iPhone 16e Review: Best Affordable iPhone in 2025?

In a year dominated by AI and premium flagships, Apple decided to flip the script with the iPhone 16e — the most affordable iPhone of 2025. Starting at $599, this device offers impressive performance, a premium design, and excellent battery life without compromising the core Apple experience.

✅ Top Features of the iPhone 16e

🔸 Sleek and Lightweight Design

Though it's the budget model, the iPhone 16e maintains Apple's iconic premium build. It's lightweight, durable, and fits comfortably in hand — ideal for long-term daily use.

🔸 Stunning OLED Display

Equipped with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, the iPhone 16e delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and outstanding clarity — perfect for media consumption and gaming.

🔸 A18 Bionic Chip

The device runs on Apple’s new A18 Bionic chip, providing flagship-level performance. It outperforms even pricier competitors like the Google Pixel 9 in benchmark tests.

🔸 Apple Intelligence Features

Advanced Siri
Text summarization and writing tools
Photo analysis with GPT integration
AI image generation support

This makes the 16e not just smart, but AI-smart.

🔸 Action Button

The customizable Action Button — inherited from the Pro models — allows quick access to key features like the camera, flashlight, silent mode, or shortcuts.

🔋 Long-Lasting Battery

The iPhone 16e shines in endurance tests, offering over 16.5 hours of 4K video playback — outperforming even the standard iPhone 16.

📷 Impressive Camera Performance

Despite having only one rear lens, the 16e captures sharp, vibrant, and well-balanced photos — even in low light. With up to 10x digital zoom and 2x optical-grade zoom, it covers the needs of most casual photographers.

❗ Drawbacks

No ultrawide or portrait lens
Limited color options (black and white only)
No 120Hz refresh rate

However, these trade-offs are acceptable for the price point.

🟢 Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for a reliable, powerful, and modern iPhone under $600, the iPhone 16e is easily one of the best deals in 2025. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the Pro models, but it delivers where it counts.

It’s the smartest choice for budget-conscious Apple fans who still want the full iOS experience, Apple Intelligence, and all-day performance in one sleek package.