iPhone 16e, disputed price and meaning of the “e” attributed to “expensive”

Apple recently launched the new iPhone 16e, a model that has raised questions about its positioning in the smartphone market. Although the name suggests a budget option, the new device does not present itself as such.

A product analysis

The “new iPhone” is similar to theiPhone 16, but with some significant differences. It has a 6,1-inch display with the “old” notch rather than the Dynamic Island, and integrates a single 48-megapixel camera with two different optical focal lengths. It also introduces for the first time the C1 modem from Apple , replacing Qualcomm's traditional modem.

Among other features, the device includes the action button and the A18 chip from the iPhone 16, which supports Apple Intelligence, coming to Italy in April. However, it is missing features such as MagSafe, the “Camera Control button” and a chip for fast localization.

Wi-Fi is marginally slower, and the display appears slightly dimmer. The new iPhone 16e is described as the ideal phone for those who want the modern 16 experience without the frills or unnecessary features. It represents a continuation of the three previous generations of “affordable” iPhone SEs, which no longer include Touch ID and feature smaller screens.

The theme of price

The sticking point remains the price. The iPhone 16e starts at €729 for the 128 GB version, while the 256 GB model is priced at €859 and the 512 GB model at €1109. The question of what “affordable” means in this context is therefore complex. Compared to the iPhone 16, the 16e is more affordable. However, if you look at the mid-range Android smartphone landscape, brands such as Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi and Motorola offer products of similar quality for around €500.

Even Apple's "old" SE model, no longer on the market, was available for two hundred euros less, despite having limitations such as a less powerful processor and a smaller screen. In this context, the question of the meaning of the letter "e" in the iPhone 16e finds an unofficial answer: it could actually be a reference to "expensive".