Apple’s ‘Budget’ iPhone 16e Slammed for £200 Price Hike Over Previous SE Model
Apple’s New iPhone 16e Faces Backlash Over Pricing Despite ‘Budget’ Label
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Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone 16e launched this week, promising premium features at a lower cost. However, its starting price of £599/$599—£200 cheaper than the flagship iPhone 16—has sparked outrage among fans.
Key Features & Pricing
The iPhone 16e includes:
- 6.1-inch edge-to-edge display with HDR support.
- A18 chip for enhanced performance.
- Apple Intelligence with ChatGPT-powered Siri integration.
- 48MP dual camera system, Face ID, and USB-C charging.
- “Extraordinary” battery life, lasting 6–12 hours longer than older models.
Despite these upgrades, critics argue the price is excessive for a single-camera “budget” device. Storage upgrades push costs to £899/$899, nearing iPhone 16 territory.
[IMAGE: iPhone 16e design showcasing notch and camera]
Caption: The iPhone 16e’s 48MP camera and notch design mirror pricier models.
Fan Reactions: “The ‘e’ Stands for Expensive”
Social media erupted with frustration. One X user scoffed, “$599 for one camera? Absurd.” Another joked, “The ‘e’ stands for expensive.” Many compared it to Samsung’s Galaxy S24, which offers similar specs at competitive prices.
[IMAGE: Social media post mocking iPhone 16e pricing]
Caption: Users criticized Apple’s “Greatest Price” claims for the 16e.
Apple defends the 16e as a gateway to its ecosystem. VP Kaiann Drance stated, “It’s a powerful, affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to more people.” However, critics highlight missing features like MagSafe and Dynamic Island.
Specs vs. Competition
| iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S24 |
|---|---|---|
| £599+ ($599+) | £799+ ($799+) | £699+ ($699+) |
| 48MP single camera | 48MP triple camera | 50MP triple camera |
| A18 chip | A18 Pro chip | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
[IMAGE: Side-by-side comparison of iPhone 16e and iPhone 16]
Caption: The 16e lacks higher-tier cameras and premium features.
Release Details
Pre-orders begin February 21, with availability from February 28. While Apple touts the 16e’s battery life and iOS 18 integration, skeptics advise opting for refurbished models or older iPhones.
[IMAGE: iPhone 16e promotional banner]
Caption: Apple emphasizes the 16e’s battery and AI upgrades.
Final Take: The iPhone 16e struggles to justify its “budget” label, with pricing alienating cost-conscious shoppers. As one user quipped, “Just get an Android.”
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