You want a new iPhone. The Apple iPhone 16e catches your eye—it’s Apple’s latest “budget” model. Priced at $699 (256GB), it promises premium features. But does it deliver value, or is Apple cutting corners? Let’s break it down for U.S. buyers.
Apple iPhone 16e Key Specs
Here’s what you get for $699:
- Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (1170 x 2532 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio, 457 ppi density, 1200 nits brightness, 60Hz refresh rate).
- Processor: Apple A18 chip (4.04 GHz dual-core + 2.2 GHz quad-core).
- Camera: 48MP rear (ƒ/1.6, Night Mode, OIS), 12MP front (ƒ/1.9).
- Battery: 20W fast charging (50% in 30 minutes), 7.5W wireless charging.
- Storage: 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM.
- Build: Glass back, aluminum frame, IP68 water resistance.
- Software: iOS 18.3.1 with 5 years of updates.
Source: Apple.com
Apple iPhone 16e Price: Is $699 Too High?
The iPhone 16e struggles against rivals:
iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 15 ($799):
- iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 adds Dynamic Island, a brighter OLED screen, and dual cameras.
- Worth the extra $100 for future-proof features.
iPhone 16e vs. Google Pixel 8 ($699):
- Pixel 8 has a 120Hz OLED display, AI photo editing, and faster 30W charging.
- Same price, better hardware.
iPhone 16e vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE ($649):
- Galaxy S24 FE offers 120Hz AMOLED, telephoto lens, and 25W charging.
- Costs $50 less with superior specs.
The Apple iPhone 16e sits in a awkward spot, also it is not cheap enough to be a true budget phone, not advanced enough to compete with flagships.
Apple iPhone 16e Missing Features
Apple skipped key upgrades expected in 2025:
- No 120Hz Display – The 60Hz screen feels sluggish. Scrolling through Instagram or TikTok stutters compared to the Pixel 8’s buttery-smooth 120Hz.
- No Ultra-Wide Camera – The 48MP main lens takes sharp daylight photos but struggles with low light. Alao, No ultra-wide or telephoto limits creative shots like landscapes or close-ups.
- Slow Charging – 20W charging lags behind Android rivals. The Nothing Phone 2 hits 50% battery in 20 minutes (vs. 30 minutes for the iPhone 16e).
- No Always-On Display – You must tap the screen to check notifications. The Galaxy S24 FE shows time, weather, and alerts at a glance.
Source: phonearena.com
Who Should Buy the Apple iPhone 16e?
This phone works for:
- Die-hard Apple fans: You need iMessage, FaceTime, and seamless AirDrop.
- First-time iPhone buyers: Switching from Android? The 16e is a simple entry point.
- Light users: You care about calls, texts, and social media—not gaming or photography.
Who Should Skip the Apple iPhone 16e?
Avoid if:
- You want value: The Pixel 8 or Galaxy S24 FE offer better specs at the same price.
- You need expandable storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB is fixed – no SD card slot.
- You’re a power user: The 60Hz screen and single camera won’t satisfy heavy gamers or photographers
Better Alternatives to the Apple iPhone 16e
For $700 or less, consider:
- Google Pixel 8 ($699): 120Hz OLED, Magic Eraser, 30W charging.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 FE ($649): 120Hz AMOLED, triple cameras, 25W charging.
- iPhone 14 ($599): OLED display, dual cameras, and a proven A15 chip.
The Bottom Line
Is the Apple iPhone 16e worth $699? (Yes, but only if):
- You’re locked into Apple’s ecosystem.
- You prioritize iOS updates over cutting-edge hardware.
For most buyers, the iPhone 16e feels like a compromise. Apple added a better camera and OLED screen but kept the 60Hz display and slow charging. Competitors like Google and Samsung deliver more for the same price.
What do you think?
Would you buy the Apple iPhone 16e, or is it time for Apple to rethink its budget strategy? Let us know in the comments!
