Apple is known for delivering long-term software support for iPhones with consistent, timely updates to ensure security and performance. This commitment allows iPhone users to retain their devices for extended periods. For example, the iPhone 11, launched nearly six years ago, still runs the latest iOS 18—albeit with some feature limitations.
If you are an iPhone 11 (review) user looking for an upgrade but don’t want to buy an older model at a cheaper price or pay full price for the latest mainstream iPhone, the iPhone 16e, Apple’s latest budget smartphone, could be the right choice. Priced at Rs 59,900, it is as capable as the iPhone 16 in most aspects.
Here is why the iPhone 16e, a massive upgrade over the iPhone 11 in terms of design, hardware, and software, could be a perfect upgrade for iPhone 11 users.
A better display in every possible way
With Apple’s latest-generation A18 chip, the iPhone 16e delivers an incredibly fast and smooth experience for everything, from everyday flipping between apps to mobile gaming and Apple Intelligence. (Image: Apple)
The iPhone 16e still has a 6.1-inch, 60Hz display, but it is superior to the one on the iPhone 11. It features an OLED panel with FHD (1080p) resolution, an infinite contrast ratio, and a smaller notch, identical to the one on the iPhone 14, making it look more modern. This improvement in display quality enhances nearly every task you perform on an iPhone.
As modern as the iPhone 16
Compared to the iPhone 11, the design of the iPhone 16e has improved significantly. It features a Ceramic Shield on the front and back, an Action Button, and a modern USB-C port instead of a Lightning port. This means you can charge it using an Android phone charger. The iPhone 16e boasts improved water and dust resistance with an IP68 rating, compared to the IP67 rating of the iPhone 11. Despite being same sized iPhones, the iPhone 16e is slightly smaller and lighter than the iPhone 11, thanks to the slim display panel with smaller bezels.
While the iPhone 11 has a slightly curved design, the iPhone 16e adopts a boxier shape, similar to the iPhone 16.
More computing power, including Apple Intelligence
Performance comparison between iPhone 16e and iPhone 11. (Image credit: Apple)
Powered by the A18 chip, the iPhone 16e outperforms the iPhone 11 in multitasking, graphics, and AI capabilities. The iPhone 16e comes with 8GB of RAM, double the 4GB found in the iPhone 11. Its base model offers 128GB of storage, while the iPhone 11 starts at just 64 GB.
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Comparing the performance of the iPhone 16e with the iPhone 11 might seem unfair, but to put it into perspective, the iPhone 16e is even more capable than the iPhone 15 (review). It is also the cheapest iPhone to support Apple Intelligence. The improved computing power makes it a better device for gaming, photo and video editing, and overall efficiency. Despite being more powerful, its new chip consumes less power, improving battery efficiency.
While the iPhone 11 may receive one more major OS update, the iPhone 16e will get at least four to five major updates. The iPhone 16e supports 5G, offering gigabit-class download speeds, whereas the iPhone 11 is limited to 4G. The iPhone 16e is also the first product to ship with Apple’s in-house developed C1 5G modem.
Cameras: An upgrade in many ways, downgrade in some
The iPhone 16e features a single rear camera – a powerful 48MP sensor, whereas the iPhone 11 has two 12MP cameras—one ultra-wide and one wide-angle lens. Both devices have 12MP front-facing cameras, but the iPhone 16e’s selfie camera is slightly better.
The iPhone 16e can shoot up to 4K resolution videos in HDR format and captures high-resolution 24MP images by default. It also offers a 2x in-sensor lossless zoom, providing more flexibility in photography.
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The verdict: A worthy upgrade
Overall, the iPhone 16e is a worthy upgrade over the iPhone 11. Beyond the major improvements mentioned above, it also offers better battery life, satellite connectivity (in select markets), and an overall refined look and feel. If you have been holding onto the iPhone 11, waiting for a worthy upgrade, the iPhone 16e could be the perfect choice.
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