hello. This is Technologytodaynow. Finally, the much-awaited iPhone SE 4 has been released under the name iPhone 16. It was previously rumored to be released as an iPhone 16e, but it actually did.
iPhone 16e Price Beats Expectations
iPhone 16e with changed name on iPhone SE
What’s unique is that the iPhone SE is capitalized with a ‘SE’, but this iPhone 16e is also capitalized with a lowercase ‘e’. Considering the naming, it has established itself as an entry model for the iPhone 16 series. While the model may end up being a one-off event, when you look at the naming, there is a possibility that it will be released periodically, just like the Galaxy S FE.
iPhone 16e pros and cons
When it comes to the pros and cons of the iPhone 16e, a single GPU core is missing from the A18 chip on the iPhone 16, but it still boasts excellent performance. In addition, Apple’s own C1 modem offers very high power efficiency and has a battery life similar to that of the iPhone 16 Plus. It is also powered by Apple Intelligence and has 8GB of RAM, and has the same 48MP resolution camera as the main series. Finally, it has a very sophisticated rear design with only one camera lens with an angled frame.
However, because it’s an affordable model, we’re missing a lot of features from the main series. Battery life has increased, but Apple’s trust in its own modem is still lacking, and the notch is still applied. The Ultra Wide Band feature, which was built into the iPhone 11 series by default, is excluded from the iPhone 16e, and it doesn’t support Maxafe and Qi2 charging either. That really doesn’t make sense to me.
Nevertheless, when it comes to the device itself, I think it is a product that can be used for those who are not very greedy about the performance of smartphones.
Really onerous iPhone 16e price
However, what we expected from the iPhone 16e was that it was an affordable iPhone. However, it was released at a completely unexpected price of 990,000 won. With controversy over whether or not to exceed 800,000 won, 990,000 won greatly exceeded everyone’s expectations. The estimated launch price in the United States was $499, but it was set at $599 starting with the 128GB model instead of the 64GB model. Even if this is a positive part for Americans, it can be seen that the dollar exchange rate was a big obstacle in the end.
For U.S. consumers, a $599 entry-level iPhone with a long battery life, high performance, Apple Intelligence, and good main camera performance might not be a bad choice. For Koreans, though, W990,000 isn’t an attractive price at all. This price is not much different from the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16, so buying an iPhone 16e for that price doesn’t really seem like a good deal.
Conclusion
My personal opinion about the iPhone 16e is that it is too easy to waste this beautiful design. Amid various rumors about the design of the iPhone 17 Pro, the design of the iPhone 16e seems to have maximized Apple’s minimalism. However, the fact that it costs 990,000 won is really hard to accept. If it was released in the late 800,000 won range, I don’t think there would have been this much resistance, but 990,000 won is really burdensome.
Eventually, in Korea, the iPhone 16e is expected to be treated as a bait in the purchase of the iPhone 16. Of course, if you prefer the iPhone to the Galaxy, and want it to be affordable, lightweight, and long battery life, the iPhone 16e wouldn’t be a bad choice. However, you should be aware that this choice is not reasonable. I really don’t recommend buying at the current price. I think it would be a good idea to buy it after at least some discount is applied.