On February 20th, Apple dropped the new iPhone 16e. Now, if you go by the usual naming pattern, this phone should’ve been the iPhone SE4, but instead, they switched it up with the 16e. So, what’s behind this name change? What’s really going on here?
The Apple 16E in a Nutshell
If you’re conversant with Apple releases over the years, you’ll understand that the new iPhone SE4, called the iPhone 16e is indeed a major deviation from the naming pattern that we are used to. Although tech gurus saw it coming and even predicted it, the name change, however, caught some Apple fans by surprise. With Apple fans talking about it and many questions flying here and there, we have come to shed light on the matter. So the truth is that this iPhone should’ve been the iPhone SE4 (according to many expectations) but Apple has decided to switch it up and rename it as the 16e. The question is what exactly is the reason behind this name change?
7 Reasons For The Name Change
Not long from now, Apple will launch a new product presumed to be the fourth-generation iPhone SE. However, the narrative is going to be different this time around as the upcoming device is going to be a completely different beast. From what we know, the new phone is going to be quite different from SE; in fact, it is going to be the newest addition to the iPhone 16 family. Little wonder it is called the iPhone 16e.
Possible Reasons for the Name Change
- Its design and build is exceptional and way different from the iPhone SE that we used to know.
- It is possible that the letter “e” as in 16e means economical. Since it is $200 cheaper than the iPhone 16, then I don’t see any reason why it cannot be referred to as an economical version of the iPhone 16
- It happens to be Apple’s first iPhone to boast a single rear camera with a resolution of 48-megapixel.
- The iPhone 16e will bid farewell to Home Button which had been a mainstay of the iPhone SE.
- iPhone 16e will have features that no iPhone SE has had (like original design, similar to the iPhone). It also features the Apple C1, a modem designed by Apple in-house which has the most power-efficient modem ever in an iPhone.
- Exceptional battery life of up to 26 hours of video playback means that it has the longest battery life of any iPhone with a 6.1-inch display.
- Starting at 128GB, it features the same storage option as the iPhone 16 coupled with the Apple A18 processor allowing it to handle Apple Intelligence.
Having known the reasons why the iPhone SE4 will be renamed as iPhone 16e, let’s examine the difference between the current iPhone SE3 and the upcoming iPhone 16e.
iPhone SE3 Vs. iPhone 16e
To begin with, the first noticeable difference is the fact the new iPhone 16e shows a lot more similarities to the iPhone 14 than the current iPhone SE3. From screen size to battery life and and other features, the iPhone 16e is a beast in disguise! The screen size has become much bigger (6.1 inches) from the initial 4.7 inches. This new shift in design and screen size is a huge leap for the series thereby breaking away from what we used to know the SE line for. The new iPhone 16e means no more compact size. In addition, the iPhone 16e has a higher starting price than previous SE models. Let’s examine some of the differences in the table below:
| iPhone SE3 Vs. iPhone 16e | ||
| iPhone SE3 | iPhone 16e | |
| Chip | A15 Bionic chip | A18 chip |
| Screen Size | 4.7inch | 6.1inch |
| Weight | 5.09 ounces | 5.88 ounces |
| Camera | Single-camera system | 2-in-1 camera system (12MP Main, 48MP Fusion) |
| Apple Intelligence | No | Yes |
| MagSafe Wireless | No | No |
| Secure Authentication | Touch ID | Face ID |
| Capacity | 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB |
| Connector | Lightning(USB 2) | USB-C and Supports USB 2 |
| Watte | Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W | Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W |
| Starting Price | 429$ | 599$ |
Conclusion
In conclusion, a lot of people have been looking forward to major updates from Apple and this, my friend, is indeed a landmark! I personally think that renaming the iPhone SE4 to the iPhone 16e actually makes sense considering the major upgrades that it promises. Since it is going to come with amazing features that surpasses what the traditional SE series was known for, renaming it to the iPhone 16e would bring it closer to the iPhone 16 series or make it a lesser member of the iPhone 16 family.
That said, the iPhone 16e like other smartphones also has it donwsides. One of the ways where the iPhone 16e falls short is that it still doesn’t support MagSafe wireless charging. The iPhone SE3 before it also had the same downside and this alone can be a turnoff for some users who prioritize wireless charging. Nevertheless, you don’t have to worry. ESR’s got you in mind. We’ve already got MagSafe-compatible cases that will help you maximize your iPhone 16e experience. We have top quality MagSafe cases in our store that are ready to meet your wireless charging needs. Don’t forget to shop with us!
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