iFixit provides just one solid reason to purchase the iPhone 16e.
Apple
Customers purchasing the newly released iPhone 16e are expected to retain their devices for an extended period. For many users, especially those prioritizing reliability over the latest high-end features, this budget-friendly phone satisfies their requirements. Consequently, we have all been eagerly anticipating iFixit’s repairability score to evaluate how the new phone stacks up against the other models in the iPhone 16 lineup. The results are in, and there are a few surprises.
First, the positive news: the iPhone 16e, which takes the place of the iPhone SE 3, no longer includes a physical home button. This alteration is significant from a repair standpoint since traditional home buttons have been problematic due to their susceptibility to dust and water damage, along with their built-in biometric authentication components complicating self-repairs for users. By eliminating the home button, Apple has enhanced the overall design of its entire iPhone and iPad lineup.
The iPhone 16e also marks the first model to feature a USB-C Charging Port Repair Manual, making it easier for users to carry out repairs if the connector requires replacement.
iFixit has commended the iPhone 16e for its battery life. The battery is larger than those in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, and Apple claims it will outlast the charges of those models. Over time, this should translate to a longer battery lifespan.
However, the iPhone 16e lacks MagSafe, resulting in less efficient charging than the other models in the iPhone 16 series. Therefore, wireless charging is slower on this device. On the upside, this could lead to a slower rate of battery degradation. Additionally, iFixit suggests that the phone’s new C1 wireless chip may allow the iPhone 16e to have the longest-lasting battery of any iPhone to date.
So, what’s the downside regarding the iPhone 16e's repairability? iFixit has given the phone a respectable repairability score of 7/10, which aligns with the scores of all other phones in the iPhone 16 series.
Despite this, iFixit comments, “Still, there’s not much worth writing home about here, especially with the increased price. All the more reason to skip the upgrade and, when you eventually replace your phone, buy refurbished.”
The criticism from iFixit regarding the iPhone 16e appears to be based on its pricing, starting at $599, in contrast to the iPhone SE 3's starting price of $429.
From my perspective, the primary reason to choose the iPhone 16e over other models is its battery. All batteries are consumable and eventually need replacement. Various factors suggest that the battery in the iPhone 16e is likely to last longer than those in other iPhones, which is a key advantage for anyone looking to keep their phones for an extended time.
Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer, focusing on mobile devices.
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iFixit provides just one solid reason to purchase the iPhone 16e.
The results of the iFixit repairability test for the iPhone 16e have been released, and they reveal some unexpected findings.