Is it worth it to buy the iPhone 16e? Apple’s latest entry-level iPhone brings a nice balance of modern features and capabilities at a reasonable price. It’s also possibly the nicest-looking iPhone in the current lineup.
If you’re still on an iPhone SE, now is a great time to upgrade. You’ll be getting a modern device with Face ID, Apple Intelligence, 5G, USB-C and more — in a handsome and lightweight design.
Is it worthwhile to upgrade? We have a guide below with helpful charts and a video to help you decide.
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Is the 2025 iPhone 16e worth it?
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Time to upgrade from an iPhone SE
If you have an iPhone SE, iPhone XR, iPhone 11 or earlier, now is a great time to upgrade to the iPhone 16e. In fact, it’s a no-brainer.
You’ll get a significantly faster device and a vastly superior camera system. Battery life is much improved, thanks in part to the Apple C1 chip that handles cellular connectivity. The modern design with flat aluminum sides is super lightweight and comfortable in the hand.
It also switches to USB-C for compatibility with many other devices. And although the iPhone 16e doesn’t have MagSafe, you already don’t have it — so you’re hardly missing out. Plus, it’s easy to get a MagSafe case or a MagSafe sticker. Both make the 16e MagSafe compatible, although it won’t get MagSafe’s faster charging speed (15W vs. the 16e’s 7.5W).
Consider upgrading from an iPhone 12 or 13
If you have an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13, the 16e provides a lot of nice updates. The iPhone 16e has Face ID — which alone is almost worth the price of admission — plus it has Apple Intelligence, switches to a modern USB-C connector and comes with greatly improved battery life. Although, if you have MagSafe accessories, you’ll have to look for a case that comes with MagSafe built-in.
It’s also a reasonable upgrade path for the iPhone 12 and 13 mini (RIP). Its light weight makes it a standout among the other iPhone 16 models.
If your phone is still hanging on, I would consider waiting until this fall — where it’s possible the iPhone 16e will have its price lowered.
Don’t upgrade from an iPhone 14 or 15
If you have an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15, you shouldn’t get the 16e. In many ways, it would be a bit of a downgrade. The 16e cuts several key features in order to maintain its lower $599 price. Perhaps waiting for an iPhone 17e, if such a model is in the works, would be the better move.
Apple's budget entry in the iPhone 16 lineup is the first device to use Apple's efficient C1 modem. It delivers long battery life and Face ID but skimps on key features, including MagSafe.
- High-end Apple design at a lower price point
- Apple C1 modem
- Longer battery life than other iPhone 16 models
- No MagSafe, Dynamic Island or Ultra Wideband chip
- Only two colors: black and white
More upgrade guides
If you have a lot of old tech, check out our other upgrade guides for the latest Apple products:
D. Griffin Jones is a writer, podcaster and video producer for Cult of Mac. Griffin has been a passionate computer enthusiast since 2002, when he got his first PC — but since getting a Mac in 2008, he hasn’t turned back. His skills in graphic and web design, along with video and podcast editing, are self-taught over 20+ years. Griffin has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and has written several (unpublished) apps for Mac and iOS. His collection of old computers is made up of 40+ desktops, laptops, PDAs and devices, dating back to the early ’80s. He brings all of these creative and technical skills, along with a deep knowledge of Apple history, into his work for Cult of Mac.
