Apple’s ‘Affordable’ iPhone 16e Faces Backlash Over Price and Features

Apple’s latest entry into the smartphone market, the iPhone 16e, was officially unveiled this week, promising a powerful yet more affordable alternative to the iPhone 16 lineup. However, despite the company’s claims of delivering a budget-friendly iPhone, many Apple enthusiasts have taken to social media to express their frustration over the pricing and features of the device.

The iPhone 16e, which starts at £599/$599, is part of Apple’s ongoing effort to offer a more accessible device for users who may not want to spend £799/$799 on the standard iPhone 16 or £999/$999 on the iPhone 16 Pro. Despite being marketed as a budget model, the price point has left many users unimpressed, with some even branding it as “too expensive for too little”.

iPhone 16e: High Expectations, Disappointing Reality?

The iPhone 16e was one of Apple’s most anticipated releases, with rumors circulating for months about its potential features and affordability. However, when the phone was officially unveiled, the response from consumers was mixed. While the device comes packed with Apple’s latest A18 chip, Apple Intelligence capabilities, and a two-in-one 48MP primary camera system, the lack of MagSafe, a brighter display, and Dynamic Island has made many fans question its value.

Some social media users were quick to express their discontent, with one X (formerly Twitter) user describing the pricing as “absurd”:

"$599 for the iPhone 16e is insane. Then when you consider storage upgrades, you could be paying anywhere between $600-$900 for this phone with ONE CAMERA. Absurd!"

Another frustrated fan wrote:

“Disappointing iPhone 16e. The price is too high, no matter how high the specs are. I'll take Android over expensive iPhone now."

Others joked about the pricing, with one user commenting:

“Looks like the ‘e’ in iPhone 16e stands for ‘expensive’.”

The Shift from iPhone SE to iPhone 16e

For years, Apple’s iPhone SE (Special Edition) series has been known as the company’s go-to budget-friendly iPhone. However, with the release of the iPhone 16e, Apple has officially moved away from the SE branding, marking a significant shift in the company’s strategy for affordable devices.

Speaking at the launch event, Kaiann Drance, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, defended the price point, stating:

"iPhone 16e packs in the features our users love about the iPhone 16 lineup, including breakthrough battery life, fast performance powered by the latest-generation A18 chip, an innovative 2-in-1 camera system, and Apple Intelligence."

"We’re so excited for iPhone 16e to complete the lineup as a powerful, more affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to even more people."

Despite Apple’s efforts to position the iPhone 16e as a valuable addition to the lineup, many consumers feel that the device doesn’t justify its price tag, especially when compared to Android competitors that offer better features at the same price point.

Storage and Pricing: Where Does iPhone 16e Stand?

One of the biggest concerns surrounding the iPhone 16e is its storage pricing structure. The base model, which comes with 128GB of storage, starts at £599/$599. However, upgrading to the 256GB version costs an additional £100/$100, bringing the total price to £699/$699. For users who require 512GB of storage, the price jumps even higher to £899/$899.

Many users have pointed out that, for the same price, they could opt for a Samsung Galaxy S24, which boasts a higher-resolution display, better camera features, and expandable storage—something Apple has never offered.

One X user summed up the frustration, writing:

“If the iPhone 16e was priced at $499, it would have been easier to swallow. However, the lack of MagSafe, a brighter display, and Dynamic Island makes it a dealbreaker.”

Another user joked:

“If you ever feel useless in life... Just remember Apple had the AUDACITY! to say ‘Greatest Price’ referring to the iPhone 16e.”

iPhone 16e: Features and Specifications

Despite the criticism, the iPhone 16e still boasts some notable features, including:

• Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
• Chipset: Apple A18 chip for faster performance
• Cameras: 48MP primary camera and 12MP front-facing camera
• Operating System: iOS 18
• Security: Face ID facial recognition
• Charging: USB-C charging port
• Battery Life: Lasts up to six hours longer than iPhone 11

The return of the notch at the top of the display has also sparked some criticism, as Apple had previously shifted towards Dynamic Island in its premium models. The Face ID facial recognition system remains a staple, allowing users to unlock their phones and authorize payments through Apple Pay.

Will the iPhone 16e Be a Hit or Miss?

Apple’s decision to price the iPhone 16e at $599 has certainly created division among fans. While some argue that the device offers great performance, others feel that Apple could have priced it more competitively to truly make it a budget-friendly option.

As pre-orders begin on February 21 and the device hits stores on February 28, it remains to be seen whether the iPhone 16e will win over budget-conscious consumers or if it will be overshadowed by cheaper Android alternatives.