With the iPhone 16e, Apple is launching a cheaper version of the iPhone 16. It adopts some of the technical features of its more expensive brother, but does without certain functions, especially in the camera area. While the iPhone 16e is equipped with a 48-megapixel main camera, it lacks some features that the regular model offers.
With the iPhone 16e, Apple is launching a model that is aimed at users who want a current iPhone but don't need all the high-end features. It is the only model in the 16 series with only one rear camera. While the regular iPhone 16 and the Pro models have additional camera lenses, the iPhone 16e uses a single 48-megapixel wide-angle camera. This has a direct impact on the photo and video quality, as some recording modes and functions are not available.
The iPhone 16e camera in detail
The main camera – a lens with limitations
The iPhone 16e's camera uses the same 48-megapixel wide-angle lens as the iPhone 16. This means that image quality remains at a high level, but there are limitations in terms of functions. There is a standard 1x field of view and a 2x zoom option. However, the telephoto lens is missing, which means higher zoom levels are not possible. There is also no ultra-wide-angle camera, so both wide-angle and macro shots are not possible. The lack of additional lenses also means that spatial image and video recordings are not supported. This particularly affects Apple's new technology for immersive recordings, which can be used with the more expensive iPhone 16 models.
Which features are included and which are missing?
Despite the limitations, the iPhone 16e's camera offers some powerful features that can also be found in the other iPhone models. These include the True Tone flash, the Photonic Engine for better low-light photos, Deep Fusion for optimized detail display, and Smart HDR 5 for improved color and contrast adjustment. However, some advanced photo features that Apple has included in the more expensive models are missing. For example, there is no next-generation portrait shots with Focus Control and the latest photo styles are also missing. While the iPhone 16 and Pro models have a feature that allows you to set a specific picture style for all photos, this is not possible on the iPhone 16e. Older style filters are still available, however.
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There are also some limitations in the area of video recording. Important functions such as the Cinematic mode, which ensures professional depth of field, and the Action mode, which stabilizes shaky recordings, are not available. However, the iPhone 16e supports the new Audio Mix function, which enables better sound mixing when recording videos.
The front camera – Almost identical to the iPhone 16
The front camera of the iPhone 16e is largely identical to that of the regular iPhone 16. Photos and videos can be taken in high quality and features such as the TrueDepth sensor for Face ID are also available. However, there are some minor limitations. Cinematic mode is not supported, nor are the latest photographic styles and depth control for portrait shots. Apart from that, the front camera offers the same image quality and the usual performance.
Who is the iPhone 16e suitable for?
The iPhone 16e offers a solid camera with good image quality, but it lacks some features that make the regular iPhone 16 a better photo and video device. Those who often take photos with zoom or ultra-wide angle or value professional video recordings will be better served with the iPhone 16 or a Pro model. However, for users who are looking for a current iPhone with a good camera at a cheaper price and can do without some advanced photo features, the iPhone 16e could be an interesting option. option The image quality remains at a high level thanks to the 48-megapixel wide-angle camera, even if special recording functions are missing. Whether the iPhone 16e is worth it depends largely on which camera features are important to you personally. If you mainly take normal photos and selfies, you will get along well with the iPhone 16e. However, if you often take creative photos or want to film professionally, you should go for a different model. (Image: Apple)
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