hello. This is Technologytodaynow. Finally, Apple’s new entry-level smartphone, which many have been waiting for, has been unveiled. Until now, it was released under the name of SE, but this time, instead of iPhone SE 4, it was released under the name of iPhone 16e. I’ve summarized the specifications that were previously known in the previous article, but let’s take a look at the iPhone 16e that was released and summarize the features that can replace the existing SE series.
iPhone 16e release news, expected features and specifications
Apple’s strategic changes
As mentioned earlier, the currently released model was evaluated as having excessively high specifications. In the event announcement announced by Tim Cook through his X account, the hint of ‘new family member’ played a decisive role. With the introduction of the iPhone 16e, the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE3 were deleted from the official website, and the iPhone 16e became the central model of the new entry-level lineup.
I think Apple has made a strategic change. It seems that it has chosen a policy that maintains the identity of the SE series, provides higher value in line with AI trends, and increases the average selling price of mid- to low-end models.
Key Specifications for iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display for sharper picture quality. Although it looks similar to the iPhone 14, the home button has been completely removed and a notch is placed for Face ID. In addition, it stands out for the new addition of an action button that was not seen in the previous SE series. In addition, the introduction of a USB-C port makes the transformation of Apple’s ecosystem even clearer.
Chipset performance
However, we lost the MagSafe support and fast wireless charging that many had expected. Still, regular wireless charging is supported. And in terms of performance, the iPhone 16e features Apple’s latest A18 chipset, making it a breakthrough over the existing SE model. This is expected to provide a faster and smoother user experience.
In addition, Apple’s own C1 cellular modem was introduced for the first time, and there was a significant change that began to deviate from Qualcomm modems by making their own network chips.
Thanks to the low-power C1 and improved battery performance, the iPhone 16e has been upgraded to an all-day level.
Camera performance
Camera performance is also critical. The iPhone 16e packs a single 48-megapixel rear camera setup. This is a significant upgrade over the 12MP cameras in the previous SE series. In addition, the addition of 2x optical zoom capability allows for a variety of shooting options. You can expect improved shooting performance, especially in low light environments.
There are changes in the software side as well. The iPhone 16e runs iOS 18, and it is also capable of running Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI feature. This allows for more intelligent voice commands as well as automation. However, the AI feature will be available in early April in South Korea, and unofficially, there are predictions that additional state support for Apple’s AI feature may be postponed to WWDC25 due to problems.
iPhone 16e Price and Release Schedule
Let me summarize the most important prices and release schedules. For the U.S., the starting price of the iPhone 16e is $599, which is more expensive than the previous SE model. Preorders will start on Feb. 21 in Korea, and the official release date is Feb. 28. Available in two colors, white and black, there are 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options. The starting price in Korea is 990,000 won. Personally, it’s a bit cheap, but I think it’s well worth the purchase.
As mentioned earlier, this model is equipped with satellite communication and SOS functions, and has a stylish design with an A18 chip, 8GB RAM, and a 48MP camera. It is light at 167g and also supports 4K Dolby Vision shooting. Additionally, considering Apple Intelligence and Face ID features, it can be seen as a redesigned version of the iPhone 14 rather than the iPhone SE lineup. Therefore, it appears that the price of the iPhone SE3 was not increased from $429 to $599, but was appropriately set at $629, the price of the iPhone 14 just before the release of the iPhone 16e. Therefore, it is expected to be quite popular, at least in the United States.
Conclusion
However, the starting price of the iPhone 16e in Korea, which is W990,000, can feel a bit expensive, probably because many have the iPhone SE lineup in mind. In particular, the high exchange rate around W1400 is a problem. Future prospects are also not so bright, so this price gap is expected to continue for a while. With the iPhone 16, the top model, priced at W1.25 million, you can avail of Apple’s latest features for a cheaper price.
In summary, the iPhone 16e is more of an upgraded version of the iPhone 14 than the existing SE series. Although the price has increased compared to the previous SE series, I think it would be a good choice for consumers who want an entry-level model with the latest technology.