I attempted to dislike the iPhone 16e, but I just couldn't.

      The iPhone 16e debuted earlier this week, but it differs significantly from our initial expectations. To begin with, it is not intended to be a follow-up to the iPhone SE (2022).

      The design changes were somewhat anticipated, as a series of leaks over the past few months continually reminded us of the transformation the iPhone SE would experience. Even with adjusted expectations, the iPhone 16e sparked strong reactions, primarily disappointment, at its launch. The $600 price and reductions in several seemingly vital aspects were likely to blame.

      I set out to identify its flaws by carefully comparing it to other iPhones at the same price point. However, after reflecting on my opinions and clearing out my biases, I have come to see the iPhone 16e as a completely different device — not merely a new SE. For this reason, it deserves a fair evaluation based on its offerings rather than its shortcomings. Here are some reasons why, despite my initial inclination to dislike the iPhone 16e, I find it commendable.

      I would forgo the ultrawide camera.

      Every year, I test numerous phone cameras as part of my job, which necessitates evaluating each camera unit on a phone and comparing its quality to others. However, when taking photos for my personal use, I seldom opt for the ultrawide camera.

      There are several reasons for this choice. Most phones, regardless of their price, typically compromise on the quality of the ultrawide camera while prioritizing the primary and telephoto cameras. For instance, the 12MP ultrawide camera on the standard iPhone 16 has a lower resolution compared to the 48MP main camera and features a smaller sensor. This results in less sharp images, with quality further deteriorating in low-light conditions.

      Furthermore, ultrawide cameras have seen the least evolution in recent years. A persistent issue that brands have not addressed is the distorted perspective, creating unnatural-looking images. I would prefer to limit my field of view rather than distort scenic landscapes for the sake of including more in one shot.

      While it isn't entirely useless—since the iPhone 16’s ultrawide-angle camera supports autofocus in macro mode—I’m willing to forgo this feature at that price.

      What concerns me more about the iPhone 16e’s camera is the absence of features found in the base iPhone 16, specifically the enhanced photographic styles introduced with the iPhone 16 series. Instead, the iPhone 16e is equipped with the older version, which is limited and must be configured through system settings rather than within the camera app, making the process less user-friendly.

      Regarding camera quality, I would want to test the camera before making a final judgment.

      The absence of mmWave and UWB does not trouble me.

      With the iPhone 16e, Apple transitioned from Qualcomm’s 5G modems to its own in-house C1 chip. Although Apple claims that the new modem reduces battery consumption while achieving triple-digit megabit speeds, the C1 is less capable than the Qualcomm X71 modem used in the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro. The most noticeable drawback of the new modem is its lack of mmWave spectrum support, which utilizes higher frequency waves and theoretically enables faster data transfer rates in densely populated areas.

      While the absence of mmWave might seem like a significant drawback, understanding its limitations is crucial. High frequency spectrums have a shorter range than traditional sub-6GHz networks, which necessitates a greater number of substations for maintaining the network. This ultimately leads to increased operational costs, which is why most U.S. carriers, apart from AT&T, have decided to invest in lower frequencies, primarily focusing on mid-band spectrum, a subset of the sub-6GHz spectrum. For those outside the U.S., it is likely that most carriers have not even rolled out their networks in the higher bands.

      Therefore, while mmWave has its practical advantages — especially if you are seeking Gigabit speeds with your 5G connection — you would likely be satisfied with the iPhone 16e if it operates at 200Mbps instead. At least, that would be sufficient for me.

      Perhaps the most significant missing feature from the iPhone 16e is the dedicated chip for ultra-wide band (UWB), which has been included in all phones since the iPhone 11. UWB is short-range wireless technology that operates at frequencies lower than other wireless communications like Wi-Fi, making it resistant to interference. On the iPhone, UWB facilitates faster AirDrop connections and precise navigation to AirTags or other Apple devices through the Find My app.

      While it is undeniably a valuable technology, it is not entirely necessary. Unless you reside in a smart home where UWB manages your digital keys or own numerous Apple devices and tire of waiting for the correct device to appear on the AirDrop menu, UWB may not be significant for you.