Apple has unveiled the iPhone 16e, a new addition to its lineup that combines powerful performance with a relatively affordable price. Designed as a successor to the iPhone SE series, the iPhone 16e brings a modern look, a faster A18 chip, a 48MP camera, and a USB-C charging port—features that are sure to appeal to Indian users looking for an upgrade without spending on premium models.
Price and Availability in India
The iPhone 16e is priced at ₹59,900, making it a strong competitor in the premium mid-range segment. Pre-orders in India begin on February 21, and sales will start on February 28 through Apple stores, online platforms, and major retailers like Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales. Apple is also offering bank discounts and easy EMI options, making the device more accessible to Indian buyers.
What Makes iPhone 16e Special?
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Larger and Better Display – The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making it great for watching content on platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Hotstar. The phone is also water and dust-resistant with an IP68 rating.
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Powerful Performance – Powered by Apple’s A18 chip and 8GB RAM, the phone ensures smooth multitasking, gaming, and video editing. It comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, but Apple has skipped the 64GB variant, which many Indian users found limiting.
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Upgraded Camera – The 48MP rear camera captures high-quality images, offering better low-light performance—perfect for Indian weddings and festivals. The 12MP front camera supports Face ID and improved selfies, making it ideal for social media users.
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Improved Battery Life – Apple claims better battery efficiency than previous SE models. With iOS optimizations, users can expect a full day’s use with moderate usage, which is crucial for Indian consumers who rely heavily on mobile phones for work, entertainment, and social interactions.
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Faster 5G Connectivity – The iPhone 16e features Apple’s first C1 5G modem, ensuring better network coverage, especially with India’s expanding 5G infrastructure by Jio and Airtel. The shift to a USB-C port is also significant, making it easier to charge the phone with widely available Type-C cables.
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New Action Button – A customizable Action Button replaces the mute switch, allowing users to set shortcuts for tasks like opening the camera, launching Google Pay, or activating silent mode during meetings.
Apple’s India Strategy
With a competitive price and modern features, the iPhone 16e targets Indian consumers who want premium Apple technology without spending over ₹1 lakh on Pro models. The launch aligns with Apple’s growing focus on India, where it has expanded local manufacturing and opened flagship stores in Mumbai and Delhi.
