Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Re-reviewing Apple's iPhone 16e 'budget' smartphone in 2026, one year post-launch. The iPhone 17e is just around the corner perhaps, but here's how the 16e holds up - camera tech, battery life, gaming chops and beyond. Of course, as this is a Tech Spurt Weekly, there's a wee twist: I can only say positive things.

My original iPhone 16e review is still up if you want a more ranty take (an exceptionally ranty take actually, I was in a really bad mood after using it for a full week).

Here's hoping that the 17e launch means the iPhone 16e plummets in price, because at around £300 it wouldn't be a bad smartphone. The battery life is still great for a deliciously compact mobile, while performance is good (albeit slightly juddery when gaming on more demanding titles). You'll enjoy four more years of iOS updates, which is reasonable, and here's hoping the next one is a bit less buggy!

Have you been using the iPhone 16e this past year? Let us know your troubles below, and we'll bestow our greatest sympathies on the next episode!

iPhone 16e Long Term 2026 Review Chapters:
0:00 - iPhone 16e, but happy
7:09 - Viewer comments
14:32 - Next week