Tech reviewer Mark Ellis has shared his insights after a week-long trial of Apple’s latest smartphone offering, the iPhone 16e, in his latest YouTube video.
Priced at CAD $899 in Canada, the iPhone 16e aims to provide a balance between cost and functionality. One of its standout features is the compact form factor. Ellis, accustomed to larger devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, found the smaller size of the 16e refreshing.
The device’s dimensions make it exceptionally pocket-friendly, a notable shift from the bulkier smartphones that dominate the market. This compactness doesn’t compromise usability; Ellis reported no issues adapting to the reduced screen size, with the keyboard remaining comfortable for typing.
Under the hood, the iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s A18 processor. Ellis notes that even with heavy usage—navigation, content creation, and constant communication—the battery life is impressive. Starting his day at 6 AM with a full charge, the device retained about 35% battery by 7 PM. This endurance is on par with, if not superior to, many competing Android devices.
The iPhone 16e features a single 48MP rear camera, a departure from the multi-lens setups found in higher-end models. Despite this, Ellis praised the camera’s performance, particularly in video recording. However, the absence of an ultra-wide lens limits its versatility compared to other models.
A notable inclusion in the iPhone 16e is Apple’s proprietary C1 modem, replacing the previously used Qualcomm chips. Ellis observed that while the new modem didn’t drastically outperform its predecessor, it delivered consistent and reliable connectivity throughout his usage.
While the iPhone 16e offers several commendable features, it does come with certain compromises. The device lacks MagSafe compatibility, ultra-wideband support, and retains the notch design instead of adopting the Dynamic Island feature found in higher-end models. These omissions might be significant for users seeking the latest technological advancements.
Ellis concludes that the iPhone 16e is a well-designed smartphone that caters to users who prioritize portability and battery life. However, the device’s limitations and pricing position it in a challenging spot, especially when compared to feature-rich Android alternatives.
Check out the full video below to find our whether Ellis ended up making the switch to the iPhone 16e from his iPhone 16 Pro Max or not.
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This phone is overpriced, imo.
omg yess too expensive. I actually thought the whole 16 series was new, hahaha so I bought a 16 Pro Max with 1TB of space, and sent back my 13 Pro Max for 500$ which was in PERFECT condition. but guess what.. they said there was an issue with the OS, no other explanations so they charged me the 500$, I refused it and sent me my phone back so I transfered everything back to my 13 and sent the 16 back to Apple for a full refund…bunch of thieves