Apple is back with another addition to its lineup, offering a new take on its long popular SE line-up but without the small screen. The iPhone 16e aims to bring the essentials of the flagship experience at a more accessible price point—₹59,900. The real question is: are you getting an iPhone 16 at a smarter price, or is this a strategic refresh of an older model? 

Apple iPhone 16e – What You Get: 

Let’s start with what you do get—there’s a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which, if you squint, looks almost identical to the iPhone 14. A notch instead of the Dynamic Island. However, you do get the A18 chip under the hood, promising smooth performance and ensure your phone is future-proofed for a few years.  

 
The 48MP camera is the biggest win here, giving users a serious photography boost, though the lack of an ultra-wide lens means no sweeping landscape shots unless you step back—way back. Battery life is solid, offering up to 26 hours of video playback, which is actually longer than the standard iPhone 16, thanks in part to Apple’s new C1 5G modem. 

Apple iPhone 16e – What You Miss:  

But now, let’s talk about what Apple has decided you don’t need—the much-hyped Dynamic Island is absent, meaning notifications and live activities won’t get that sleek floating interface. Another miss is the lack of MagSafe capabilities, which shouldn’t hurt too much if you’re upgrading from the iPhone 11 or 12.  

There’s also no ultra-wide camera, which feels like an odd omission given that even mid-range Android phones have them at this price point. However, Apple has introduced the new Action Button in place of the mute switch. 

 
Available in classic black and white, the iPhone 16e opens for pre-orders on 21 February and officially hits shelves on 28 February. So, is it a stripped-down flagship or a smarter buy for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles?