Apple’s iPhone 16e has many features but I’m confused by what is left out

Apple’s $ 599 $ iphone 16e is the new cheapest phone the company released over the years. Her Wednesday debut shows a great review of how Apple presents herself to value -oriented buyers.

On the one hand, Apple created a device that has been built to last years including the same A18 processor it is sending on the iPhone 16 $ 799. The similarities of the iPhone 16 device do not end there, with a similar screen size, resolution of the screen, a USB-C port and front camera. While there are some noticeable changes-a single rear 48-megapixel rear camera and lack of a dynamic island-many buyers can decide otherwise that these trades are more than worth the “$ 200” from the iPhone 16.

However, there are a number of fields where the iPhone 16e falls less of my expectations, at least on paper, such as Magsafe? I look forward to trying the iPhone 16e, but based on Wednesday’s announcement, these are my early thoughts on what Apple is getting with the iPhone 16e and what company decisions have made me confuse.

Pros: All Apple’s new IOS 18 features for $ 200 less

Apple intelligence is clearly a key focus for the iPhone 16e, and the inclusion of the A18 processor allows the new phone to be a compelling rival with Android options similar to their features as 499 $ Google Pixel 8A, $ 600 OnePlus 13R AND $ 650 Samsung Galaxy S24 Fe.

All of these devices require a similar value: an input level phone that lacks some hardware features to maximize software experience and the new features of it.

On paper, this means that the iPhone 16e will not only be capable of full apple intelligence suite – including genre, text editing and chatgt integration – but also able to develop more complex games such as Death Stranding and Resident Evil 4 Remake that are otherwise exclusive to iPhone 15 pro And later.

Con: Apple’s iPhone 16e is more expensive than iPhone than

The iPhone 16e looks like a fantastic value: you are getting a reduced version of the iPhone 16 that costs $ 200 less. But when 429 $ iPhone than Arrived in 2022, customers saved a $ 300 uncle compared to 729 $ iPhone 13 mini.

To be right, the iPhone SE was a completely different phone from the iPhone 13 mini that year, but gave customers an opportunity to buy an iPhone for under $ 500. A smaller LED screen, the house button and the only camera were trade that were likely to appeal to someone who just wanted a new iPhone.

Although the iPhone 16e is closer to the iPhone 16, $ 599 still represents a much heavier input level than $ 429. Only this can push people to update their iPhone than from 2020 or 2022 to a device used or renovated. For example, An iPhone 15 renovated in Amazon It can be easily found for about $ 570, and has a second (ultrawide) and dynamic island camera despite lacking Apple’s intelligence and direction in the A16 bionic chip that debuted in the iPhone 14 Pro.

Pros: USB-C passage from lightning can be a pain but worth it

The most targeted audience of the iPhone 16E is likely to have existing iPhone owners of and anyone with an iPhone 11 or earlier. And for those who consider this iPhone 16E, you will need to switch to your USB-C lightning charging cables-with the phone comes with a new USB-C cable.

Look, everyone hate replacing their power cables, but the change in the USB-C will affect anyone who has not done so already.

For example, if your laptop or tablet already uses a USB-C cable to load, you can now use the same cable for your iPhone. And if you are switching to a USB-C power adapter From the oldest USB block the energy Apple used to sell with its phones, you will receive 20 wire-wire speeding speeds that will be four times faster than the 5 watt adapter was capable of provided.

Con: Exempt the Magsafe of Apple’s iPhone 16e does not make sense

Apple’s Wireless Magsafe Charging is a fantastic feature that is even more widespread thanks to Qi2 magnetic accessories that are hitting the market. Exingdo Large iPhone release since 2020 – banning the iPhone SE – has included wireless magsafe charging that makes the iPhone in accordance with magnetic ports, cases and wallets.

Unfortunately, Magsafe got on the iPhone 16E, and I see it completely shocking. Apple is not even selling a magnetic case to help the release composition, while Samsung and OnePlus offer first -party magnetic cases for compliance. Apple was referring to wireless charging and magsafe mutually for years, and it is strange to see a device capable of Apple’s intelligence, but not capable of magnetic wireless charging.

This does not mean that the iPhone 16e will not work with magnetic equipment. But that means you will need a third party case that supports magnetic accessories. Apple also announced that the iPhone 16e will be limited to the 7.5-wireless wireless charging speed, which is much slower than the 25 watt speed we are seeing on the iPhone 16 through Magsafe.

Pros: Satellite connectivity is now an entry level benefit

The best feature of Apple’s iPhone 16e can be its satellite connection. And while the feature has been available since the iPhone 14, it is new to previous iPhone owners who make the jump.

While debuting only for emergency services, the iPhone satellite connection now allows standard text whenever you lose your phone signal. This feature became especially important during the fires of Los Angeles, during which a number of additional satellite services began to help people stay connected in areas where mobile service was affected.

But it also comes in the herd in less severe circumstances. For example, my colleague David Lumb was able to write from a remote growth in Hawaii where mobile service did not exist.

Con: Apple’s iPhone 16e will not work with the fastest 5G bands

While Apple is making a point to follow its new modem C1 as the “most effective” that has ever been on an iPhone, lacks compliance with the fastest 5G millimeter wave bands available in some cities and large places.

If this is important depends on the type of cell plan for which you are registered, as well as your proximity to an area of ​​the country that has this type of 5G. If you are considering an updating from a iPhone 12 Or later, this can be a step back in terms of functionality. But if you update from any SE iPhone, it would be less important because the iPhone than 2022 also did not include 5G millimeter wave support.

I am surprised that the ultra -fast 5G support is an area that Apple cuts a corner when iPhone models in similar form have included this for years. But there may be mostly at the desire of a device that can debut in its first 5G home modem, which reports Wall Street Journal it took several years to develop. Other cheaper Android phones also remove 5G millimeter-wave support, so it is not unheard of between equipment in this price range.

While there are areas where I wish Apple to provide more value for this new entry level iPhone, it is likely that the next phone will provide many benefits for its $ 599 price. In the meantime, you can view more information for the iPhone 16e, including Our first receiptour thoughts in To whom is the deviceHOW iPhone 16e signals Apple’s plansall Apple killed for phones with the start of the iPhone 16e and as the start of the device may be the most important of the company.