The mean lifetimes of the low-lying positive-parity yrast states up to Jπ = 6+ in 116Te were measured using the recoil distance Doppler shift method, and the corresponding B(E2) values were determined. By combining our values for 116Te with the most recent measured transition strengths for other isotopes in this region, we show that the B(E2) values, particularly those of the 2+ → 0+ transition, display a smooth evolution of quadrupole collectivity, with only minor asymmetric behavior across the middle of the shell, unlike the asymmetry observed in Sn isotopes. The transition strengths of even-even Te isotopes are then compared with systematic theoretical calculations within the shell model using realistic pairing plus multipole terms with monopole interaction, and with the large-scale shell-model configuration-interaction approach using a realistic interaction, while the projected shell model is applied to calculate only the structure of 116Te. The latter model provides a very good description of the individual B(E2) values in 116Te, whereas the first two models predict stronger asymmetric behavior across the middle of the shell than observed experimentally.