The new iPhone 16e made its debut in stores yesterday. This model is designed to be an accessible option in the iPhone lineup, taking the place of the iPhone SE. It has several notable upgrades compared to the older iPhone SE 3, along with some lesser-known features worth mentioning.
Starting at $599 for 128GB, the iPhone 16e showcases a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a USB-C port, and a new action button, making it a stylish and advanced entry-level phone. Let’s explore some of those smaller enhancements.
Satellite Connectivity
The iPhone 16e now includes Apple’s enhanced satellite features, like Emergency SOS and messaging via satellite, which were first launched with the iPhone 14. While you hope to never need these tools, they could be invaluable in emergencies. The older iPhone SE 3 lacked this capability.
Your purchase of an iPhone 16e comes with two years of complimentary satellite services, though the cost after this free period is still unknown. Apple previously offered an extra year of free service for early buyers of the iPhone 14.
Crash Detection
Another life-saving feature is crash detection. The iPhone 16e uses an advanced accelerometer to detect serious car accidents and can contact emergency services if you cannot respond. This feature could prove crucial in an emergency.
Water Resistance Improvements
The iPhone 16e boasts an IP68 water resistance rating. This means it can withstand being submerged up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. In comparison, the iPhone SE 3 had an IP67 rating, limiting its underwater use to just 1 meter.
Optical Zoom Support
The new 48MP camera sensor allows the iPhone 16e to take 2x optical zoom photos. By using the center part of the larger sensor, the phone captures high-quality images much better than standard digital zoom, which usually falls below 12MP.
Night Mode Photography
With the iPhone 16e, users can enjoy night mode photography, a feature that lets you snap better pictures in low light. Previously, the second and third generations of the iPhone SE missed out on this useful tool, making the 16e a welcome upgrade for night owls.
What do you think about the iPhone 16e? Share your thoughts!
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