Release date
Apple has not confirmed the release date for the iPhone 16E, but leaks suggest it may launch in 19th February 2025.This aligns with previous SE release patterns, as the first three generations were also launched in March or April over the past years. Factors indicating an early 2025 release include Apple's typical upgrade cycle, increased production reports, secured OLED display deals, and the iPhone 16 series launch. If it is not launched by the date 19th February Then is expected to be announced during a Spring Event in March 2025, alongside new iPads or Macs. Fans can anticipate a modern design, improved features, and an affordable price point.
Display and design
• Design
The iPhone 16E is set to undergo a major design change, moving away from the dated iPhone SE look used since 2016. Instead of the iPhone 8-style body, it will adopt a more modern design similar to the iPhone 14, featuring a larger all-screen display with smaller bezels. Key design elements include a flat-edged aluminum frame, a glass back for wireless charging, a USB-C port replacing the Lightning port, and the introduction of Face ID instead of Touch ID.
• Display
The phone will house a 6.1-inch OLED display, which is a significant upgrade from the previous 4.7-inch LCD, offering a resolution of 1179 x 2556 pixels and a brightness level of up to 1200 nits peak. While the refresh rate will be 60 Hz, the OLED technology will enhance visual quality with better color accuracy and deeper blacks.The SE 4 aims to attract younger audiences with multiple color options and a contemporary design, making it a budget-friendly alternative that will feel current compared to other modern smartphones.Mid-range phones offer a balance between affordability and features, catering to users who want quality performance without the high price tag of flagship devices. They typically come with decent cameras, good battery life, and capable processors, making them suitable for everyday tasks, social media, and casual gaming.
Performance
• Processor
The upcoming iPhone 16E will feature Apple's A18 Bionic chip, offering significant performance improvements. This chip, manufactured using TSMC's 3-nanometer process, has a 6-core CPU with two high-performance cores at 4.05 GHz and four efficiency cores at 2.42 GHz, balancing performance and energy efficiency. Its 5-core GPU enhances graphics capabilities, supporting advanced features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing. The chip also contains a 16 - core Neural Engine, capable of handling up to 35 trillion operations per second for improved AI and machine learning tasks. The iPhone 16E is expected to include 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM, enabling better multitasking and management of demanding applications.
• Memory and storage
The iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to include 8 GB of RAM for improved multitasking and performance. It is expected to have a base storage of 128GB, with options for larger capacities, ensuring sufficient memory and storage for users.
Camera
• Rear camera
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to have a major camera upgrade compared to earlier SE models. It will likely feature a 48 MP rear camera, an improvement from the 12 MP single-lens camera of the iPhone SE (2022), aligning it more closely with flagship models like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15.
The primary camera features a 48 MP wide lens, a significant upgrade from the previous 12 MP camera, enhancing detail and dynamic range in photos. Improved low-light performance is anticipated due to better image processing from A18 Bionic chip. The camera likely has a wide aperture of around f/1.6, enabling more light intake for clearer images in low-light conditions. Optical Image Stabilization is expected to minimize blurriness from shaking. Key camera features include Deep Fusion for detail enhancement, Smart HDR 4 for better color accuracy, Night Mode for brighter low-light images, and customizable Photographic Styles. The camera supports 4k video recording at 60 fps and includes a Cinematic Mode that creates videos with a shallow depth of field for a professional look.
• Front camera
The iPhone 16E is expected to have a significant upgrade in its front camera, moving from the 7 MP camera in the iPhone SE (2022) to a much more advanced 24 MP camera. This enhancement will improve the quality of selfies, video calls, and FaceTime sessions, making them sharper and more detailed with good colours.
The iPhone 16E is anticipated to include a 24 MP front camera, enhancing selfie quality compared to the previous 7 MP version. It is likely to have an aperture of f/1.9, which will improve low-light performance. Key camera features include Deep Fusion for better texture and detail, Smart HDR 4 for balanced exposure, and Portrait Mode for a blurred background effect. The front camera is also expected to support 4K video recording at 60 fps, allowing for high-quality video calls and content creation, along with Cinematic Mode for a professional depth of field effect in videos.
Battery and charging support
The iPhone 16E is anticipated to have a 2,820 mAh battery for enhanced longevity, potentially allowing up to 20 hours of video playback due to the efficiency of the A18 chip. It will feature a USB-C charging port for faster compatibility and support 20W fast wired charging, achieving a 50% charge in 30 minutes. For wireless charging, it offers 7.5W Qi support, and there may be compatibility with MagSafe for 15W wireless charging. Overall, these advancements will promise a modern and efficient charging experience, making it more aligned with premium iPhones.
OS Software
The iPhone 16E will feature iOS 18, offering a range of capabilities and smooth integration within the Apple ecosystem. It will be powered by either the A18 chip and will receive software support for 5 to 6 years, keeping it updated with the latest features and security improvements. The device aims to provide a long-lasting and innovative user experience.
Pricing of iPhone 16E
The iPhone 16E is expected to be priced at approximately $499 in the United States and around ₹ 49,900 in India, factoring in import taxes and Apples pricing strategy for each market. This this is the expected price according to rumours, the price can be less or higher than the expected price.
All of this specifications will be added in the new iPhone 16E which will make it a mid range beast to compete with flagship phones.