After months of speculation, Apple has finally launched the iPhone 16e. However, the big question remains: Is it truly the budget iPhone everyone expected? Early assumptions hinted at a successor to the iPhone SE series — Apple’s so-called budget-friendly lineup. Instead, what consumers received is a watered-down version of the iPhone 16, neither compact nor affordable. Has Apple misread the needs of its Indian audience?
Was the SE Series Ever About Smaller Phones?
Many believe that the iPhone SE series was meant for fans of smaller smartphones. However, the SE was never about being small; it just reuses previous phone chassises to make a cheaper device. In fact, the last truly small iPhone was the iPhone 13 mini with a 5.43-inch display back in 2021.
With no smaller chassis to refurbish, Apple seems to have opted for a standard 6.1-inch screen for the iPhone 16e. But does a larger screen justify the price tag? Especially when it doesn’t bring the affordability factor SE models were known for?
iPhone 16e: Where’s the Budget Tag?
The biggest letdown is the price. The iPhone 16e starts at Rs 59,900 in India — significantly higher than the iPhone SE 3, launched at Rs 43,990 in 2022. Moreover, the standard iPhone 16 is currently available close to Rs 70,000 on e-commerce platforms after offers applied which makes it just Rs 10,000 more than the 16e. For that extra Rs 10k, you get far more value.
In a market where ‘budget’ smartphones mean something under Rs 30,000-40,000, can Apple genuinely claim the 16e is a budget offering? With competitors like iQOO 13, OnePlus 13R, and Realme GT 7 Pro offering flagship-level specs under 60K, the iPhone 16e seems out of place.
Feature Comparison: iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 16e
What’s Missing in iPhone 16e?
- Camera: The iPhone 16 boasts a dual-camera setup with an extra 12MP telephoto lens. The 16e, however, sticks to a single 48MP sensor. While not a dealbreaker for casual photographers, it’s still a cut corner.
- MagSafe Charging: A notable omission. While MagSafe has been a standard since the iPhone 12, the 16e drops it for a basic 7.5W Qi wireless charging. This might seem minor, but for Apple loyalists, it’s a significant downgrade.
What the 16e Gets Right:
- Processor: The same powerful A18 chip as the iPhone 16.
- Battery Life: Slightly better battery performance with 26 hours of video playback compared to 22 hours on the iPhone 16.
But do these features justify calling it a budget device? The price-to-performance ratio says otherwise.
Affordable Alternatives That Make More Sense
If you are truly looking for budget smartphones, consider:
Or, simply opt for the iPhone 15, now available close to the 60K mark. It offers a more balanced feature set and proven performance.
Final Verdict: Did Apple Miss the Mark?
Apple’s iPhone 16e feels like a missed opportunity. In the Indian context, where value-for-money reigns supreme, the 16e doesn’t align with what consumers expect from a budget iPhone. When the price difference between the iPhone 16 and 16e is marginal and better alternatives exist, it’s hard to justify choosing the 16e.
Apple may have intended the 16e as a strategic addition to its lineup, but in reality, it leaves Indian consumers wondering: Did Apple really get the budget formula right?
