The latest Apple iPhone 16e is the more budget-friendly choice for iPhone fans. But with a starting price of £599, it's still a high-end phone.
So what are you getting? Well, some of its features are remarkably similar to the iPhone 16 (which is £200 more expensive), but there are some key differences to be aware of that we explore below. Also, the iPhone 16e isn't your only option if you want to spend less on your next iPhone - we'll share the other models worth considering.
You can also check ourApple iPhone 16e review, and all ourApple iPhone reviews to see how they performed in over 40 different lab tests.
1. Less powerful cameras
iPhone 16e cameras
It's been a long time since we reviewed a £599 phone that only has one camera lens. But Apple claims its clever software gives you the same results as having multiple lenses. This includes an integrated 2x telephoto lens for a high-quality optical zoom, though this zoom is more limited than the one on the other iPhone 16s. It also doesn't benefit from an ultra-wide lens found on the iPhone 16, which increases the field of view that shots can capture.
The 16e doesn't have all of Apple's popular photographic styles, which can give your shots different vibes, and the lack of Macro mode will make close-up shots less sharp.
We compare Apple's range in our guide on Which Apple iPhone should I buy?
2. There's no Dynamic Island on the screen
iPhone 16e screen notch
A small but popular addition to recent iPhones is the Dynamic Island. This is a digital, pill-shaped notch that expands when you get a notification and offers a shortcut to apps you are currently using. This launched on the iPhone 14 Pro and has been on every iPhone since, but it is noticeably missing from the 16e.
3. It's not a small iPhone
Apple iPhone 16e
If you've previously owned Apple's most affordable phone - the iPhone SE - you might be used to a 4.7-inch screen and expect the 16e to be similar. However, the screen on the iPhone 16e is noticeably bigger with a 6.1-inch screen with 2,532 x 1,170 pixel-resolution. The good news is that the screen's specs are barely indistinguishable from the iPhone 16, it just can't get as bright.
The number of small-screened phones on the market is shrinking each year. If you want an iPhone with a screen smaller than 6.1 inches, you'll have to buy an older model. You can choose from the iPhone SE 2022, the iPhone 13 Mini or the iPhone 12 Mini, though you may have more success shopping in the second hand market than finding one new.
One of the cheapest ways to get an high-performing iPhone is to buy refurbished or second-hand. Find out more in how to buy a refurbished phone: need to know advice
4. It's still an expensive iPhone
Apple iPhone 16e shop
With the success of the three iPhone SE models that were released between 2016 and 2022, we expected the 16e to be more similar to the SE rather than being a scaled-back 16. This means you're getting more of the top specs we praise iPhones for, but it will cost you £179 more than what the iPhone SE 2022 launched for.
Big discounts on iPhones are hard to find, but older models can get attractive discounts. Here are the best iPhone deals for 2025
Can you still buy an iPhone SE 2022?
iPhone 16e vs iPhone SE 2022
Yes, but we suspect you won't be able to for long. Apple no longer sells it directly and we expect it to stop being sold at other retailers soon. If you can't find it on sale new, you can buy it on the second-hand or refurbished market. Find out if this is the phone for you in our full iPhone SE 2022 review, and you can buy it from the retailers below before it's discontinued.
Should you buy an iPhone 16e?
Should you buy an iPhone 16e?
If you can live with the compromises above and want a new iPhone, it's still worth considering the 16e. Over the last few years, refinements in iPhone technology makes buying one an investment that you should be able to keep using for five years or more. The 16e shaves some money off the price of a latest iPhone whilst giving you a device with sought-after features that should last the test of time.
As well as housing a bigger screen and much more up-to-date processing power than the previous iPhone SE, you also get Apple Intelligence - Apple's latest AI features. This includes clever camera editing software and general features that are meant to make your life a bit easier. For example, AI can convert a long list of rough notes into an email and change it's tone from casual to formal. You can use brief descriptions to search for specific photos in your camera roll and Google search pictures. Some users will find these features more useful than others, but it's likely you'll benefit from how it makes some processes simpler.
Head to our fulliPhone 16e review to get the full scoop on its battery life, camera quality, durability and more. Or you can buy it from the retailers below orcompare contract deals
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