The iPhone 16e goes on sale tomorrow! This is a simple unit that allows you to easily experience Apple's evolution.

Once you start using the "iPhone," you can't get out of it. As many of you already know, the new "iPhone 16e" will be released tomorrow, February 28 (Friday).

The iPhone SE (4th generation) was originally expected to appear, but this time it will be part of the iPhone 16 family. After having a chance to touch it, I could understand a bit why Apple named it so.

There will be three variations available: 128GB ¥99,800, 256GB ¥114,800, and 512GB ¥144,800 (all Apple Store prices), in two minimalist colors: white and black. The display is a 6.1-inch OLED display; it uses Face ID instead of Touch ID and does not support Dynamic Island.

The body is made of aerospace-grade sturdy aluminum with a matte finish for a luxurious feel, and the front is made of durable glass with a ceramic shield. 167 g is lightweight, but the overall feel is squashy and sturdy. Looking around, you can see the action buttons, USB-C, and other features that are typical of the iPhone 16 series, yet the overall design is simple.

The most important of these is the camera. The camera control is not used, and for the first time in the iPhone 16 series, a single camera is used, with an F value of 1.6 and a pixel count of up to 24 megapixels on a 48-megapixel sensor. The camera does not support spatial photography, spatial video, cinematic mode, or action mode, and although it has an optical zoom, it cannot take macro shots.

The official movie of Apple.

Inside, the A18 chip, which is also used in the latest iPhone 16, is installed. This makes it possible to use "Apple Intelligence" at the lowest cost, which is scheduled to be expanded to support more languages in April through updates. This is likely to be the key point this time.

Apple Intelligence" is an AI function developed by Apple. This function, which is already available in the U.S. and can process text and photos, will finally be available in Japanese. Perhaps the number "16" was added to indicate that this will be the basis for the future "iPhone" series.

The genuine case is only available in white and black, but the genuine case is available in five colors, many of which are bright. Of course, it also supports action buttons.

The new model also uses Apple's first in-house developed wireless modem chip, the C1. Although it is still unknown, it has a high level of connectivity to 5G, which seems to have a positive impact on battery life. As a result, it has the longest battery life of any iPhone of its size, with up to 26 hours of video playback.

It also supports fast charging and can charge up to 50% in 30 minutes. A little disappointing is that wireless charging is not compatible with MagSafe, only Qi....

Overall, the iPhone 16 is simpler and more stripped down than the other iPhone 16 models, but I get the impression that the direction they are heading in is the same. It is a well-balanced device that should be used by those who cannot use all the features, but would welcome the convenience of the next-generation experience. Although it is more expensive than before due to the exchange rate and other factors, those who are ready to "get rid of the SE" or those who are using a 13 or similar model should give it a try. It will go on sale tomorrow.