens, but it does offer 2x optical zoom and up to 10x digital zoom. For most users, that’s more than enough.
Let’s be honest—how many people are really using ultra-wide lenses or playing with 5x zoom? Most users don’t even tap the screen to focus. Sometimes, less is more. By trimming away unused extras, Apple made a phone where every feature is actually used—and that’s smart.
On the video side, while the 16e doesn’t offer the best stabilization, it’s not trying to compete with GoPros. For everyday videos and photos, it offers that crisp, polished Apple look.
What About the Missing Features?
No MagSafe? Not a dealbreaker. You can still charge wirelessly, and if you really want MagSafe, just get a case with a MagSafe ring.
No Dynamic Island? Honestly, I rarely use it on my 16 Pro Max. Sure, it’s handy in the car or while listening to music or podcasts, but it’s not essential. If you’ve got an Apple Watch, you’re already getting tons of notifications on your wrist. The need for Dynamic Island goes down significantly.
And as for no Ultra Wideband or Precision Find My? I’ve never used Find My—even for my Apple Pencil. For the iPhone 16e’s target audience, these features are often unknown or unused. They’re nice to have, but far from necessary.
A Beautiful, Simple iPhone Experience
The iPhone 16e embodies the essence of what makes an iPhone great—clean design, strong performance, and simplicity. At £600, you’re getting the full iPhone experience without the over-complication. It’s easy to use, fast, and feels like a breath of fresh air.
Who Is This Phone For?
Many Android users, especially those switching from midrange Samsung models, are loving the iPhone 16e. Why? Because it’s intuitive. You don’t need to study iOS to use it. Just pick it up, and it works. Simple as that.
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