Apple has confirmed that assembly of its newly launched entry-level iPhone, the iPhone 16e, has begun in India. This move signifies Apple’s continued expansion of its manufacturing footprint in India, with the iPhone 16e units being produced both for sale within the Indian market and for export to select countries globally. The iPhone 16e, positioned as the successor to the iPhone SE (2022) and a more affordable option within the iPhone 16 lineup, was unveiled just last week and is already seeing local assembly ramp up.

Assembled in India iPhone 16e for Local and Global Markets

Responding to inquiries, Apple officially stated, “The entire iPhone 16 lineup, including iPhone 16e, is being assembled in India for Indian consumers and for export to select countries.” This confirmation underscores India’s growing importance as a manufacturing hub for Apple, with the iPhone 16e joining a growing list of iPhone models being assembled in the country.

India Becomes Manufacturing Hub for Entire iPhone 16 Lineup

The iPhone 16e assembly further solidifies India’s role in Apple’s global production strategy. Notably, Apple has also begun assembling its top-tier iPhone 16 Pro models in India for the first time, marking a significant milestone. Previously, “Pro” iPhones were primarily assembled in China by Taiwanese partners. While initial iPhone 16 Pro units from India still carried an “Assembled in China” label, Apple later introduced “Assembled in India” models for the Pro series as well. With the addition of the iPhone16e, the entire iPhone 16 lineup is now being manufactured in India, alongside other models like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15.

Diversifying Production Away from China: Mitigating Supply Chain Risks

Apple’s increasing focus on India-based manufacturing is part of a broader strategy to diversify its iPhone production beyond China. Over-reliance on Chinese manufacturing had previously caused supply chain disruptions, most notably during the iPhone 14 Pro launch when COVID-19 restrictions at Foxconn’s Zhengzhou facility led to significant shortages. Expanding manufacturing to India and other regions is a proactive step by Apple to mitigate such risks and ensure a more stable supply chain for its new and flagship iPhone models, reducing dependence on any single geographical area. Reports indicate that Apple aims to increase the share of iPhones made in India from approximately 15% currently to 25% by 2027.

iPhone 16e: Specifications and Features of the “Assembled in India” Model

The “Assembled in India” iPhone 16e offers a compelling set of features for its entry-level positioning in the iPhone 16 series:

• Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 60Hz refresh rate, 1,200 nits peak brightness, and Ceramic Shield protection.
• Camera: Single 48MP “Fusion Camera” on the rear, 12MP front-facing selfie camera.
• Processor: A18 chip (binned variant with slightly fewer GPU cores compared to iPhone 16’s A18).
• Operating System: iOS 18 with Apple Intelligence features.
• Other Features: IP68 dust and water resistance, Face ID, iPhone 15-like Action Button, USB Type-C port.

Pricing and Availability: Pre-orders Open, Sales Start February 28

The iPhone 16e price in India starts at Rs 59,900 for the 128GB variant, going up to Rs 89,900 for the 512GB model. Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e are currently open in India, with official sales commencing on February 28th. The “Assembled in India” iPhone 16e will be available through Apple’s official channels and authorized retailers across the country, as well as being exported to other markets.

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Oppo, known for incorporating the convenient Alert Slider on its flagship phones – a feature shared with sister brand OnePlus – is rumored to be considering a significant design shift for its upcoming Find X8 Ultra. Instead of the familiar three-stage Alert Slider, leaks suggest the Oppo Find X8 Ultra might adopt a customizable Action Button, drawing inspiration from Apple’s approach on recent iPhones.

Oppo Find X8 Ultra Action Button to Offer Similar Functionality, Potentially More Customization

According to reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, the Oppo Find X8 Ultra is expected to arrive without the Alert Slider. In its place, Oppo is reportedly planning to implement an Action Button, a physical button that users can press to trigger various actions. While the primary function of this Action Button is expected to mirror the Alert Slider – toggling between ringer, vibrate, and silent modes, and potentially Oppo’s VIP mode – the rumor suggests Oppo may go a step further than Apple. Unlike Apple’s Action Button, which some reports indicate has limited customization, the Oppo Find X8 Ultra’s Action Button could be remappable, allowing users to assign a wider range of functions and shortcuts based on their preferences. This could include launching the camera app, turning on the flashlight, accessing Do Not Disturb modes, or triggering other custom actions.

Why Ditch the Alert Slider? Differentiation, Not Technical Limitations

The potential removal of the Alert Slider, a long-standing feature favored by OnePlus and Oppo fans, might seem surprising. However, reports suggest this decision is likely strategic rather than due to technical constraints. While OnePlus previously cited engineering reasons for removing the slider on the OnePlus 10T (to accommodate faster charging and a larger battery), the OnePlus 13 and other devices have demonstrated that IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance is achievable even with a physical Alert Slider. Instead, the rumored switch to an Action Button for the Oppo Find X8 Ultra could be driven by Oppo seeking to further differentiate itself from its sister brands within the BBK Electronics group, such as OnePlus and Vivo, especially in the premium flagship segment. By offering a unique, customizable button, Oppo may aim to create a distinct brand identity for its high-end devices.

