For nearly a decade, Apple positioned the iPhone SE as a budget-friendly alternative to its premium line-ups. It did pretty well, with its second generation in particular peaking at No 2 in terms of sales in 2020.
And it was only a matter of time before an overhaul was due – and here we are with the iPhone 16e. The National takes a look at the newest entrant in the mid-tier smartphone race.
Farewell, home button
Yes, we have to dedicate a whole section of this review to the good old home button, a staple since the original iPhone in 2007.
It was hugely popular as it was a convenient way to unlock iPhones, replace password inputs and authorise transactions such as Apple Pay. When it was removed from the iPhone X in 2017, a good segment of the Apple user base still favoured it over Face ID – which is now the iPhone 16e's security and authentication method.
While the iPhone 16e is technically a redesign in its category, it is a familiar look, as the device now dons the design Apple has implemented since the iPhone 12.
From a looks perspective, the iPhone 16e is a mash-up of the base iPhone 14 and iPhone 16: it has the notch from the former and the Action Button (the former silent switch) from the latter. Furthermore, the iPhone 16e's camera bump isn't as thick as the rest of its iPhone 16 peers. It also does not have the Camera Control button, an iPhone 16 Pro exclusive.
Aside from the aesthetics, here's how it stacks up against its predecessor, plus the base iPhone 16.
A good number of the specs are significant bump-ups from the iPhone SE 3, and some are on par with the iPhone 16.
Familiar feel but with more power
On performance, the iPhone 16e is on a par with what we experienced with the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max. We'd also like to point out that the Action Button still triggers only one function and the choices remain limited to the current 12 options.
This is largely thanks to the A18 chip, which is also used in the mainline iPhone 16 line-up (the iPhone 16 Pros use the A18 Pro). That continues the tradition of the iPhone SE devices, which had also utilised the then-current Apple chips.
The iPhone 16e's power is also very much felt in its battery: Apple says it lasts 11 hours longer that the iPhone SE 3 and four hours more than the iPhone 16.
In our testing, the farthest it took us to charging-time was just over a day and a half. We'd like to stress that battery life depends on how much you use it; during one busy day (when it was gaming mode on) we had to reach out for the power cable before noon.
Another notable exception: while the iPhone 16e is compatible with Qi wireless chargers, it does not support Apple's own MagSafe tech.
It also lost only 6 per cent in our one-hour YouTube-at-full-brightness test, which beats the iPhone SE 3 and barely bests the iPhone 16 Plus.
And, of course, the headline here is Apple Intelligence. Apple's generative AI platform will help you spruce up your messages with Writing Tools, manage your schedules more efficiently, organise your emails, create pictures with Image Playground, and manage your photos and videos. One good showcase of Apple Intelligence is the recently launched Invites event-planning app.
One camera does the trick
You only get to work with one camera on the iPhone 16e but it's a powerful one: Apple put in a 48MP snapper, which has been in use since the iPhone 14 Pro.
However, you won't get some of the more premium features seen in the other iPhone 16 models, notably macro mode, wide angle and the ability to change the focal point of a portrait shot after taking it.
Despite that, the iPhone 16e's camera holds up very well, as it clicks nicely lit, natural-looking shots. Snaps during the daytime and in good lighting were great, as were those taken at night or in low light. Even its 4K video recording works very well.
Verdict
While the Apple iPhone 16e is a no-frills device, it could well be the newest go-to, no-frills device. The iPhone SE series did its job of providing an affordable iPhone alternative but it did look outdated, especially after the iPhone X and the iPhone 12.
With the iPhone 16e, Apple is bringing that no-frills offering into the modern iPhone era, packed with some additional features.
But the device largely overlaps with the base iPhone 16 in terms of price: the 512GB iPhone 16e's price is practically on a par with the 256GB iPhone 16 (and 128GB iPhone 16 Plus). This is largely a matter of preference right now and Apple is playing the "spoilt for choice" card here.
And it's putting mid-tier Android devices on notice, although there are smartphones with sturdier features (and multiple cameras) that are cheaper than the iPhone 16e.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Zayed Sustainability Prize
THE DEALS
Hamilton $60m x 2 = $120m
Vettel $45m x 2 = $90m
Ricciardo $35m x 2 = $70m
Verstappen $55m x 3 = $165m
Leclerc $20m x 2 = $40m
TOTAL $485m
Read more about the coronavirus
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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Teams
India (playing XI): Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami
South Africa (squad): Faf du Plessis (c), Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Rudi Second
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Results
4.30pm Jebel Jais – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (Turf) 1,000m; Winner: MM Al Balqaa, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Qaiss Aboud (trainer)
5pm: Jabel Faya – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: AF Rasam, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
5.30pm: Al Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Mukhrej, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: The President’s Cup Prep – Conditions (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Mujeeb, Richard Mullen, Salem Al Ketbi
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club – Prestige (PA) Dh125,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Antonio Fresu, Abubakar Daud
7pm: Al Ruwais – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Pat Dobbs, Ibrahim Aseel
7.30pm: Jebel Hafeet – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Nibraas, Richard Mullen, Nicholas Bachalard
Juliot Vinolia’s checklist for adopting alternate-day fasting
- Don’t do it more than once in three days
- Don’t go under 700 calories on fasting days
- Ensure there is sufficient water intake, as the body can go in dehydration mode
- Ensure there is enough roughage (fibre) in the food on fasting days as well
- Do not binge on processed or fatty foods on non-fasting days
- Complement fasting with plant-based foods, fruits, vegetables, seafood. Cut out processed meats and processed carbohydrates
- Manage your sleep
- People with existing gastric or mental health issues should avoid fasting
- Do not fast for prolonged periods without supervision by a qualified expert
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The biog
Nickname: Mama Nadia to children, staff and parents
Education: Bachelors degree in English Literature with Social work from UAE University
As a child: Kept sweets on the window sill for workers, set aside money to pay for education of needy families
Holidays: Spends most of her days off at Senses often with her family who describe the centre as part of their life too
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Atalanta v Juventus (6pm)
AC Milan v Napoli (9pm)
Torino v Inter Milan (11.45pm)
Sunday
Bologna v Parma (3.30pm)
Sassuolo v Lazio (6pm)
Roma v Brescia (6pm)
Verona v Fiorentina (6pm)
Sampdoria v Udinese (9pm)
Lecce v Cagliari (11.45pm)
Monday
SPAL v Genoa (11.45pm)
MATCH INFO
Day 2 at Mount Maunganui
England 353
Stokes 91, Denly 74, Southee 4-88
New Zealand 144-4
Williamson 51, S Curran 2-28
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to get there
Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
Elvis
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The details
Heard It in a Past Life
Maggie Rogers
(Capital Records)
3/5
BRIEF SCORES:
Toss: Nepal, chose to field
UAE 153-6: Shaiman (59), Usman (30); Regmi 2-23
Nepal 132-7: Jora 53 not out; Zahoor 2-17
Result: UAE won by 21 runs
Series: UAE lead 1-0
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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MATCH INFO
What: India v Afghanistan, first Test
When: Starts Thursday
Where: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengalaru
Dunki
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Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
