When Apple announced the iPhone 16e, many were caught off guard. Instead of being the budget-friendly replacement for the iPhone SE, this new model turned out to be a $600 semi-flagship product, 40% more expensive than the previous SE.
While this price jump may seem steep, the iPhone 16e does bring a standout feature that sets it apart from other iPhones in its class—exceptional battery life. However, this device also comes with a controversial omission: no MagSafe support. Let’s break down why Apple made these decisions.
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A Massive Battery for an Entry-Level iPhone
One of the biggest advantages of the iPhone 16e is its incredible battery life. Apple has equipped this phone with a larger battery than any other standard iPhone, including the iPhone 16 and even the iPhone 15. The 16e houses a nearly 4,000 mAh battery, which is larger than the battery in the iPhone 14—a phone it closely resembles in design and dimensions.
With this massive battery, the iPhone 16e delivers all-day performance, rivaling Pro Max models in longevity. For users who prioritize battery life over high refresh rate displays or ultra-powerful cameras, this feature alone makes the 16e an appealing option. In 2025, long battery life is arguably more important than having the fastest processor or highest-resolution screen, especially for an entry-level product.
How Apple Achieved Longer Battery Life
The iPhone 16e’s exceptional battery life isn’t just due to the larger battery capacity. Several other factors contribute to its efficiency:
1. Apple’s New C1 5G Modem
One of the biggest contributors to the 16e’s energy efficiency is the introduction of Apple’s in-house C1 5G modem. After years of development, billions of dollars in investment, and the acquisition of Intel’s modem division, Apple finally replaced Qualcomm’s modem with its own design. The C1 modem is optimized for energy efficiency, ensuring that the iPhone 16e consumes less power when streaming, browsing, or gaming on cellular data.
Though it performs well in real-world tests, the C1 modem lacks millimeter-wave 5G support, meaning it won’t deliver the fastest possible 5G speeds. However, for most users—especially in areas with strong mid-band 5G coverage—this won’t be an issue. The modem still provides reliable connectivity, and the trade-off for better battery life is worth it.
2. A More Efficient A18 Chip
The iPhone 16e is powered by the A18 chip, the same chip used in the iPhone 16, but in a binned-down version with one fewer GPU core. Despite this slight reduction in graphical power, the A18 remains a high-performance and power-efficient chipset, capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly.
Benchmarks and real-world testing show that the A18 in the 16e still delivers excellent speed and responsiveness while helping to maximize battery efficiency. This means that users get a phone that lasts longer without compromising on essential performance.
3. 60Hz OLED Display
Unlike the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, which feature brighter 1,000-nit displays, the iPhone 16e is limited to an 800-nit OLED screen. Additionally, it retains a 60Hz refresh rate, rather than the 120Hz ProMotion found on Apple’s Pro models.
While some tech enthusiasts might be disappointed by the lack of high refresh rates, Apple’s decision to keep it at 60Hz plays a major role in extending battery life. The OLED panel is also more power-efficient than the LCD screens found in older SE models, making it an overall win in efficiency despite the lower brightness.
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The Removal of MagSafe – A Strategic Move?
While the larger battery and improved efficiency of the iPhone 16e are clear upgrades, the decision to remove MagSafe support is puzzling. MagSafe has been a standard feature since the iPhone 12, and it has become widely used for wireless charging, car mounts, and accessories like Apple’s MagSafe wallets and battery packs.
One theory is that Apple removed MagSafe to make space for the bigger battery. However, when comparing the iPhone 14’s internals—which has a similar frame and includes MagSafe—the magnets used in MagSafe are extremely thin (around 0.2–0.3mm thick). This suggests that Apple could have included MagSafe if they really wanted to.
A Deliberate Product Segmentation Strategy
Apple’s decision to remove MagSafe seems to be less about space constraints and more about product differentiation. The iPhone 16e is positioned as a mid-tier phone, and by removing MagSafe, Apple creates an incentive for users to upgrade to the more expensive iPhone 16 or 16 Plus.
Adding to this, Apple’s own official cases for the iPhone 16e lack MagSafe support. In previous years, Apple would sell both standard and MagSafe-compatible cases, but for the 16e, only non-MagSafe cases are available. This suggests that Apple intentionally wants to steer customers towards the higher-tier models if they care about MagSafe compatibility.
For those who still want MagSafe, third-party cases like the dbrand Grip Case include built-in magnets, restoring some MagSafe functionality. However, Apple clearly wants to make MagSafe an exclusive feature of its more premium devices.
Other Omissions and Downgrades
Aside from MagSafe, the iPhone 16e lacks a few other features compared to the standard iPhone 16:
- No Ultra-Wide Camera – The iPhone 16e features a single 2x zoom sensor, but no ultra-wide lens. This means no macro mode and fewer options for landscape photography.
- No Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization – Unlike the iPhone 16, the 16e lacks sensor-shift stabilization, which helps reduce blur in videos and low-light photos.
- No Ultra-Wideband Chip – This omission means less precise device tracking and limited support for UWB car key access.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life rivaling Pro Max models.
- Apple’s energy-efficient C1 5G modem for improved connectivity.
- Powerful A18 chip with smooth performance.
- OLED display, a significant upgrade from the LCD panels in previous SE models.
- Lower price compared to other flagship iPhones.
- Face ID and the new Action Button add to its usability.
Cons:
- No MagSafe support, limiting compatibility with certain accessories.
- No ultra-wide camera or sensor-shift stabilization, reducing camera versatility.
- No high refresh rate, keeping the screen locked at 60Hz.
Final Verdict: A Great Battery with a Few Trade-Offs
The iPhone 16e is a compelling mid-tier option with its huge battery, efficient A18 chip, and improved OLED display. However, its lack of MagSafe, ultra-wide camera, and sensor-shift stabilization makes it less versatile than the standard iPhone 16.
For users who prioritize battery life over everything else, the iPhone 16e is one of the best choices available. However, if you value MagSafe or need an ultra-wide camera, it may be worth considering the iPhone 15 or 16 instead.
Apple’s strategy with the iPhone 16e is clear—it’s a long-lasting phone designed for essential tasks, but it also serves as an entry point that nudges users toward upgrading. Whether this approach is a win for consumers or a way to push more expensive models is up for debate, but one thing is certain: the iPhone 16e’s battery life is unmatched in its category.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the dimensions of the iPhone 16e?
- The iPhone 16e has a 6.1-inch display, with dimensions nearly identical to the iPhone 14.
How much does the iPhone 16e cost?
- The iPhone 16e is priced at $600, making it more expensive than previous budget iPhones like the SE.
Does the iPhone 16e support MagSafe?
- No, the iPhone 16e does not support MagSafe, making it incompatible with MagSafe chargers and accessories.
How does the iPhone 16e compare to the iPhone 16?
- The iPhone 16e has a better battery life but lacks MagSafe support, an ultra-wide camera, and high refresh rate display.
Is the iPhone 16e available on AT&T?
- Yes, the iPhone 16e is available through major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
What cases are available for the iPhone 16e?
- Apple offers standard silicone cases, but they do not have MagSafe. Third-party brands provide MagSafe-compatible options.
What are the main differences between the iPhone 16e and previous models?
- The iPhone 16e offers better battery life and an OLED screen but lacks MagSafe, an ultra-wide camera, and high refresh rates.
