Apple iPhone 16e Price Starts at PHP 39,990 : Most Affordable 2025 iPhone Model
The Apple iPhone 16e, shown in this photo with colorful silicone cases, brings balance to the 2025 iPhone lineup with powerful performance, advanced camera features, and AI -- at a price more people can afford.
- Affordable Option: The iPhone 16e remains the most budget-friendly iPhone released this year, starting at PHP 39,990.
- All-Day Power: With its A18 chip and up to 26 hours of video playback, it handles daily tasks and content binges without battery anxiety.
- AI-Ready Hardware: It’s built to support Apple Intelligence, making it a future-proof pick for users entering the world of AI-enhanced smartphones.
It’s been a few months since Apple quietly launched the iPhone 16e on February 28, 2025, but this model hasn’t lost its momentum. In fact, it has slowly but steadily built a reputation among students, first-time iPhone buyers, and even longtime Apple fans looking for a reliable secondary device.
Packed with essentials and some surprising flagship-level features, the iPhone 16e is the most affordable iPhone Apple has released in 2025 so far, with a starting price of PHP 39,990. While newer and more premium models often steal the spotlight, the 16e quietly thrives with a combination of power, design, and practicality.
Why It Still Matters in Mid-2025
One reason the iPhone 16e hasn’t faded from relevance is that it sits in a sweet spot. It runs on the A18 chip, the same processor powering higher-end models, which means it’s no slouch when it comes to multitasking, gaming, or simply powering through your day.
With a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, Ceramic Shield protection, and a 48MP Fusion camera system, the device punches above its weight class. Add to that a 12MP front-facing camera for your FaceTime and selfie needs, and you’ve got a well-rounded smartphone that can take on most digital tasks.
The Best Value iPhone in 2025?
Compared to the flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max, which starts at nearly double the price, the 16e brings surprising parity in performance. Sure, you’ll miss out on features like ProMotion and a triple-camera array, but for most users, those aren’t deal-breakers.
What makes this phone especially compelling is its compatibility with Apple Intelligence, the AI backbone Apple unveiled this year. That means the iPhone 16e isn't just a cheaper iPhone — it’s also a portal into the future of Apple’s AI ecosystem.
Battery Life and Day-to-Day Use
Apple claims the 16e gets up to 26 hours of video playback, and from user feedback, it holds up in real-world usage. Whether you’re streaming, editing on CapCut, or navigating a full day of messages, apps, and mobile data, this iPhone doesn’t disappoint.
Charging is via USB-C, another bonus, especially if you’re someone juggling different tech devices. No more worrying about Lightning cables — the transition to a universal port makes this model more future-proof and convenient.
Design and Finish
The 16e features a familiar but refined design: flat sides, rounded corners, and an edge-to-edge display with slim bezels. It’s available in two minimalist finishes: White and Black, giving users a clean aesthetic that matches most style preferences.
Users can also grab the iPhone 16e Silicone Case, sold separately, in eye-catching colors like Fuchsia, Winter Blue, and Lake Green. It’s a stylish, protective option that completes the device’s premium look.
What Industry Experts Say
Back in February during the launch, Greg Joswiak, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, highlighted how the iPhone 16e brings balance to Apple’s lineup. “iPhone 16e delivers performance, camera capabilities, and AI features that users love — at a price more people can afford,” said Greg Joswiak.
Since then, tech reviewers and longtime Apple users have echoed similar sentiments. I'd say that the iPhone 16e “the sleeper hit of 2025.” It may not have grabbed all the headlines, but it certainly grabbed a chunk of the market.
Still a Smart Buy?
If you’re deciding whether to buy an iPhone this second half of the year, the 16e is still worth your attention. It’s rare to find a device that strikes this balance of price and capability — and even rarer to see Apple pull it off so cleanly.
So whether you're coming from an older iPhone or switching over from Android, the iPhone 16e remains a safe, powerful, and affordable choice, even months after its launch.
In 2025, smartphone fatigue is real. But the iPhone 16e proves that you don’t need to spend upwards of PHP 70,000 to get a modern, capable device from Apple. It may be Apple’s budget model, but it doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Apple iPhone 16e Specs
DESIGN
Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight: 167 grams
Build: Glass Front, Glass Back, Aluminum Frame
IP Rating: IP68 Dust Tight and Water Resistant (Immersible up to 6m for 30 min)
Colorways: Black, White
Apple Pay: Supported (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX Certified)
DISPLAY
Size: 6.1 inches
Resolution: 1170 x 2532 Pixels, 19.5:9 Ratio (~457 ppi Density)
Type: Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10
Brightness: 800 Nits (HBM), 1200 Nits (Peak)
Protection: Ceramic Shield Glass, Mohs Level 4
Refresh Rate: Not Specified
PLATFORM
OS: iOS 18.3.1, Upgradable to iOS 18.5
Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm)
CPU: Hexa-Core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz)
GPU: Apple GPU (4-Core Graphics)
MEMORY
RAM: 8GB
Internal Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Card Slot: No
Storage Type: NVMe
MAIN CAMERA
Single: 48 MegaPixels, f/1.6, 26mm (Wide), 1/2.55", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
Features: Dual-LED Dual-Tone Flash, HDR, Panorama, 3D (Spatial) Audio
Video: 4K 24/25/30/60fps, 1080p 25/30/60/120/240fps, Dolby Vision HDR, OIS, Stereo Sound Recording
SELFIE CAMERA
Single: 12 MegaPixels, f/1.9, 23mm (Wide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF
Depth Sensor: SL 3D (Depth/Biometrics Sensor)
Features: HDR, Dolby Vision HDR, 3D (Spatial) Audio, Stereo Sound Recording
Video: 4K 24/25/30/60fps, 1080p 25/30/60/120fps, HDR
SOUND
Loudspeakers: Yes, with Stereo Speakers
3.5mm Jack: No
COMMUNICATIONS
SIM:
International: nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (Max 2 at a Time)
USA: Dual eSIM (8 or More Profiles, Max 2 at a Time)
China: Dual nano-SIM
WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, Dual-Band, Hotspot
Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE
Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
NFC: Yes
Radio: No
USB: USB Type-C 2.0
PRIVACY AND SECURITY
Facial Recognition: Face ID
Fingerprint Scanner: Not Available
Pattern and Passcode Unlock: Supported
SENSORS
Accelerometer: Yes
Gyro: Yes
Proximity: Yes
Compass: Yes
Barometer: Yes
Emergency Features: Emergency SOS, Messages and Find My via Satellite
BATTERY
Type: Li-Ion 4005 mAh
Charging: Wired, 50% in 30 Min
Wireless Charging: 7.5W (Qi)
Apple iPhone 16e Price in the Philippines
Official SRP via Apple.com:
128GB - PHP 39,990
256GB - PHP 46,990
512GB - PHP 58,990
Global Release Date: February 28, 2025
