iPhone 16e "Sidegrading" from a 15 Pro to a 16e

[Capeto]

Hey all,

T-Mobile was recently offering $400 towards an iPhone 16e for the crummy iPhone 6 that I had stashed away in a drawer and not touched in probably 6+ years, so I decided to take advantage of that and keep it as my new backup phone.

Recently, I've been bitten by the "more mindful screentime" bug so I decided to set up the iPhone 16e as new and give it a spin. I'm only downloading work/productivity apps, a few utilities, very minimal entertainment (music and podcasts, i.e. things I can listen to while multitasking and not looking at the screen), and financial apps (e.g., bank apps); everything else is going to be done on a computer or on an as-needed basis (downloading the Target app for my Target run).

I don't think the single camera is going to be an issue (another excuse to carry my actual camera around), but the lack of MagSafe is already proving to be annoying; luckily, I had a spare 15 Pro case with MagSafe that mostly fits the 16e, so that will manage.

I'm mostly looking forwards to the increased battery life and lighter phone, but let's see how long this lasts. Has anyone else tried something similar? How did that work out for you?

 

[racerhomie]

I am using the 12 now. The 16e is a nice iPhone, but the lack of Optical Image Stabilization and U1 Ultrawide Band chip sucks. I will be upgrading to a regular 15 most probably

 

[Capeto]

Ooh, hadn't considered the lack of the U1 as I have a few Airtags and am constantly pinging my phone with my watch too, and the way my 15 Pro and Series 9 are able to give me precise locating to find each other is pretty handy.

 

[russell_314]

Let me know if you decide to do it how it goes. I was very tempted to do the same from my 14 Pro Max, but I am waiting to see if they come out with this iPhone 17 Air that’s rumored.

Optical image stabilization is not something I really use and I can live without the U1 chip. I’m guessing that would make AirTags a little less useful since it wouldn’t give the arrow directional pointer, but I can make it chirp.

 

[racerhomie]

Let me know if you decide to do it how it goes. I was very tempted to do the same from my 14 Pro Max, but I am waiting to see if they come out with this iPhone 17 Air that’s rumored.

Optical image stabilization is not something I really use and I can live without the U1 chip. I’m guessing that would make AirTags a little less useful since it wouldn’t give the arrow directional pointer, but I can make it chirp.

You use Optical Image Stabilization every time you take a Photo. You never really see it’s usefulness until it’s gone

 

[James6s]

Yes the 16e does have optical image stabilization, it just doesn’t have the newer sensor shift stabilization.

 

[Jackbequickly]

Don’t let a carrier’s “deal” make your choice about your phone!