Flat Display and a Nod to Past Button Experiments

Beyond the Action Button, leaks also indicate that the Oppo Find X8 Ultra will feature a flat display, a departure from the curved screens seen on previous Oppo flagships. This design choice, combined with the Action Button rumor, suggests a potential shift in Oppo’s design philosophy. It’s worth noting that Oppo has experimented with additional buttons before, such as the “Quick Button” on the Oppo Find X8Pro for camera control. However, that implementation was met with mixed reception, described in reviews as “fidgety and distracting.”

Alert Slider to Live On in Other Oppo/OnePlus Devices

While the Oppo Find X8 Ultra might be poised to lose the Alert Slider, fans of the physical switch shouldn’t despair entirely. Reports suggest that the Alert Slider is still expected to be included in upcoming devices like the OnePlus Open 2 and its Chinese counterpart, the Oppo Find N5 foldable. This indicates that the Alert Slider might remain a feature on select OnePlus and Oppo phones, even if it’s potentially being phased out on the highest-end Oppo Ultra flagship.

Oppo Find X8 Ultra Launch Timeline and Market Availability Uncertain

The market availability and exact launch timeframe for the Oppo Find X8 Ultra remain unclear. It is expected to be the successor to the Find X7 Ultra, a device that, despite its innovative features, did not launch in India. Both the Oppo Find X8 Ultra and the Oppo Find N5 foldable are expected to be powered by the high-performance Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. As the expected launch window approaches, more concrete details about the Oppo Find X8Ultra’s design, features, and market release are anticipated.

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Samsung is reportedly pushing the boundaries of smartphone design with its upcoming Galaxy S25 Edge, prioritizing an ultra-slim profile even if it means making compromises in other areas. Leaks suggest the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge will boast a remarkably thin 5.84mm chassis, making it one of the slimmest flagship smartphones ever, but this pursuit of sleekness comes at the cost of a triple-camera system, opting instead for a dual-camera setup.

Ultra-Slim Design: A Tradeoff Between Form and Function

The defining feature of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is undoubtedly its ultra-thin design, measuring just 5.84mm thick. While this makes it incredibly pocketable and visually striking, achieving this slimness has required significant trade-offs. To accommodate the internal components within this slender frame, Samsung has reportedly reduced the number of rear cameras and may have had to compromise on battery size and cooling solutions. The phone will also feature a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x screen with 120Hz refresh rate and 2,600 nits peak brightness, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2 within an Armor Aluminum frame. The phone’s full dimensions are reported to be 158.2 x 75.5 x 5.84 mm.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Camera System: 200MP Main Sensor and Ultrawide Lens, No Telephoto

To achieve the 5.84mm thickness, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is said to feature a dual-camera system on the rear, a departure from the triple-camera arrays found on many other flagship phones. The primary camera is expected to be a 200-megapixel sensor, likely the HP2 sensor, which is said to be the same 200MP sensor Present in Samsung’s high-end Galaxy S25 Ultra. This will be paired with a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. According to tipster Ice Universe, Samsung is forgoing a dedicated telephoto lens and instead relying on the 200MP sensor’s high resolution to handle zoom functionality through cropping. The elongated camera module creates a visual illusion, making the bump appear less pronounced and blending it seamlessly with the frame, despite the camera protrusion bringing the total thickness to 10mm.

Performance and Internals: Snapdragon 8 Elite and Other Expected Features

Despite the design compromises, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is still expected to pack a punch in terms of performance. It is widely anticipated to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, like the rest of the S25 lineup. Other rumored specifications include 12GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and One UI 7 based on Android 15.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge Battery and Charging: Smaller Capacity and Slower Charging Speeds

One of the potential downsides of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge’s slim design is its smaller battery. A 3C certification reportedly revealed that the phone will ship with a 3,900mAh battery and support 25W wired charging. These specifications are relatively modest compared to other flagship devices, potentially limiting battery life and requiring longer charging times. The device should offer wireless charging support as well.

The Road Not Taken: A Thicker Prototype with More Cameras

Interestingly, reports indicate that Samsung initially tested two prototypes of the Galaxy S25 Edge. One prototype measured 6.4mm thick and featured a more versatile triple-camera system. However, Samsung ultimately opted for the slimmer 5.84mm design, seemingly prioritizing aesthetics and a sleek profile over camera capabilities. This decision highlights the trade-offs inherent in smartphone design, where manufacturers must balance competing priorities to create a compelling product.

Launch Timeline and Market Positioning

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is currently expected to be unveiled in April or May 2025. With its ultra-slim design and focus on aesthetics, the phone is rumored to be positioned as a competitor to the iPhone 17 Air, targeting users who prioritize style and portability. As the launch date approaches, more details about the final specifications and pricing are expected to emerge.

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