Apple has once again made waves with the reveal of the iPhone 16e — a device that’s both a spiritual successor to the iPhone SE 2022 and a bold, if somewhat puzzling, step in Apple’s lineup. While the iPhone 16e boasts many improvements, there’s one design choice that’s sparking plenty of debate on iPhone 16e camera: the single rear camera.
In an era where mid-range phones increasingly offer dual or even triple-camera setups, the iPhone 16e stands out — and not necessarily in a good way. But does this lone 48MP camera have what it takes to compete with its rivals? Let’s break it down.
iPhone 16e Camera Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 16e | Pixel 8a | OnePlus 13R |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | 48MP main (f/1.6) | 64MP main (f/1.89), 13MP ultrawide (f/2.2) | 50MP main (f/1.8), 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 50MP telephoto/portrait (f/2.0, 2x optical zoom) |
| Front Camera | 12MP (f/1.9) | 13MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.4) |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24, 25, 30, 60 fps | 4K at 30, 60 fps | 4K at 30, 60 fps |
iPhone 16e Camera: The Single Rear Camera
The most striking difference between the iPhone 16e camera and its competitors is the single 48MP rear camera. While the Pixel 8a sports a dual-camera setup and the OnePlus 13R goes even further with a triple-camera array, Apple has chosen to lean heavily on its software and sensor tech rather than adding more lenses.
But why?
Apple’s 48MP main sensor employs a 2-in-1 fusion system, using the center portion of the sensor to simulate 2x optical zoom. This is the same technology we’ve seen in the iPhone 15 and 16, offering respectable zoom without needing a dedicated telephoto lens.
The f/1.6 aperture also means better low-light performance compared to the iPhone SE 2022’s f/1.8 lens. Combined with Apple’s Photonic Engine and Night Mode, the iPhone 16e camera is positioned to deliver brighter, sharper images in dim conditions.
However, there’s no getting around the fact that a single lens means fewer options. There’s no ultrawide mode for capturing sweeping landscapes or group shots, and no dedicated telephoto lens for crisp portrait zoom.
Selfie Game Stronger Than Ever
Apple didn’t neglect the front camera, though. The iPhone 16e’s 12MP TrueDepth camera (f/1.9) is a big step up from the 7MP camera in the iPhone SE 2022. This means sharper selfies, better low-light performance, and faster focus for those on-the-go snapshots.
In comparison:
- Pixel 8a: 13MP (f/2.2) front camera — solid, but not groundbreaking.
- OnePlus 13R: 16MP (f/2.4) — decent for resolution but lags behind in aperture speed.
Video: Dolby Vision Raises the Bar
One area where the iPhone 16e truly shines is video recording. Apple has added 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording at multiple frame rates (24, 25, 30, and 60 fps), giving you more dynamic range and color depth than ever before.
While both the Pixel 8a and OnePlus 13R support 4K at 30 and 60 fps, Dolby Vision brings a level of cinematic quality that’s still rare in this price range.
However, there are some missing features that keen videographers might notice:
- No cinematic mode for rack focus effects.
- No macro mode for extreme close-ups.
- No action mode for enhanced stabilization.
- No Spatial Video recording — a feature reserved for higher-end iPhones.
The Verdict: Is the iPhone 16e’s Single Camera Enough?
The iPhone 16e delivers a powerful main camera with impressive software smarts — but it undeniably lacks the flexibility of dual or triple-camera phones like the Pixel 8a and OnePlus 13R.
For casual users who prioritize Apple’s seamless ecosystem, top-tier video quality, and strong low-light performance, the single 48MP camera will likely suffice. But for those who want more versatility — like ultrawide shots or true optical zoom — it may feel limiting.
Ultimately, the iPhone 16e camera redefines what a single-camera phone can do in 2025 — but whether that’s enough to sway buyers from more feature-rich rivals remains to be seen.
What are your thoughts? Would you trade multiple lenses for Apple’s software magic, or does more hardware still mean better photos? Let me know in the comments!
Also Read: iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Which One Should You Buy?
Also Read: iPhone 17 Rumors and Leaks: A Sneak Peek into Apple’s 2025 Flagship
