C1 Modem Efficiency: The in-house modem of the iPhone 16e consumes 24% less power on 5G compared to the iPhone 15.
Battery Life Improvements: It lasts 7 hours and 53 minutes while streaming 5G video, outperforming the iPhone 16 (7 hours) and the iPhone 16 Pro (6 hours and 54 minutes).
Mid-Band Focus: While it does not support mmWave, it excels in real-world mid-band 5G performance. Subway Test Victory: It matches the speeds of the iPhone 16 while using 17% less power in areas with low signal.
Larger Battery? The 3,961mAh battery, which is 12% larger than that of the iPhone 16 Pro, may further enhance its endurance.
Apple iPhone 16e C1 modem: A mid-range 5G powerhouse
Apple’s daring decision to substitute Qualcomm modems with its own C1 chip in the iPhone 16e is yielding positive results.
Pre-order the iPhone 16e at Apple for up to $630 off
The latest budget-friendly iPhone model, the iPhone 16e, is here! You can pre-order a unit at the Apple Store for up to $630 off with eligible device trade-ins. Open sales begin on February 28. Carrier promotions are also available at the Apple Store.
Initial tests show that the device not only achieves flagship-level 5G speeds but also does so with remarkable efficiency.
Although the C1 modem does not support mmWave—thereby restricting peak 5G speeds—it emphasizes the mid-band spectrum, which ensures dependable connectivity in everyday situations.
Real world performance
Chinese tech reviewer Geekerwan evaluated the 5G capabilities of the iPhone 16e in urban settings, which included a subway ride.
Despite experiencing varying signal strengths, the iPhone 16e achieved speeds similar to those of the iPhone 16 while consuming 0.67 watts of power, compared to 0.88 watts for the iPhone 15—a 24% improvement in efficiency.
Additionally, even in areas with weak signals, the C1 modem utilized 17% less power than its counterpart models.
Significant improvement in battery life
The iPhone 16e outperformed the iPhone 16 by 53 minutes in Geekerwan’s 5G video streaming test. The larger 3,961mAh battery (compared to the 16 Pro’s 3,532mAh) plays a role in this improvement, but the efficiency of the C1 modem is also a significant factor.
Apple’s assertions of “breakthrough battery life” seem to be substantiated, positioning the 16e as an excellent choice for users who value long-lasting performance.
Mid-range competition heats up
Launched on February 28, the iPhone 16e competes with Google’s Pixel 9a and Samsung’s Galaxy A56. By integrating Apple’s hardware-software synergy and offering a competitive price of $699, the 16e establishes a new standard for affordable 5G innovation.
