First tests of the iPhone 16e: annoyance about MagSafe, praise for battery life
The iPhone 16e is causing mixed reactions. The first testers praise the battery life. Some are critical of the price-performance ratio.
(Image: Apple)
The first tests of the new iPhone 16e were published on Thursday night. Most reviewers, who were able to try out the device for just under a week, attest to its very good battery life and good features. However, the lack of the MagSafe magnetic attachment is viewed very critically. Opinions differ widely when it comes to the price-performance ratio.
“All that's wrong with this phone is the price,” says YouTuber Marquess Brownlee (MKBHD), who in many cases sees the iPhone 15 Pro as a better and cheaper alternative. The US tech portal The Verge also expresses the opinion that the iPhone 16e is too expensive for what it offers. Only the YouTuber iJustine, who is known to be very Apple-friendly, and the Swiss journalist Rafael Zeier stand out from the chorus of critics. The latter speaks of the “most sensible iPhone”.
Battery life like the Pro models
Apple's first own wireless modem chip, the C1, proved to be solid when first tested. Sometimes it was better, sometimes worse than the Qualcomm chip in the iPhone 16, according to The Verge, and other reviewers confirm this. In any case, the C1 has a positive effect on battery life. Matthias Kremp from Der Spiegel writes that it is almost as long-lasting as the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max. Other testers also confirm that the battery life comes close to that of the Pro models.
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Most have no sympathy for the lack of MagSafe. Although the device charges wirelessly, it does not adhere magnetically. “A big step backwards”, says CNET. There is also sporadic criticism of other decisions not to include MagSafe, such as the lack of an ultra-wide-angle camera compared to the iPhone 16 or the fact that the 16e does not have an ultra-wideband chip and therefore lacks the function for precisely locating AirTags. Some also find the lack of Dynamic Island as an additional display for information regrettable. On the other hand, there is praise across the board for the installation of the latest A18 chip and Apple's new AI functions.
Who the 16e is aimed at
The camera is causing mixed reactions. The smaller camera sensor compared to the iPhone 16 is considered a disadvantage by some. However, the predominant tenor is that the wide-angle camera takes very good photos.
In terms of the iPhone 16e's target group, most testers place the device with owners of older iPhones, such as an iPhone 11 or SE. Android changers are also considered possible target groups. However, several no longer want to call it an entry-level device. “Apple's farewell to the entry-level segment”, says Der Spiegel. And CNET suspects that the device is aimed at potential buyers, ultimately purchasing the more expensive iPhone 16.
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(mki)
