After years of speculation, Apple has finally launched the iPhone 16e. Positioned as the most affordable way to own a new iPhone, it comes with a price tag of Rs 59,900. However, Apple hasn’t exactly made an effort to place it in the truly affordable category. Instead, by Apple’s standards, it is currently the cheapest iPhone in the lineup. This marks a significant shift from the iPhone SE series, which was genuinely budget-friendly. The biggest change this time? The name.
By setting the price at Rs 59,900, Apple hasn’t really challenged flagship Android phones in the same range. In fact, Apple rarely sees Android as direct competition in this segment. Instead, its biggest challenge comes from its own older models—the iPhone 15, iPhone 14, and even the iPhone 13, all of which are available for less than Rs 60,000.
On paper, the iPhone 16e seems like a solid device with the A18 chip, a 48-megapixel camera, and a USB-C port. But does it really make sense to buy one?
Most iPhone users don’t upgrade every year. Many keep their devices for four to five years,they only upgrade when there’s a significant leap in performance or features. And that’s exactly where Apple’s biggest challenge lies—not in competition with Samsung or OnePlus, but with its own previous models, which continue to offer excellent performance at lower prices.
Why buy the iPhone 16e when the iPhone 15 costs almost the same?
The iPhone 15, launched in 2023, is available for around Rs 61,000on Flipkart and Amazon. During the festive sales, the price of the iPhone 15 goes even below Rs 50,000 with bank offers and exchange offers. At nearly the same price, it offers a better overall experience. Unlike the iPhone 16e, which sticks to the traditional notch design, the iPhone 15 comes with Dynamic Island, a more modern and interactive UI. The camera setup is nearly identical, both featuring a 48MP main sensor, so there’s no real advantage in photography. iPhone 15 has an advantage here, it has one extra camera sensor.
The iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic chip, borrowed from the iPhone 14 Pro, is still extremely powerful, it may not be as fast as the A18 chip, the difference in speed between the two models and almost negligible for regular users.
What truly sets the iPhone 15 apart is its display quality. With 2000 nits of peak brightness, it’s significantly brighter than the iPhone 16e, making it easier to use outdoors. The color-infused glass and aluminum design also feels more premium compared to the 16e’s more basic build. However, there is one thing which will draw users towards the iPhone 16e more is the Apple Intelligence, which is something the iPhone 15 does not have. The iPhone 16e on the other hand is the cheapest iPhone to support Apple Intelligence. But this is only if you are truly concerned about Apple’s AI suite.
Older iPhones still offer great value
Other than the iPhone 15, older models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are still excellent choices. With discounts, these models are now available for Rs 45,000–Rs 52,000 on Amazon and Flipkart, which makes them more affordable than the 16e. They still feature the same Super Retina XDR display, a powerful A15/A16 chip, and a dual-camera system that holds up well even in 2025.
Who should you buy the iPhone 16e?
If you’re still using an iPhone 11, XR, or anything older, the iPhone 16e will feel like a major upgrade. You will get a much better camera (48MP vs. 12MP), a faster processor, USB-C charging, and better battery life. The jump from an older LCD display to OLED is also a noticeable upgrade.
Apple provides five to six years of iOS updates, so the iPhone 16e will get support one year longer than the iPhone 15 and even more compared to older models. If you’re someone who holds onto your iPhone for years, this might be a factor to consider.
While the iPhone 15 is technically the better deal, it sometimes goes above Rs 60,000, depending on offers. If you’re looking for a brand-new iPhone at the lowest possible price without buying older stock, the 16e at Rs 59,900 is your best option.
The biggest feature missing on the iPhone 16e is Dynamic Island, which makes the iPhone 15 feel more premium. But if you don’t care about that feature, the 16e gives you almost the same experience in everyday use.
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