iPhone 16e first impressions: Budget-friendly entry to Apple Intelligence

iPhone 16e has arrived, and it’s generating considerable buzz as the most affordable entry point into the world of Apple Intelligence. Designed specifically to meet the minimum requirements for running Apple's AI-powered services, the iPhone 16e offers a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers eager to experience the latest technology.
The iPhone 16e’s key selling point is its price. By offering a more accessible price point, Apple is making its AI technology available to a wider audience. This strategic move could significantly impact the adoption of Apple Intelligence.

The iPhone 16e is priced at Rs 59,900 – considerably higher than previous ‘affordable’ iPhones that belonged to the ‘SE’ lineup. iPhone 16e is different from the SE lineup because it is being called as the newest member of the iPhone 16 series.
It is available in Black and White colours with Lake Green, Fuchsia, Winter Blue, White and Black colour cases.

The iPhone 16e gets all the necessary features from the iPhone 16 lineup. For example, it gets the Ceramic Shield protection for its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display that Apple says is tougher than any other smartphone glass and ready to handle all of those real‑life situations.
The design is a bit dated with the iPhone 13-like notch and the chassis of the Phone 16e is made from durable aerospace‑grade aluminium. The phone also gets the Action Button – that allows users to customise it as a shortcut for an application – such as Apple Intelligence, Torch, or Camera and so on.
There’s a USB Type-C port and Face ID to securely unlock and sign in with just a glance. And iPhone 16e is resistant to splashes, water and dust with IP68 rating.

While it's positioned as the entry-level model in the iPhone 16 lineup, the 16e doesn't skimp on performance. It gets the similar A18 chip that is available in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. However, iPhone 16e gets a 4‑core GPU instead of 5‑core GPU in iPhone 16.
Initial tests indicate smooth handling of everyday tasks and buttery smooth navigation in classic Apple style. While Apple Intelligence is officially not available in India and is set to arrive in the upcoming months, we had a sneak peak of the AI features.
We saw a seamless integration with AI-powered applications. The AI tools allowed us to write, express ourselves, and accomplish tasks with remarkable ease. We were even able to personalise our experience by creating emojis and taking help from ChatGPT to refine text.

The phone also gets AI-driven enhancements in photography, such as intelligent scene recognition and ability to effortlessly refine photos with the Clean Up tool. While the full extent of Apple Intelligence capabilities on the 16e will be revealed with further testing, early indications suggest a satisfying user experience for those exploring Apple's AI ecosystem.
Apple will also be bringing the support for 11 Indian languages with system level integration and full transliteration.
The inclusion of the new C1 modem is a notable feature. This is likely a testing ground for Apple, potentially paving the way for future modem development and a reduced reliance on third-party suppliers.
iPhone 16e is claimed to feature a ‘supersized battery life’ with Apple claiming it’s the best battery life in an iPhone this size – offering up to 26 hours of video playback.

Overall, the iPhone 16e appears to be a promising device for those seeking an affordable entry into the Apple Intelligence ecosystem. It represents a significant step towards democratising access to advanced AI capabilities. Further testing and real-world usage will provide a more comprehensive picture of its strengths and weaknesses.