iPhone 16e – The Perfect $599 Dumbphone

Summary

The iPhone 16e is Apple’s most affordable iPhone at $599, featuring the latest A18 chip, a 6.1-inch OLED display, and a single 48MP camera. Despite its increased price compared to the iPhone SE, it offers solid performance and long battery life. The review explores its potential as a ‘dumb phone’ by limiting apps and features, providing a distraction-free experience while maintaining essential functionalities like messaging and Apple Wallet. While the 16e excels in battery life, it falls short with limited storage, no MagSafe, and no ultra-wideband. Overall, it’s a unique but slightly overpriced option for those seeking simplicity in a modern smartphone.

Takeaways

• 😀 The iPhone 16e is Apple's most affordable iPhone, but it's 40% more expensive than the previous iPhone SE, priced at $599.
• 😀 The iPhone 16e comes with the latest A18 chip, a 6.1" OLED display, a 48MP single camera, and 128 GB of internal storage.
• 😀 The iPhone 16e is positioned as a 'dumb phone' by the reviewer, focusing on a simpler, more basic user experience with limited functionality.
• 😀 The 'dumb phone' movement is gaining popularity as a counter to modern smartphones, promoting a digital detox and reducing screen time.
• 😀 The iPhone 16e was set up with minimal apps like messaging, phone calls, Maps, WhatsApp, and the Wallet app, with all other distractions removed.
• 😀 The phone has a 6.1" display, with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which may seem low, but it’s acceptable for the intended use as a simple device.
• 😀 The iPhone 16e includes the action button, Face ID, and a USB-C port, but lacks MagSafe and ultra-wideband (UWB) features.
• 😀 Despite being positioned as affordable, the iPhone 16e's base 128 GB storage may not be enough for many users, and iCloud storage may be required.
• 😀 The iPhone 16e’s performance is solid, with an A18 chip and 8 GB of RAM, though it sacrifices one GPU core compared to the iPhone 16 for better battery efficiency.
• 😀 Battery life on the iPhone 16e is excellent, offering over 14-16 hours of use when set up as a 'dumb phone,' making it ideal for those seeking long battery life.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the iPhone 16e review?

The review aims to explore the iPhone 16e's potential as a 'dumb phone'—a device used with limited functionality to reduce screen time and distractions while still retaining basic smartphone features.

What makes the iPhone 16e different from other iPhones in the lineup?

The iPhone 16e is marketed as the most affordable iPhone but at a price point that is 40% more expensive than the iPhone SE. Its features are simplified compared to other models, and it is positioned as a more basic device.

Why does the reviewer refer to the iPhone 16e as a 'dumb phone'?

The reviewer refers to the iPhone 16e as a 'dumb phone' because it has been intentionally set up with minimal apps and notifications, stripping it down to only essential functions like messaging, calls, maps, and Apple Wallet. This setup reduces distractions and excessive screen time.

How did the reviewer set up the iPhone 16e for the 'dumb phone' experience?

The iPhone 16e was set up with a blank home screen, only essential apps (messaging, phone calls, maps, WhatsApp, Wallet, Tesla app), and with notifications and privacy settings minimized. No social media, email, or banking apps were installed.

What is the performance of the iPhone 16e like compared to other iPhone models?

The iPhone 16e features the latest A18 chip but with one fewer GPU core compared to the iPhone 16. This results in slightly reduced GPU performance but better battery efficiency, making it suitable for everyday tasks but not intensive applications like gaming or film editing.

How does the battery life of the iPhone 16e compare to other iPhone models?

The iPhone 16e has a large 3,961mAh battery, providing the longest battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone. The reviewer reports getting 14 to 16 hours of use when used as a 'dumb phone', making it ideal for users who prioritize battery longevity.

What are the limitations of the iPhone 16e's camera?

The iPhone 16e has a single 48MP wide lens but lacks additional lenses such as ultra-wide and macro. It also misses features like Photographic Styles, Portrait Focus, Cinematic Mode, and Action Mode, which are available on higher-end models.

What features were cut from the iPhone 16e compared to other iPhone models?

The iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, and features like Portrait Focus, Cinematic Mode, and Action Mode. It also only comes with 128GB of internal storage, which may not be sufficient for users who store a lot of media.

Why does the reviewer find the iPhone 16e's 128GB storage insufficient?

The reviewer points out that after installing iOS and essential apps, there is very little storage left. This makes it difficult to store photos and videos without relying on iCloud storage, which is an additional cost.

What is the reviewer's overall opinion of the iPhone 16e as a 'dumb phone'?

The reviewer finds the iPhone 16e to be a surprisingly enjoyable and refreshing experience as a 'dumb phone'. It offers great battery life, reduces distractions, and helps the reviewer stay more present in daily activities. However, the iPhone 16e's higher price makes it less appealing as a daily driver compared to other models like the iPhone 16.