Breaking into the mid-range smartphone market, Apple’s newest iPhone 16e brings premium features down to a slightly more digestible $899 price point in Canada. This fresh addition to the iPhone family packs quite a punch – while still being roughly in the same price range as the iPhone 15 (one generation older) at $999 in Canada.
At the heart of the 16e sits a gorgeous 6.1-inch OLED display that’s just as crisp as its pricier siblings. While it keeps the familiar notch design instead of the newer Dynamic Island, the screen quality doesn’t disappoint. A neat upgrade comes in the form of the Action Button – replacing the old mute switch with a customizable shortcut button that puts favorite features just a tap away.
The real star of the show might be what’s under the hood. Apple’s latest A18 chip powers this device, bringing flagship-level performance to a more affordable price point. The company has also taken a bold step by introducing its first home-grown cellular modem, the C1, which could mean better battery efficiency down the line.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the upgraded 48-megapixel main camera with 2x telephoto capabilities. While there’s no ultra-wide lens like on the standard iPhone 15, the high-resolution sensor ensures stunning shots in most situations.
Battery life sees a significant boost too, with up to 12 extra hours of use compared to previous SE models. The 16e embraces the modern USB-C standard for charging, though it sticks to regular Qi wireless charging rather than MagSafe. The iPhone 16e that’s being released in Canada also still has a SIM card tray, compared to the ones in the US which will not.
Ready to grab one? The iPhone 16e hits stores on February 28th, with pre-orders starting February 21st at 5:00am PT in Canada. Choose between classic black and white finishes, with storage options from 128GB all the way up to 512GB.
Stacking it up against its siblings, the 16e makes some smart compromises. Sure, it skips features like the Dynamic Island and extra camera lenses found on the $1129 iPhone 16, but it nails the essentials with its speedy chip and quality display. For anyone eyeing an iPhone upgrade without the premium price tag, the 16e hits a sweet spot between features and affordability.
