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The iPhone 16e could be an interesting alternative for users who value long battery life and solid 5G performance. Initial lab tests show that Apple has achieved a significant improvement in energy efficiency with the new C1 modem. While the cellular speed remains at the same level as the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16e consumes less power and therefore lasts longer. Tests by Geekerwan show how big the difference actually is and what role the device's larger battery plays.
With the iPhone 16e, Apple is using its own 5G modem for the first time. Until now, iPhones have been equipped with Qualcomm modems, but now Apple is going its own way with the C1 modem. Expectations for this new component are high, as it not only offers the same performance as the previous modems, but is also said to be more efficient. Geekerwan, a well-known Chinese test platform, has now compared the iPhone 16e with the regular iPhone 16. The tests were carried out under controlled conditions to see how the devices behave in the mobile network and how the differences in energy consumption affect battery life.
Mobile performance on par with the iPhone 16
In the laboratory tests, the cellular capabilities of the iPhone 16e were tested using a special synthetic 5G transmitter tower. The results show that there are no significant differences to the cellular performance of the iPhone 16. Both the speed and the reliability of the connection are comparable. There were also no significant differences in a real test environment, namely in the subway. Although the speeds fluctuated, all iPhone 16 models were at a similar level in terms of connection stability and the number of connection drops. Only the lack of support for mmWave distinguishes the iPhone 16e from other iPhone 16 models. In many countries, however, this aspect is hardly relevant, as mmWave is currently only available in a few regions.
Significantly lower power consumption thanks to C1 modem
While the speed remains the same, there is a clear difference in power consumption. The C1 modem of the iPhone 16e consumes up to 25% less energy than the Qualcomm modem of the iPhone 16. The measured values at a glance:
- At high signal strength, the iPhone 16 with 5G consumed 0.88 watts, while the iPhone 16e only needed 0.67 watts. That corresponds to a saving of about 24 %.
- With a weak signal, the iPhone 16 consumed 0.81 watts, while the iPhone 16e was again more economical at 0.67 watts. The difference here is 17 percent.
This increase in efficiency has a noticeable impact on battery life.
Longer battery life in 5G operation
The improved energy efficiency of the modem is particularly noticeable in 5G video streaming. In a test in which a video was streamed over 5G, the iPhone 16e achieved a runtime of 7 hours and 53 minutes. For comparison:
- iPhone 16: 7 hours
- iPhone 16 Pro: 6 hours and 54 minutes
- iPhone 16 Plus & Pro Max: 8 hours and 30 minutes
The iPhone 16e lasts almost an hour longer than the regular iPhone 16.
influence of the larger battery
In addition to the more energy-efficient modem, battery capacity also plays a role. The iPhone 16e is equipped with a 3961 mAh battery, which is 12 % larger than the battery in the iPhone 16 Pro. It is therefore difficult to say to what extent the longer runtime of the iPhone 16e is solely due to the more efficient modem or whether the larger battery is the main contributor. It is likely a combination of both factors.
iPhone 16e: Same performance, longer battery life
The iPhone 16e offers comparable 5G performance to the regular iPhone 16, but scores with lower energy consumption and a significantly longer battery life. If you are looking for an iPhone that is reliable, no different to the iPhone 16 in terms of mobile communications, but lasts longer, the iPhone 16e could be a sensible choice. The improved efficiency is particularly noticeable for users who use their device intensively on the 5G network. The full test video from Geekerwan provides detailed insights into the test results and shows why the iPhone 16e is an interesting model for anyone who values a long battery life. (Image: Apple)
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