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Apple announced the iPhone 16e on February 18, 2025, positioning it as the more affordable entry in the iPhone 16 family. It combines a 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, USB-C, an A18 chip and Apple’s C1 cellular modem. Apple called C1 its first cellular modem designed by Apple—not the first 5G modem ever—and its launch announcement does not establish that C1 outperforms competing modems.
What is the iPhone 16e?
The iPhone 16e is a member of Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup. Apple announced it on February 18, 2025, with pre-orders scheduled to begin February 21 and availability scheduled for February 28. Those dates describe its original launch, not current stock or pricing. Apple’s UK launch announcement described it as the lineup’s more affordable option.
Its core hardware includes a 6.1-inch OLED display, the A18 chip, Face ID through the TrueDepth camera system, a USB-C port and a 48-megapixel Fusion camera with an integrated 2x telephoto option. The camera’s 2x view is an option built into that camera system, not a separate telephoto camera.
Does iPhone 16e have USB-C and Face ID?
Yes. The iPhone 16e has a USB-C connector and uses Face ID, Apple’s facial-recognition system, through its TrueDepth camera. The USB-C cable in the box is one metre long; the box does not include a power adapter or EarPods.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
What is Apple’s C1 modem?
C1 is Apple’s cellular modem, which the company described at launch as its first modem designed by Apple. Apple says it provides 5G connectivity. That establishes the company’s design and connectivity claims, but does not by itself show how the modem compares with another phone’s modem for speed, coverage or efficiency. Those results depend on factors such as the carrier, network conditions and market, and the available specifications are not an independent comparison.
The A18 is the phone’s processor. In its launch announcement, Apple said the A18’s 6-core CPU was up to 80 percent faster than the A13 Bionic in iPhone 11, and that its 16-core Neural Engine ran machine-learning models up to six times faster. These are Apple’s stated comparisons, not independent benchmark results.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
How long does iPhone 16e battery last?
Apple Support lists up to 26 hours of video playback or up to 21 hours of streamed video playback. These are Apple’s estimates, not guaranteed everyday runtimes; actual battery life varies with use and conditions. At launch, Apple also claimed up to six hours more battery life than iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours more than every iPhone SE generation. That comparison is Apple’s claim, not an independent battery test.
Does iPhone 16e come with a charger?
No power adapter is included. The box contains a one-metre USB-C charging cable and documentation, but no EarPods. To charge from a wall outlet, you need a compatible USB-C power adapter, which is sold separately.
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- apple iphone 16e; iphone 16e 128gb; apple smartphone; iphone eSIM; unlocked iphone
Apple Support says a 20W-or-higher adapter can charge the phone to up to 50 percent in 30 minutes under Apple’s test conditions; results vary with factors including settings and environment. The phone also supports Qi wireless charging. For the full specifications and Apple’s test qualifications, see Apple’s iPhone 16e technical specifications.
What other features should buyers know about?
Satellite features
Apple announced Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages and Find My via satellite for iPhone 16e. Access and eligibility can depend on the feature, country or region, and service conditions; check Apple’s current support information for the market where you plan to use the phone.
Rank #4
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
Water and dust resistance
Apple lists an IP68 rating, tested under controlled laboratory conditions, with a maximum depth of six metres for up to 30 minutes. Apple warns that resistance can decrease through normal wear and that liquid damage is not covered under warranty. The rating should not be treated as a promise that a used or damaged phone will remain waterproof.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the launch specifications do—and do not—tell you
The specifications establish the phone’s hardware, Apple’s stated battery estimates and the accessories supplied at launch. They do not establish its current price or availability in a particular country, nor do they show how C1 performs against competing modems in real-world network conditions. Those questions require current local listings or independent, carrier- and market-specific testing.
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Best Value
- Super Magnetic Attraction: Powerful built-in magnets, easier place-and-go wireless charging and compatible with MagSafe
- Compatibility: Only compatible with iPhone 16e/17e; precise cutouts for easy access to all ports, buttons, sensors and cameras, soft and sensitive buttons with good response, are easy to press
- Matte Translucent Back: Features a flexible TPU frame and a matte coating on the hard PC back to provide you with a premium touch and excellent grip, while the entire matte back coating perfectly blocks smudges, fingerprints and even scratches
- Shock Protection: Passing military drop tests up to 10 feet, your device is effectively protected from violent impacts and drops
- Check your phone model: Before you order, please confirm your phone model to find out which product is right for you
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
