Which mannequin do you have to purchase?

Authentic launch date: February 28, 2025 | Storage capability: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Display screen dimension: 6.1 inches | Options: A18 chip (4-core GPU), 60Hz show, Aluminum body, USB-C port (USB 2), Motion button, 7.5W Qi wi-fi charging, Apple Intelligence | Cameras: 48MP rear, 12MP entrance | Shade choices: White, Black | Dimensions: 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches | Weight: 5.88 ounces

Learn our full iPhone 16e review

Right here’s the fact: There’s no such factor as a real funds iPhone in 2025. The $429 iPhone SE was the closest factor Apple needed to a value-oriented mannequin coming into the yr, however it was formally discontinued in February, and its severely outdated design made it troublesome to advocate lengthy earlier than that. The new iPhone 16e is the SE’s ostensible alternative, however it prices $599, properly above what anybody might name “inexpensive” when there are such a lot of genuinely respectable Android telephones that promote for lots of of {dollars} much less.

So after we advocate the iPhone 16e on this spot, consider it much less like a funds choose and extra like “the most affordable competent iPhone you may reliably purchase.” It’s straightforward to see the way it could possibly be higher, however it nonetheless will get you most of what makes the iPhone expertise worthwhile.

It seems and feels rather more substantial than the previous iPhone SE, with a bigger and extra vivid 6.1-inch OLED show, cleaner strains and flat aluminum edges. Its A18 chip is sort of the identical because the one in 2024’s iPhone 16, simply with one fewer GPU core; both method, it’s highly effective sufficient to run Apple Intelligence and most video games positive. Its battery life is respectable, with a video playback ranking of 26 hours, although it’s a bit behind every mannequin within the iPhone 17 household. It has a USB-C port, Face ID and the programmable Action button. Most significantly, it’s the least costly route into iMessage, Apple Pay, FaceTime, AirPlay and all the opposite iOS perks locked in Apple’s walled backyard, for higher or worse.

That mentioned, the iPhone 17 nonetheless brings significant upgrades for $200 extra. It has a greater digital camera setup, for one, with a second, 48MP ultrawide lens and a bigger primary sensor with higher picture stabilization. The 16e’s single-camera system continues to be completely positive for many conditions, however evening photographs look softer, portraits are a bit blurrier and there’s no macro mode.

Annoyingly, the iPhone 16e additionally lacks MagSafe, locking it out of a bunch of useful accessories, and it’s restricted to sluggish 7.5W wi-fi charging. There’s no ultra-wideband chip to extra precisely locate AirTags, and the usual iPhone 17’s show is now a marked enchancment due to its 120Hz refresh price, increased peak brightness and always-on performance. That display screen additionally has the Dynamic Island, which makes it simpler to test timers, Uber ETAs, sports activities scores and the like at a look. The 16e, by comparability, has the static “notch” from older iPhones. The 17 can also be out there in additional colours, whereas the 16e solely is available in a extra primary black or white. And it begins with half the cupboard space.

In some ways, the iPhone 16e feels prefer it was designed backwards to make the bottom mannequin seem like a greater worth. However, should you can stretch your funds to get the iPhone 17, it’s price doing so.

Actually, discount hunters ought to look to the refurbished market for reductions on older iPhones first. If you’ll find an iPhone 16 (and even an iPhone 15) from a good vendor for $100+ lower than the 16e, that’d be excellent, since these embrace most of the 16e’s lacking options (120Hz show apart) and something older gained’t have a USB-C port. For those who see an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro across the similar value or much less, it’s no contest — these are higher than the 16e just about throughout the board.

However even a refurbished 15 is unlikely to be that low cost, and older iPhones usually tend to lose replace assist sooner. Nonetheless, that may not matter a lot should you simply need an Apple cellphone for primary iOS issues and may discover an appropriate price-to-storage ratio. Making the most of trade-in offers or, to a lesser extent, month-to-month installment plans that decrease upfront prices appears particularly prudent as of late as properly.

Because it stands now, the dearth of a aggressive funds mannequin within the iPhone lineup is disappointing, and it seems that won’t change anytime quickly. Apple shall be Apple. However should you simply wish to stroll into an Apple retailer and purchase an iPhone that works, the 16e is ok sufficient, even when it is not a slam-dunk worth.