Adapted by:
Ricardo Aguilar
WriterMobile tech writer and analyst. I studied Psychology, but I've been working in the consumer tech field for the last 10 years. Interested in motor projects and new forms of mobility.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
In mid-February, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e. Unfortunately for the company, it’s the first iPhone I can’t recommend in a long time. As a reviewer, I need to adapt to the industry’s rhythms and evaluate what the market offers at any given moment. As such, I judge each phone based on its specific context. In the case of the iPhone 16e, it falls outside that context.
However, a recurring thought occupied my mind during the testing days: “I don’t think I need much more than this.”
The concept. The iPhone 16e is the most basic iPhone available. When you examine this idea closely, the decision makes sense. It features a single camera and a somewhat dated design to reduce costs. It also comes with the processor-software balance that Apple devices are known for.
The issue with this generation lies in the starting price. Purchasing an iPhone 16 from unauthorized retailers costs about the same.
It’s working. While it doesn’t offer the best value for money, the iPhone 16e appears to be selling much better than its predecessor. According to early data from IDC, sales of the iPhone 16e have surpassed those of the 2022 iPhone SE by 60%.
The iPhone 16e’s starting price is lower than that of other iPhone models and grants access to Apple Intelligence. Additionally, it’s equipped with the same processor as the iPhone 16.
Phones no longer want to be phones. They want to be cameras. Today, phones need to be more than just phones to stand out. Implementing at least three cameras in higher-end models has become essential, even if features like ultra-wide lenses seem more like a gimmick.
However, the strong sales performance of a phone with a single camera in 2025 proves that some consumers desire or need simpler devices.
As a demanding user myself, I place a significant emphasis on camera quality. However, the poor mobile processing of current phones means I carry my mirrorless camera everywhere. Interestingly, while phones aspire to be professional cameras, many users who seek professional quality prefer not to use their phones.
This is why, during my time with the iPhone 16e, I often thought that if it were less expensive, it would be a perfectly satisfactory phone for me. It might not be such a bad idea for a phone to be... just a phone.
Image | Xataka
Related | Best Mid-Range Smartphones 2024
View 0 comments