Deals Alert: iPhone 16e Pre-Orders and Worthy Alternatives
Find the best deals on iPhone 16e Pre-Orders and explore worthy alternatives like iPhone 15, 16, 14 Pro, Pixel 9, and Galaxy S24.
The iPhone SE is gone, and in its place comes the iPhone 16e. iPhone 16e Pre-Orders and Worthy Alternatives: For those who loved the SE’s compact size and budget-friendly price, this might be disappointing. The new iPhone 16e is the same size as the regular iPhone 16 and is priced at €700/£600/$600/₹60,000 for the 128GB version. There are also 256GB and 512GB options. Pre-orders began last Friday, with sales starting next week. You can pre-order the iPhone 16e here: Apple Store or Amazon.
Read more on Comparing iPhone 16e and iPhone 16: What You Need to Know
iPhone 16e vs. Alternatives: Specs & Features
| Feature/Model | iPhone 16e | iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 | iPhone 14 Pro | Google Pixel 9 | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 💰 Price (128GB) | $599 | $639 | $849 | N/A (Refurbished Available) | $750 | $600 |
| ⚡ Chipset | A18 (1 less GPU core) | A16 | A18 | A16 Bionic | Tensor G4 | Exynos 2400 |
| 📺 Display | 6.1″ OLED, 60Hz, Notch | 6.1″ OLED, 60Hz, Dynamic Island | 6.1″ OLED, 60Hz, Dynamic Island | 6.1″ OLED, 120Hz, Dynamic Island | 6.3″ OLED, 120Hz, Punch-Hole | 6.2″ LTPO OLED, 120Hz, Punch-Hole |
| 📷 Main Camera | 48MP | 48MP (2x in-sensor zoom) | 48MP (2x in-sensor zoom) | 48MP + 12MP Telephoto + 12MP Ultra-Wide | 50MP + 48MP Ultra-Wide | 50MP + 10MP Telephoto + 12MP Ultra-Wide |
| 🌄 Ultra-Wide Camera | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 🧲 MagSafe Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| 📡 UWB Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| ⚡ Wireless Charging | Qi, 7.5W | MagSafe | MagSafe | MagSafe | Qi | Qi |
| 📅 Pre-Order Date | Feb 21, 2025 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 🛒 Sales Start Date | Feb 28, 2025 | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
The iPhone 16e runs on a slightly downgraded A18 chip (one less GPU core) but fully supports Apple Intelligence. It has the same 48MP main camera as the iPhone 15 and 16, but lacks an ultra-wide lens. The display is a 6.1-inch OLED panel with a 60Hz refresh rate and a large notch for Face ID—Touch ID is no longer available. There’s an Action button but no Camera Control or alert slider. It supports 7.5W Qi wireless charging but lacks MagSafe, so no easy-to-attach accessories.
If you’re considering alternatives, Apple still sells the iPhone 15, which costs only €40 more than the 16e (both in 128GB). The iPhone 15 has USB-C charging, Dynamic Island, and a 48MP camera with 2x in-sensor zoom. However, it uses the older A16 chip, meaning it won’t get Apple Intelligence. Unlike the 16e, it does support MagSafe and UWB.
For a more premium option, the iPhone 16 costs around €250 more than the 16e, but Amazon has some discounts. It has Dynamic Island, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, MagSafe support, and UWB for smart tags. The 16e lacks UWB but does support satellite messaging. Currently, there are no good deals on refurbished iPhone 16 models.
The iPhone 14 Pro is also worth considering. It has a 120Hz Dynamic Island display, a 48MP main camera, a 12MP telephoto lens, and an ultra-wide camera. It supports MagSafe and UWB but doesn’t have Apple Intelligence. Refurbished units can be found for less than a new iPhone 16e or iPhone 15, making it a solid choice for those wanting a high-end experience at a lower price.
If you’re open to Android, the Google Pixel 9 is available for €750. It offers a 120Hz display with a punch-hole camera, a 50MP main camera, and a 48MP ultra-wide lens. It lacks UWB but supports satellite messaging and Google’s AI features.
Another alternative is the Samsung Galaxy S24, currently priced at €600. It’s similar in size to the 16e but has a 120Hz LTPO display with a punch-hole camera. It supports Galaxy AI but lacks UWB, satellite messaging, and MagSafe-like magnets. The camera system includes a 50MP main camera, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.
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In summary, while the iPhone 16e is the new budget option from Apple, it faces tough competition from the iPhone 15, 16, and even the 14 Pro. Meanwhile, Android offers compelling alternatives like the Pixel 9 and Galaxy S24. Whether you stick with Apple or explore other options depends on what features matter most to you.
FAQs
1. When will the iPhone 16e be available for purchase?
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e started last Friday and sales will officially begin next week.
2. Does the iPhone 16e support MagSafe?
No, the iPhone 16e does not support MagSafe, meaning you cannot use easy-to-attach chargers and accessories.
3. What is the difference between the iPhone 16e and iPhone 15?
The iPhone 16e has a slightly downgraded A18 chip and lacks MagSafe and UWB, whereas the iPhone 15 includes MagSafe, UWB and a 2x in-sensor zoom feature.
4. Are there any Android alternatives to the iPhone 16e?
Yes, the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S24 offer strong alternatives with high refresh rate displays and advanced camera systems.
5. Is the iPhone 14 Pro a good alternative to the iPhone 16e?
Yes, the iPhone 14 Pro offers a 120Hz display, additional cameras and MagSafe support at a lower price for refurbished units.
