Now Reading: Don’t Buy the iPhone 16e! Here’s Why Apple’s “Budget” Smartphone Isn’t What It Seems
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Don’t Buy the iPhone 16e! Here’s Why Apple’s “Budget” Smartphone Isn’t What It Seems
Is the iPhone 16e Really a Bargain or a Clever Trap?
Apple has just unveiled the iPhone 16e, a supposedly budget-friendly alternative to its flagship iPhone 16 lineup. With a lower price tag and some premium features, this model appears to be a dream come true for cost-conscious Apple fans. But before you rush to pre-order, take a step back.
Is the iPhone 16e truly a great deal, or is Apple cutting corners in ways that might not be immediately obvious? From hidden compromises to sneaky pricing tactics, this so-called “affordable iPhone” might not be worth your money. Let’s dive into the real story behind the iPhone 16e and why it might be a smarter move to wait—or look elsewhere.
The “Budget” Label Is Misleading—Here’s What Apple Isn’t Telling You
Apple is marketing the iPhone 16e as an entry-level model, but let’s be real—it’s far from cheap.
🚨 iPhone 16e Price Breakdown (Switzerland & Global Markets)
- 128GB model: 629 CHF (~$699 USD)
- 256GB model: 749 CHF (~$829 USD)
- 512GB model: 899 CHF (~$999 USD)
For comparison, the iPhone 16 starts at 899 CHF, while last year’s iPhone 15 (which is still available) starts at 799 CHF. That means you’re saving only about 170 CHF for a device with fewer features and noticeable downgrades.
So, is the iPhone 16e really a budget iPhone? Or is Apple just charging premium prices for a slightly weaker device?
🆚 The iPhone 16e vs. iPhone 15: What’s the Real Difference?
| Feature | iPhone 16e | iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | A18 (weaker version) | A16 Bionic | A18 Pro |
| Camera | 48MP Fusion | 48MP Main | 48MP Pro |
| Display | 6.1” OLED | 6.1” OLED | 6.1” OLED (ProMotion) |
| Battery Life | 26 hours | 26 hours | 28 hours |
| USB-C | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Price | 629 CHF+ | 799 CHF+ | 899 CHF+ |
Apple isn’t giving you a real deal—it’s just repackaging last year’s technology and calling it “affordable.”
The A18 Chip Isn’t as Powerful as You Think
One of the biggest selling points of the iPhone 16e is that it comes with Apple’s latest A18 chip. But here’s the catch:
👉 It’s a watered-down version of the A18 Pro found in the iPhone 16 Pro models.
Apple has a habit of creating weaker chips for lower-end models, and this is no different. While the A18 is faster than the A16 Bionic in the iPhone 15, it lacks some of the pro-level enhancements that make a real difference in performance:
- No hardware ray tracing for gaming
- Reduced efficiency cores (which affects battery life)
- Lower clock speeds, making it slightly less powerful
So yes, the iPhone 16e is fast, but it’s not the full A18 experience.
Apple’s “New” Camera? It’s Just a Rebranded iPhone 15 Camera
Apple is hyping up the 48MP Fusion camera on the iPhone 16e, but let’s break it down:
📌 It’s the same sensor found in the iPhone 15.
While Apple might tweak the software for slightly better processing, the hardware itself is nothing new. The lack of ProMotion, a telephoto lens, and advanced AI photography tools makes it clear:
🔴 This is not a photography powerhouse.
For comparison, the Pixel 8 (which costs around the same) offers:
✅ Ultra-wide and telephoto capabilities
✅ AI-enhanced photo processing
✅ Magic Eraser and real-time editing tools
If you’re a photography enthusiast, the iPhone 16e won’t be the upgrade you’re hoping for.
The Battery “Improvement” Is a Marketing Trick
Apple claims the iPhone 16e has an improved battery, but let’s read the fine print.
📌 iPhone 16e battery life: Up to 26 hours of video playback
📌 iPhone 15 battery life: Up to 26 hours of video playback
Wait… that’s the same.
Apple is not actually improving the battery—it’s just optimizing the software to make it seem better. Meanwhile, competitors like Samsung and Google are pushing past 30 hours of battery life in their latest models.
👉 Don’t fall for Apple’s battery life marketing.
No Always-On Display or 120Hz ProMotion—Still Stuck in the Past
If you’ve used a high-refresh-rate screen (120Hz), you know how much smoother it makes everything feel. Scrolling, animations, gaming—it’s night and day compared to 60Hz.
But guess what? The iPhone 16e is still stuck at 60Hz.
Even mid-range Android phones (costing around 500 CHF) now include:
✅ 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rates
✅ Always-On Display features
✅ LTPO technology for battery savings
Apple reserves these features for Pro models, forcing budget users to accept outdated display tech.
🔴 For nearly 700 CHF, a 60Hz display is unacceptable in 2025.
No Real Innovation—Just a Slightly Upgraded iPhone SE?
When you break it all down, the iPhone 16e is really just:
📌 An iPhone 15 with minor tweaks
📌 A downgraded iPhone 16
📌 An overpriced iPhone SE successor
Instead of introducing real innovation, Apple is repackaging older technology and selling it at a premium.
The result?
🔴 Apple is making record profits while offering minimal upgrades.
Better Alternatives Exist—Here’s What to Buy Instead
Before you buy the iPhone 16e, consider these better-value alternatives:
📱 Google Pixel 8 (~599 CHF)
✅ AI-powered photography
✅ Tensor G3 chip for real-time AI tasks
✅ 90Hz OLED display
📱 Samsung Galaxy S24 (~699 CHF)
✅ 120Hz AMOLED display
✅ Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip
✅ 4 years of Android updates
📱 Last Year’s iPhone 15 (~799 CHF)**
✅ Same 48MP camera
✅ A16 Bionic chip is still powerful
✅ Lower price as discounts appear
Final Verdict: The iPhone 16e Isn’t Worth It
At first glance, the iPhone 16e seems like a budget-friendly Apple device, but the reality is different:
❌ It’s not truly affordable—you’re still paying over 600 CHF.
❌ It reuses last year’s hardware with only minor improvements.
❌ There are no major innovations—no ProMotion, no always-on display, no telephoto lens.
❌ Better alternatives exist for the same or lower price.
🚀 The Smarter Move? Wait or Choose a Better Alternative.
If you really want an iPhone, consider the iPhone 15 at a discount. Otherwise, explore Android options that offer more features for your money.
