iPhone 16e Review: Apple's Cheapest New iPhone of 2025

The iPhone 16 has introduced a number of great upgrades in 2025, but there is one model for a significantly different reason: cost. The iPhone 16e is Apple's cheapest new phone in the range and has been made available to cater to users who desire that new iPhone feel without paying the high price tag. Although it lacks all the trimmings of the Pro offerings, the iPhone 16e provides reputable performance, the new chipset, enhanced AI functionality, and a refined Apple experience at a lower price.

Here, we delve deeper into what the iPhone 16e brings to the table, what concessions Apple made to make it cheaper, and whether you should buy this phone in 2025.

A Budget-Friendly iPhone That Doesn’t Feel Cheap

The iPhone 16e has a One of the standout features is that it doesn't feel or appear to be a low-budget device. Apple has kept its classic design language, and the 16e has a smooth aluminum frame, resistant glass back, and rounded edges that fit in with the rest of the 16 family. The phone is available in a range of playful colors for a younger crowd, yet still packs a premium in-hand feel.

Despite being the most affordable model, the 16e benefits from modern design trends, including a slightly smaller Dynamic Island notch, edge-to-edge display, and a lighter, more compact build that makes it comfortable to use one-handed. There’s no sense of compromise when it comes to design quality—the 16e still looks like a true iPhone.

Display and Visual Experience

The iPhone 16e comes with the same size as the iPhone 16, a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina screen. Though not up to par with the 120Hz refresh rate of the Pros, Apple's screen is crisp, bright, and color-accurate. It has True Tone and HDR content support for an enjoyable viewing experience for streaming, gaming, or surfing.

Apple has also calibrated the display to be used in different light conditions, so the iPhone 16e is a phone upon which you can count if you're indoors or standing in direct sunlight. The ProMotion technology may be a loss for high refresh rate enthusiasts, but the smoothness of iOS 18 ensures that even at 60 Hz the user interface remains silky smooth.

Driven by the Same Chip as the Flagships

One of the best things about the iPhone 16e is that it runs on the same Apple A18 chip found in the regular iPhone 16. What this translates to is that you're getting top performance at a cheaper cost. The A18 chip is designed for acceleration, power efficiency, and AI-based functionality. Whether multitasking apps, video editing, or graphic-heavy gaming, the 16e meets it all with a smooth stroke.

Apple has been in the practice of including even more AI capabilities across the 16 series, and not excluded in this is the 16e series. The on-device AI enhances various functionalities such as sophisticated image editing, voice recognition, personalized recommendations, and live language translation. Courtesy of the A18 chip, even budget iPhone users can enjoy the benefits of real-time intelligence and machine learning enhancements that have been slowly but surely becoming the bedrock of Apple's user experience in 2025.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life on the iPhone 16e is surprisingly good, especially for its price point. Apple has optimized power efficiency to allow the device to last a full day under regular use—whether you’re streaming, messaging, navigating, or making video calls. With iOS 18’s intelligent battery management features, background processes are handled more efficiently, contributing to longer screen time.

The iPhone 16e supports both wired and MagSafe wireless charging. While charging speeds aren’t as fast as some Android competitors, they are consistent and safe, maintaining battery health over time. Users can expect around 50% charge in 30 minutes with a compatible fast charger.

Camera: Simplicity Meets Quality

The iPhone 16e also features a dual-camera system consisting of a primary wide sensor and an ultra-wide lens. Although it does not have the telephoto and LiDAR capabilities of premium models, the 16e still delivers stunning images. With Apple's enhanced image processing chip and the AI improvements in the A18 chip, users are treated to sharp photos with natural color tones and improved low-light performance.

Video recording is also solid, backed by 4K at 60 fps and good stabilization. Honestly, this isn't the main camera in mobile; it's ideal for normal users who are okay with capturing excellent photos and videos without much hard work.
Software Experience with iOS 18

The iPhone 16e can be set up directly from the box by bundling iOS 18, which offers a lean, fast, feature-packed experience. With some added customization options, better widget integration, and privacy settings, iOS 18 can even turn the most basic iPhone into a serious punch carrier. The future-proof purchase also comes with decades of support by Apple software, so the iPhone 16e has a guarantee of staying updated for quite a number of decades.

Integration with other Apple devices is still a hallmark strength. From effortless AirDrop and iCloud syncing to the iPhone as a webcam for your MacBook, the 16e works harmoniously in the Apple ecosystem, providing users with more bang for their buck than any competing smartphone on the market.

The Verdict: Worth Every Euro

In 2025, the Apple iPhone 16e proves that budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean basic. Apple has managed to create a device that delivers on performance, design, software, and user experience—all while keeping the price tag more approachable. It may not have the ProMotion display, triple-camera setup, or titanium frame of the higher-end models, but it gets the essentials right where it matters most.

For students, first-time iPhone users, or anyone simply looking for a reliable iPhone without breaking the bank, the iPhone 16e is a fantastic option. It’s the cheapest new iPhone in Apple’s lineup, but it certainly doesn’t feel cheap.