TL; DR
- Apple is launching the iPhone 16E today, the successor to the SE lineup.
- It ditches the old design for an iPhone 14-like body, adds Face ID, an OLED display, and the A18 chip.
- A price hike is likely, with expectations of a ₹49,900 starting price for the base 64 GB trim.
Apple is set to launch the iPhone 16E (or iPhone SE 4) today (February 19), marking a major upgrade to its budget lineup. While Apple hasn’t held a big event for the launch, leaks and reports have revealed plenty about what to expect.
Unlike the previous iterations, this year’s SE refresh is a major upgrade—shedding the old design, bringing modern hardware, and also possibly increasing the price. Here’s everything you need to know.
iPhone 16E or SE 4
Most reports point to the name iPhone 16E, moving away from the iPhone SE branding. Tim Cook’s “newest member of the family” remark hints at this too—he often calls the iPhone 16 lineup the “iPhone 16 family,” making 16E more likely than SE 4.
ALSO READ: iPhone SE 4 or iPhone 16e: Is Apple Pulling The Plug On The Eight-Year-Old Brand?
Apple A18 Powering the iPhone 16E
The iPhone 16E is expected to be powered by Apple’s A18 chip, the same one used in the iPhone 16 series. That means flagship-level performance in a “budget” phone. Apple’s chips are known for their longevity, so expect this one to last for years.
Design: iPhone 14 Body, Modern Features
The biggest change will be the iPhone 16E’s design. The 16E will look nothing like its predecessors. It is now pretty much confirmed that Apple is ditching the old design and adopting the iPhone 14 body, complete with an aluminum frame and a glass back. The Home button is gone, replaced by Face ID and a notch at the top. It will also feature USB-C, replacing the deprecated proprietary Lightning port.
Display: OLED Upgrade, But 60 Hz
Leaks suggest the iPhone 16E will feature a 6.06-inch Retina OLED LTPS panel, but with a 60 Hz refresh rate. The SE 3 had a 720p LCD screen with 60 Hz refresh. This is definitely a major upgrade over previous SE models; however, it’s still behind modern mid-range Android devices that offer higher refresh rates.
Camera: Single-Lens Setup
The 16E is expected to have a single rear camera, possibly a 48 MP sensor. Reports hint that it could either be the same one from the iPhone 16/15 (1/1.56-inch) or the ultra-wide sensor from the iPhone 16 Pro (1/2.55-inch).
The front camera is rumored to be 12 MP, an upgrade over the 7 MP camera on the iPhone SE 3. This translates to the 16E being able to record in 4K from both the front and the rear cameras.
ALSO READ: Tim Cook Teases New Launch on February 19: Is an iPhone SE 4 or iPhone 16e on the Horizon?
Battery & Charging
One of the most substantial upgrades would be a larger battery—3,279 mAh according to leaks. However, Apple is likely sticking with 20W charging, meaning it won’t be the fastest-charging “budget” phone out there. There will also be support for wireless charging or MagSafe.
Storage Options: 64GB Base Model (Again)
Despite the 16E bringing major upgrades, Apple is reportedly keeping the base storage at 64 GB. However, there will be 128 GB and 256 GB options available for those needing more space.
ALSO READ: iPhone SE 4 Retail Leak Confirms Key Specs, 64GB Storage Base Storage
Extra Features: Action Button, IP68, MagSafe
Apple is bringing over the Action Button, a feature only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and then iPhone 16 series. However, don’t expect the new Camera Control Button seen on the iPhone 16 Pro models because that’s not coming, at least as per the leaked renders by Spigen.
The iPhone 16E could also feature MagSafe (Qi2) charging and IP68 water and dust resistance. Plus, we can expect Apple Intelligence on the iPhone 16E. The phone is also expected to feature Apple’s self-developed 5G modem, a first for any iPhone.
Should You Expect a Price Hike?
With all these upgrades, Apple may increase the price of the 16E. The current SE costs $429 (₹43,900), but with a new design, OLED display, and a 48 MP camera, don’t be surprised if it creeps up a little. We’re expecting the iPhone 16E to start at ₹49,900 for the 64 GB base model.
Nonetheless, stay tuned as we inch closer to the launch of the iPhone 16E (or iPhone 16E) for more updates. What are your thoughts and expectations on the iPhone 16E or the iPhone SE 4, let us know in the comments section below.
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