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Apple just dropped their special edition smartphone- iPhone 16e, a budget-friendly alternative to the iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max. If you're a fan of photography but can't stretch your budget for a DSLR or a flagship phone like the iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra, or Pixel 8 Pro, this might be your best option.
But is it worth it?
Let’s break it down, step by step, focusing on what really matters—the camera.
Release and Pricing Details
📅 Pre-orders start on 21 February, and it hits stores on 28 February.
💰 The iPhone 16e is priced at £599 for 128GB, £699 for 256GB, and £899 for 512GB
🎨 Available in: Black and White.
More details iPhone 16e - Apple (UK)
Camera Specs: What You Get
The iPhone 16e has a 48MP main sensor with a 2x telephoto zoom, which is a step up from previous budget iPhones. This means sharper images and better flexibility, but there’s no ultra-wide or dedicated telephoto lens.
Here's the camera setup:
Main Camera: 48MP (f/1.6) with sensor-shift stabilization
Telephoto Zoom: 2x optical zoom. Remember, there is only one camera lens on iPhone 16e. So, the optical zoom is basically cropping the main sensor.
Front Camera: 12MP (f/1.9) with autofocus
Video: 4K at 60fps, Cinematic Mode, and Action Mode
Apple’s Deep Fusion, Smart HDR, and Photonic Engine improve low-light shots, but there are trade-offs. The 16e lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, ProRAW, and Night Mode portraits like the Pro models.
How It Compares to High-End Flagships
vs. iPhone 16 Pro (£999+)
The 16 Pro has three cameras (main, ultra-wide, and 5x telephoto).
It supports ProRAW, meaning more detail for editing.
Night Mode works in portrait shots (missing in the 16e).
The 16e’s 2x zoom is a digital crop, not a dedicated telephoto lens.
For more, visit iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max - Apple (UK)
vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (£1,249 and above):
Buy Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Price | Samsung UK
Camera System:
Main Sensor: 200MP wide-angle lens, delivering exceptional detail and clarity.
Ultra-Wide Lens: Upgraded to 50MP, enhancing landscape and group photography.
Telephoto Lenses: Dual 50MP telephoto lenses offering versatile zoom options.
Front Camera: 12MP sensor for high-quality selfies.
Zoom Capabilities:
The combination of high-resolution sensors and advanced optics provides superior zoom performance, surpassing the iPhone 16e's 2x digital crop zoom.
Manual Controls:
Offers extensive manual settings, catering to photography enthusiasts seeking greater control over their shots.
vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (£999 and above):
Camera System:
Main Sensor: 50MP wide-angle camera for sharp and vibrant images.
Ultra-Wide Lens: 48MP sensor with Macro Focus for detailed close-ups.
Telephoto Lens: 48MP 5x optical zoom lens, enabling high-quality distant shots.
Front Camera: 42MP sensor ensuring clear and detailed selfies.
Zoom Capabilities:
Supports Super Res Zoom up to 30x, significantly outperforming the iPhone 16e's limited zoom range.
AI and Computational Photography:
Equipped with advanced AI features, including the Magic Editor, providing users with enhanced control and creative options in post-processing.
At £599, the iPhone 16e is nearly half the price of flagship models. But camera limitations are noticeable if you're after professional-grade photos.
What’s Great for Photography
✅ 48MP sensor means more detail – You can shoot high-res photos and crop in without losing too much quality.
✅ 2x zoom is usable – It’s not a true telephoto lens, but it works for portraits and tighter shots.
✅ Great video quality – 4K at 60fps, Cinematic Mode, and Action Mode give smooth, high-quality footage.
✅ Smart HDR and Deep Fusion – Colors and dynamic range look great, even in tricky lighting.
✅ Photonic Engine improves night shots – Low-light performance is strong, but there are some trade-offs (more on that below).
Where It Falls Short
❌ No ultra-wide lens – If you love landscape or architecture photography, you're stuck with just one field of view.
❌ 2x zoom isn’t real telephoto – It’s a crop of the main sensor. You won’t get the same quality as the Pro models. The resolution will be compromised.
❌ No ProRAW or advanced controls – If you like editing photos with full control, you’re out of luck. You’ll need third-party apps for RAW shooting.
❌ Night Mode has limitations – It works for regular shots, but you can’t use Night Mode for portraits. That’s a big deal if you like nighttime photography. You will find more grain in your night photos.
Who Should Buy the iPhone 16e?
If you’re a casual photographer who shoots in good lighting, the 16e is a solid choice. The 48MP sensor delivers sharp images, and Apple’s software makes colors pop. It’s great for everyday photography, street shots, and portraits.
But if you shoot low-light photos, landscapes, or zoom-heavy images, you’ll feel the missing features. The lack of an ultra-wide lens, dedicated telephoto, and ProRAW support means you won’t get the same flexibility as a flagship phone.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
For £599, the iPhone 16e is a great budget option, but it isn’t a pro-level photography phone. If you’re serious about mobile photography and can save up, the iPhone 16 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, or Galaxy S25 Ultra will give you more flexibility, zoom, details and low-light performance.
P.S - Don't consider the iPhone pricing at £599. If you're a photo enthusiast person then 128 GB won't be enough for your usage. So, anyway you have to stretch your budget for 256 GB/ 512 GB.
But if you want solid image quality without spending £1,000+, this might be the best budget camera phone Apple has ever made. Good Luck !