Smartphones · Ranked #70 of 82 · Best for battery on a budget

Apple iPhone 16e

77
Mixed
Average of 8 professional reviews
5 of 8 recommend it · broad agreement
Where the 8 reviews landedRange 60–85
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 77.2 · 7 printed, 1 estimated · printed scores only: 76

Apple iPhone 16eImage: Apple

8 professional reviewers tested the Apple iPhone 16e, and 5 recommend it. Most praised: performance and battery life. Most common complaint: price.

Reviewed by CNET, Expert Reviews, Trusted Reviews and 5 more

The catch: It costs $599 yet lacks MagSafe, a second camera and a fast display.

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What 8 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 85
    CNETHands-on review · 2025

    Delivers most of what Apple fans want with good battery, camera and chip, but the price and omissions make its value proposition odd.

    Read CNET review
  2. 80
    Expert ReviewsHands-on review · 2025

    Called Apple's best value phone, with strong battery, speed and video, though some Android rivals offer more hardware for the money.

    Read Expert Reviews review
  3. 80
    Trusted ReviewsHands-on review · 2025

    Not exciting but a sturdy, capable pick for people upgrading from older iPhones.

    Read Trusted Reviews review
  4. 80
    TechRadarHands-on review · 2025

    A fast, long-lasting and capable cheaper iPhone with Apple Intelligence.

    Read TechRadar review
  5. 80
    Tom's GuideHands-on review · 2025

    Good performance, camera and full Apple Intelligence, but not really a value phone given what is cut.

    Read Tom's Guide review
  6. 70
    WIREDHands-on review

    A reliable phone with great battery and performance, but the reviewer finds it overpriced and missing MagSafe and precise AirTag tracking.

    Read WIRED review
  7. 60
    Tech AdvisorHands-on review · 2025

    Strong performance and battery in a clean design, but the reviewer struggles to say who it is for given the price and better alternatives, including older iPhones.

    Read Tech Advisor review
  8. 83est.
    TechliciousNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2025

    A trip-based hands-on finds the budget iPhone a big step up for ecosystem users with great battery life, but camera zoom and outdoor screen brightness fall short of Pro phones.

    Read Techlicious review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Performance6 of 8
Battery life6 of 8
Design2 of 8

What critics dislike most

Price2 of 8

Other smartphones critics rate highly

Oppo Find X9 UltraImage: Oppo
Best overallOppo Find X9 Ultra5 reviews · critics agree94
Apple iPhone 18 Pro MaxImage: Apple
Best for cameras and speedApple iPhone 18 Pro Max6 reviews · critics agree91
Apple iPhone 17Image: Apple
Apple iPhone 1710 reviews · critics agree90
Apple iPhone 17 ProImage: Apple
Runner-upApple iPhone 17 Pro10 reviews · broad agreement90

Also reviewed, not yet scored

Common questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16e worth it?

Critics are divided: 5 of 8 recommend it. It costs $599 yet lacks MagSafe, a second camera and a fast display.

Do critics agree about the Apple iPhone 16e?

Broad agreement: scores range from 60 (Tech Advisor) to 85 (CNET), a spread of 25 points across 8 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.

What do critics dislike about the Apple iPhone 16e?

Price (2 of 8 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Apple iPhone 16e?

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra (critic score 94), best overall.