Apple’s new affordable entrant, the iPhone 16e, is already gaining attention for driving company sales in Q1 2025, according to a recent Counterpoint Research report. Designed to provide flagship-level performance in a compact, stripped-down package, the iPhone 16e brings a blend of power and compromise. But does it offer enough value at its ₹59,990 price tag?

The iPhone 16e carries the familiar design language of the iPhone 14, with a glass and aluminum body, Ceramic Shield glass, and IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The addition of the Action Button and a USB-C port are notable upgrades, modernizing its usability.

The 6.1-inch OLED display feels compact and crisp, but the 60Hz refresh rate is a sore point—especially when most Android competitors in this price segment offer 120Hz smoothness. While basic usage is fluid, app switching and gaming reveal some occasional sluggishness.

Despite being a budget iPhone, the 16e is equipped with the A18 chip—the same processor powering the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, albeit with one less GPU core. In real-world usage, the phone is lightning fast. It handles everything from everyday tasks to intensive gaming without breaking a sweat—unless you’re pushing it hard, in which case some heating is noticeable.

The battery life is impressive. The iPhone 16e comfortably delivers all-day usage, and thanks to the 20W fast charging, it powers up relatively quickly, although not the fastest in its class.

The 48MP single rear camera might sound underwhelming in a dual and triple-camera world, but it performs surprisingly well in good lighting. Photos are detailed and vibrant, with Apple’s computational photography doing most of the heavy lifting.

However, in low light, results are inconsistent. The smaller f/1.6 sensor struggles with noise and detail retention, making it a weak spot for night photography fans.

At ₹59,990, the iPhone 16e is not a no-brainer. Yes, it delivers flagship-level performance, impressive battery life, and a solid camera, all in a compact form factor. But the lack of Dynamic Island, a 60Hz display, and only one rear camera may feel limiting at this price.

If you can snag it during a sale closer to ₹50,000, it becomes a much more compelling buy. For loyal Apple fans looking to enter the iOS ecosystem or casual users needing a reliable daily driver, the iPhone 16e is a compact but capable contender.