Apple’s iPhone 16e Performance Test Results Are In—Here’s What You Need to Know
By Daniel James, Tech Correspondent
October 21, 2025
The tech world has been buzzing since Apple announced its budget-friendly iPhone 16e earlier this year, promising flagship-level performance at a fraction of the cost. Now, the first independent performance tests are out—and the results are surprising even the most skeptical critics.
A New Era of Affordable Power
The iPhone 16e, positioned as Apple’s most accessible smartphone since the iPhone SE series, packs the company’s A16 Bionic chip, the same processor found in 2023’s premium iPhone 15 Pro lineup. Early benchmarks reveal that the device outperforms not only its predecessor, the iPhone SE (2025), but also rivals like Google’s Pixel 8a and Samsung’s Galaxy A35 in multi-core processing. In Geekbench 6 tests, the 16e scored a staggering 2,450 in single-core and 6,100 in multi-core, putting it on par with devices twice its price.
Battery life, a common pain point for budget phones, also impressed. During continuous video playback tests, the 16e lasted 18 hours on a single charge—a 20% improvement over the iPhone SE. Apple’s claims of “all-day battery” seem to hold up, even under heavy use.
Gaming and Thermal Performance Shine
Where the iPhone 16e truly shines is in gaming. During stress tests with Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile, the device maintained stable frame rates at medium-to-high settings without overheating. Thermal imaging showed the aluminum chassis effectively dissipating heat, a notable upgrade from older SE models prone to throttling.
“Apple’s decision to reuse the A16 chip was a masterstroke,” says tech analyst Marissa Lee. “It’s a proven, efficient processor that doesn’t require costly new engineering, allowing them to pass savings to consumers.”
The Camera: More Than Just “Good Enough”
While the 16e’s 12MP dual-camera system isn’t groundbreaking, Apple’s computational photography upgrades make it a standout in its class. Low-light shots captured during testing displayed less noise than the Pixel 8a, and the new “Cinematic Stabilization” mode delivered surprisingly smooth 4K video.
The Catch? Display and Design Trade-Offs
To hit its $499 price point, Apple made compromises. The 6.1-inch LCD display lacks the vibrancy of OLED screens, and the thick bezels feel dated compared to edge-to-edge Android competitors. However, the Touch ID-equipped power button and IP68 water resistance are welcome inclusions.
Where to Learn More and Purchase
For full specs and official details, visit Apple’s iPhone 16e page. You can also dive into our hands-on coverage of the launch event at AI News Tech. Preorders are now live on Amazon, with deliveries starting October 25.
Who Should Buy It?
The iPhone 16e isn’t for specs-obsessed power users, but it’s a revelation for budget-conscious buyers. Students, casual users, and iOS loyalists avoiding four-figure price tags will find it irresistible. With 5G support and guaranteed iOS updates through 2030, it’s built to last.
The Bottom Line
Apple isn’t just competing in the budget market—it’s redefining it. The iPhone 16e proves that “affordable” no longer means “compromise.” As Android brands scramble to respond, one thing’s clear: the mid-range phone wars just got interesting.
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