iPhone 16e: Buy it only for Apple Intelligence, here’s why

Apple has finally brought its AI game to a broader audience! The introduction of Apple Intelligence was a clear signal that the Cupertino giant is now fully embracing artificial intelligence, integrating it into the iPhone experience in a way that feels inherently Apple. Here’s the catch though, one which has been troubling consumers for some time – only select models get to taste this intelligence-driven future . However, with the arrival of the iPhone 16e, things get interesting.

The iPhone 16e is Apple’s play for the price-conscious consumer, offering a mix of modern performance and Apple Intelligence at a relatively lower cost. However, before you rush to get one, let’s break down whether Apple Intelligence truly makes this phone a must-buy and whether the iPhone 16e is Apple’s new magic bullet.

Is iPhone 16e a smart move or a tactical restriction?

Apple’s history with restricting features to specific models is nothing new. We’ve seen it with ProMotion displays, Dynamic Island, and now, Apple Intelligence. While the new AI-powered features are designed to be deeply integrated into iOS 18, Apple has made sure only newer models benefit from them, including the iPhone 16e.

Now, the iPhone 16e is an interesting case. Unlike its predecessor, which carried the SE branding, Apple has positioned the 16e as an entry-level device in the main lineup. It gets the latest A18 chip – the same one that powers the flagship iPhone 16 – bringing impressive efficiency and performance. But here’s the kicker — Apple Intelligence is its biggest selling point.

Also Read – Apple Intelligence will not sell iPhones in India: Here’s why

The heart of iPhone 16e’s appeal

Apple Intelligence, Apple’s take on Gen AI, is designed to handle a variety of everyday tasks intelligently. From personalized text generation and summarization to on-device Siri enhancements and smart photo editing, it’s meant to be an indispensable tool for iPhone users. For the iPhone 16e, this means users can experience:

• Smarter Siri: More context-aware and capable of executing more complex commands.
• Image and Text Intelligence: Auto-summarization, AI-enhanced edits, and smarter search.
• Enhanced Writing Tools: Predictive text and auto-styling for notes and messages.

At its price point, the 16e makes Apple Intelligence accessible to a larger audience. That’s a significant shift, considering AI-driven features were previously limited to the Pro models.

Performance that punches above its weight

The iPhone 16e is powered by the A18 chip, ensuring it keeps up with Apple’s flagship performance standards. It also brings up to 26 hours of battery life, making it the most power-efficient 6.1-inch iPhone to date. That’s six hours more than the iPhone 11 and a massive 12-hour jump over the iPhone SE series.

But what makes the 16e truly stand out is Apple’s new in-house cellular modem. This marks the first time Apple is moving away from Qualcomm’s 5G modems in favor of its own solution, which is expected to improve efficiency and reduce dependency on third-party suppliers. If Apple can deliver consistently good 5G performance, this could be a game-changer.

A few compromises keep it from being perfect

While the iPhone 16e sounds like a fantastic deal on paper, Apple had to cut some corners to keep the price in check. Here are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Single-Lens Camera: Unlike the dual-lens system in the iPhone 16, the 16e sticks to a single 48MP camera. While it’s powerful enough, you lose some flexibility in photography.
• No Dynamic Island: Unlike the standard iPhone 16, the 16e skips out on this interactive feature.
• Lower Peak Brightness: While the OLED screen is still stunning, it doesn’t reach the same brightness levels as the flagship models.

These trade-offs might not be deal-breakers, but they do raise the question – should you go for the iPhone 16e just because of Apple Intelligence?

Apple vs. Android AI

Apple’s biggest challenge isn’t just making Apple Intelligence good – it’s making it indispensable. The problem? Android has already been ahead in this race.

Samsung’s Galaxy AI and Google’s AI-powered Pixel devices are already offering deep AI integrations across their lineup, often without restricting features to specific models. The iQOO Z9X, for instance, provides AI features for a fraction of the cos. If you’re just looking for an AI-powered smartphone experience, Apple still has some catching up to do in terms of accessibility.

Who should buy the iPhone 16e?

The iPhone 16e makes the most sense for:

• Users on an older iPhone (XR, 11, SE, 12) who want an upgrade without spending on a Pro model.
• Those who want Apple Intelligence at a lower price point without splurging on a flagship iPhone.
• People looking for great battery life and longevity – thanks to the A18 chip, this phone will likely receive updates for years.

Apple Intelligence is undoubtedly the iPhone 16e’s biggest selling point. It brings advanced AI capabilities to a wider audience while keeping the pricing competitive. However, some compromises, like the lack of a dual-camera setup and Dynamic Island, might make potential buyers reconsider.

So, should you buy it right away? If you’re an AI enthusiast who has been wanting to get their hands on Apple Intelligence without breaking the bank, the iPhone 16e is your best bet. But if you’re looking for a well-rounded flagship experience, the regular iPhone 16 or Pro models might be worth considering instead.

Ultimately, Apple Intelligence is here to stay. The real question is – will Apple decide to expand it to older models? Until then, the iPhone 16e remains the most affordable ticket to Apple’s AI-powered future.