Apple has discontinued the iPhone SE, introducing the new iPhone 16e as a replacement. The 16e, priced at $600/€700/£600/₹60,000, features a binned A18 chipset, a 48MP main camera, and a 6.1” OLED display. Unlike its predecessors, it lacks ultra-wide support and MagSafe charging. The iPhone 15 remains available, slightly more expensive but with better specs, including MagSafe. Refurbished models of both the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro are also options, offering modern features. Alternatives like the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25 are available for those open to Android, providing competitive specs and pricing.
The iPhone SE is no more, but the iPhone e rises in its place! This might be disappointing for some, as the SE was the smallest and most affordable iPhone option. What are the choices now?
The Apple iPhone 16e shares the same dimensions as the iPhone 16 and has a similar price tag, starting at $600/€700/£600/₹60,000 for the 128GB variant. It also offers 256GB and 512GB storage options, following the pricing pattern found on Apple’s higher-end devices. Pre-orders for the 16e opened last Friday, with sales set to begin next week on Friday.
In summary, the 16e is equipped with a binned A18 chipset (featuring one fewer GPU core) while fully supporting Apple’s AI functionalities. It carries over the 48MP main camera found on the iPhone 15 and 16, though it misses an ultra-wide lens. Its display is a traditional 6.1” OLED panel at 60Hz, with a prominent notch for Face ID (no more Touch ID). You’ll find an Action button on the side, but the alert slider is absent. Additionally, while it does support wireless charging (Qi, 7.5W), it lacks MagSafe compatibility, which means you won’t have access to easy-attach chargers, grips, or accessories.
If you’re willing to spend an additional $200, you could opt for the iPhone 16, which offers the same 128GB storage but features a more modern Dynamic Island display (still at 60Hz), a back camera with a 12MP ultra-wide lens, proper MagSafe support, and UWB for smart tags (the 16e does not support UWB, but offers satellite messaging). Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any appealing refurbished deals on the iPhone 16 right now.
Apple continues to offer the iPhone 15 as well, which marks the first “modern” vanilla model. By “modern,” we refer to features like USB-C charging, a Dynamic Island, and a 48MP camera with in-sensor 2x zoom. This model operates on the older A16 non-Pro chipset, meaning it won’t have access to Apple Intelligence (a significant drawback or a non-issue, depending on your perspective). Both MagSafe and UWB technologies are supported.
The iPhone 15 is available directly from Apple for $100 more than the 16e (both at 128GB). The older model offers better opportunities for refurbished varieties; a “renewed premium” listing on Amazon for $530 is $70 less than a new 16e.
You might wonder why not consider the iPhone 15 Pro instead? Although no longer sold by Apple, refurbished units are still available in excellent condition. For instance, a 128GB “renewed premium” listing is priced at $685. The Pro model boasts a 120Hz display with the Dynamic Island feature, alongside a main 48MP camera, a 12MP 77mm telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. Moreover, the Apple A17 Pro chipset fully supports Apple’s AI capabilities, including Visual Intelligence AI.
Apple has discontinued the iPhone SE (2022), meaning it can’t be sold in certain markets (it still features a Lightning port instead of USB-C), but the US market is not affected. However, it is no longer available for purchase on Apple.com.
If you are willing to opt for a “renewed premium” version, you could snag one for $195, albeit with only 64GB of storage. The SE is smaller than the 16e (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm, 144g versus 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8mm, 167g), but it lacks many capabilities. Nevertheless, if your goal is to find a budget-friendly iPhone, this remains the most accessible option.
We referred to the iPhone 15 as the first “modern” vanilla model because the iPhone 14 falls short of multiple upgrades that have become standard for today’s iPhones. However, the iPhone 14 Pro checks most boxes, provided you don’t mind using Lightning cables.
The iPhone 14 Pro showcases a 120Hz Dynamic Island display, a 48MP main camera, a 12MP 77mm telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens as well, along with UWB and MagSafe support. However, it omits Apple Intelligence features. A “renewed premium” unit can be found for $100 less than a similar 15 Pro.
If you’re not exclusively tied to the Apple ecosystem, you might want to explore Android options as well. The Google Pixel 9 retails for $650 for a 128GB model. It’s slightly more expensive but features a 120Hz display (with a punch hole), a 50MP main camera, and an impressive 48MP ultra-wide lens. Though it doesn’t support UWB and uses a non-magnetic wireless charging system, it does offer satellite messaging and benefits from Google’s rapidly evolving AI capabilities.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 is priced at $800 and comes bundled with a $100 Amazon gift card. Its dimensions are comparable to the 16e, but it boasts a 120Hz LTPO display with a punch hole camera. While it supports Galaxy AI, it lacks UWB and satellite messaging capabilities and doesn’t include magnetic features either. Its camera system includes a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP 67mm telephoto, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.
You could even opt for a foldable at the price of an iPhone 16e; the Motorola razr+ 2024 features a flip design with a 6.9” 120Hz LTPO inner display and a 4” cover display, equipped with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset and a dual-camera setup (50MP + 50MP with a 47mm telephoto). Unfortunately, it also does not offer any magnetic features, UWB, or satellite messaging.
We’ve referenced MagSafe several times throughout this article. It’s worth noting that magnetic support can potentially be added through specific cases (similar to what was done with Qi 2.1), but Apple’s official cases are basic silicone ones and retail for $40 each.
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