iPhone 16e Review: Why 2025’s Most Hated iPhone Could Be a 2026 Steal

The iPhone 16e – A Controversial Arrival in 2025

Imagine the iPhone 14 and iPhone 16 having a baby—that’s the iPhone 16e for you. Launched in 2025, this device has quickly earned the title of the "most hated iPhone" of the year. With a starting price of 59,999 Rupees, the iPhone 16e promises a blend of modern features and affordability. However, its single-camera setup, 60Hz screen, and lack of MagSafe have left many reviewers, including us at TechZestify, questioning its value. In this in-depth review, we’ll break down why the iPhone 16e struggles in 2025 but could shine in 2026 at a discounted price of 39,999 Rupees.

iPhone 16e Price and Value: Overpriced in 2025?

At 59,999, the iPhone 16e is Apple’s cheapest iPhone in 2025—but it’s not cheap enough. For a similar price, you can snag a discounted iPhone 15, iPhone 16, or even a flagship like the OnePlus 13 during sales. Online reviews echo this sentiment, slamming its outdated features like the 60Hz display and missing ultrawide camera. At TechZestify, we agree: in 2025, the iPhone 16e feels overpriced for what it offers.

But here’s the twist—Apple’s history shows base models like iPhones, MacBooks, and iPads often see steep price drops during end-of-year sales. Take the iPhone 15, available for 50,000 Rupees this year. We’re confident the iPhone 16e will follow suit, dropping to 40,000 Rupees by 2026. At that price, it could become a compelling budget option. So, let’s fast-forward and review it as a 40,000 phone.

Design and Build: A Familiar iPhone 14 Vibe

The iPhone 16e borrows heavily from the iPhone 14’s playbook. It sports the same dimensions, making it one of the handiest iPhones to use. Apple tweaked the back to a matte finish, reminiscent of the iPhone 16, but cheaped out on the glass—it’s last-gen Ceramic Shield, not as tough as the latest models. Still, it feels premium in hand, and the IP68 rating ensures water and dust resistance.

One standout addition? The Action Button. Replacing the mute switch, this customizable feature lets you trigger functions like the flashlight or camera—a nice touch for a base model. However, there’s no Camera Control button here, though we doubt anyone will miss it.

Display: Great Quality, Dated Features

The iPhone 16e’s display is a carbon copy of the iPhone 14’s: a 6.1-inch OLED with 800 nits peak brightness, Dolby Vision HDR, and a 60Hz refresh rate. It’s responsive and well-calibrated—perfect for streaming or browsing. But there are three gripes:

• The Notch: After getting used to the Dynamic Island on newer iPhones, the iPhone 16e’s big notch feels intrusive and outdated.
• Brightness: At 800 nits, it struggles in bright sunlight compared to the iPhone 16.
• 60Hz Refresh Rate: Coming from 120Hz screens on the Galaxy S25 or OnePlus 13, the micro stutters while scrolling are noticeable.

On the plus side, that 60Hz screen paired with a slightly larger battery delivers exceptional battery life—more on that later.

Performance: A18 Powerhouse with a Catch

Under the hood, the iPhone 16e packs the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16, minus one GPU core. In day-to-day use and gaming (think PUBG or Genshin Impact), the performance difference is negligible. Side-by-side tests show nearly identical FPS numbers, with only GPU-intensive benchmarks revealing a slight gap. For most users, this won’t matter.

Thanks to the A18, the iPhone 16e supports Apple Intelligence—writing tools, photo cleanup, and more—features absent on older iPhones. However, thermal management is weaker than the iPhone 16, so it might warm up during heavy tasks.

Battery Life: A Standout Feature

Here’s where the iPhone 16e shines. Apple ditched Qualcomm for its own C1 5G modem, which it claims is the most efficient ever in an iPhone. Our tests back this up. On mobile data all day, the iPhone 16e delivered 7 hours of screen-on time—beating the iPhone 16’s 6 hours under similar usage. For a base model, this is a game-changer and one of its strongest selling points.

Camera: Single Lens, Mixed Results

The iPhone 16e’s camera is a sore spot. It rocks a single 48MP sensor—no ultrawide lens here. While it’s not the same large sensor as the iPhone 16, daytime photos are surprisingly close in detail and dynamic range. Portraits and 2x lossless cropping are solid, and selfies match the iPhone 16’s quality.

But there are downsides:

• Nighttime: The smaller sensor introduces more noise and grain compared to the iPhone 16.
• Video: Regular OIS (not sensor-shift) means shakier footage, and there’s no cinematic or portrait video modes.

For casual users, it’s decent. For ultrawide enthusiasts like us at TechZestify, it’s a letdown.

Charging: Slow and No MagSafe

Wired charging tops out at 20W—standard but fine. Wireless charging is where it stumbles. There’s no MagSafe, and even with a compatible case, speeds are capped at a sluggish 7.5W. In 2025, this feels outdated.

Who Is the iPhone 16e For?

In 2025, at 59,999 Rupees, the iPhone 16e isn’t the budget iPhone we hoped for. It’s outclassed by discounted flagships and mid-range Androids. But in 2026, at 40,000 during Diwali or New Year sales, it transforms into a steal. With a powerful A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, and stellar battery life, it’ll outshine mid-rangers like the Vivo V60 or Galaxy A57.

Final Verdict: Wait for the Discount

The iPhone 16e isn’t worth 59,999 in 2025—it’s overpriced and under-featured. But at 40,000 in 2026, it’s a different story. Its compact size, robust performance, and long battery life make it a smart pick for budget-conscious Apple fans. Our advice at TechZestify? Skip it now and wait for the price drop.

What do you think? Agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to TechZestify for more tech insights!