At ₹59,900, the iPhone 16e Isn’t Affordable: Here’s Why the iPhone 15 is a Better Deal and Value for Money Product!
Apple’s iPhone 16e is the entry-level iPhone in its new iPhone 16 series, starting at ₹59,900. This model targets users who want to experience Apple’s ecosystem but are unable to pay the high price of premium models which are iPhone 16, 16 Pro, or Pro Max. But, in reality, at a price point of ₹59,900, the iPhone 16e doesn’t seem affordable at all as it offers very basic design (notch display) with single camera setup and offers limited features!
Many questions are being raised about iPhone 16e price and features because at same price you can opt for iPhone 15 which offers better specs and features to users and comes with 1 year brand warranty. So, is the iPhone 16e really an affordable option? Or is it just an expensive phone with fewer features? Let’s understand the 10 reasons behind this.
1. Design and Display
The iPhone 16e still has the old notch design, while models like the iPhone 15 have a dynamic island feature. The notch design not only looks outdated, but it also lags behind in giving a modern experience to the user. Apart from this, the display of the iPhone 16e only reaches 800 nits HBM mode and 1200 nits peak brightness, which is much lower than the 1000 nits HBM and 2000 nits peak brightness of the iPhone 15. This display can be less effective in outdoor light, which affects the user experience.
2. Rear Camera
The iPhone 16e has only one rear camera of 48MP, while the iPhone 15 has a dual camera system (48MP + 12MP). This feature is a big drawback for photography enthusiasts. The dual camera system not only provides better photo quality, but it also gives the benefit of various camera modes and advanced features. Due to the lack of this feature in the iPhone 16e, it gives a limited experience to the users.
3. Color Options
The so-called affordable iPhone, named 16e is available only in common colors like Black, and White, while the iPhone 15 comes in five different colors which are Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Pink. This allows users to choose the phone according to their personality. The limited colour options of the iPhone 16e reduce its appeal.
4. Build Quality
The iPhone 15 has Ceramic Shield protection on both the front and back glass, which makes the phone more durable, secure, and safe. On the other hand, this feature is available only on the front glass in the iPhone 16e. This makes the phone less durable and increases the risk of damage in case of a fall or accident.
5. MagSafe Wireless Charging
The iPhone 15 features MagSafe wireless charging, which provides users with a fast and convenient charging experience. The iPhone 16e does not have Magsafe feature, which makes it a less attractive option. However you can charge iPhone 16e with Qi wireless charging at a speed of 7.5W.
6. Stable Video Recording
The iPhone 15 has sensor shift optical image stabilization (OIS), which makes video recording more stable and clear. The lack of this feature in the iPhone 16e affects video quality, especially in low-light conditions. In short, if for Rs 59,900 you are getting a better camera phone with dual rear lens, then why would you consider a single lens.
7. Price
The starting price of the iPhone 16e for 128 GB variant is around ₹59,900, which is just ₹3,100 less than the price of the iPhone 15. The starting price of the iPhone 15 on online stores like Amazon India, Croma, and Flipkart is ₹62,999, but using credit card offers it can be purchased for up to ₹59,999. In this way, the iPhone 15 proves to be a better option, as it offers more features, punchy design, more colors, and a better experience.
8. RAM
Although the iPhone 16e has 8 GB of RAM, which is better than the previous entry-level models, it is the same as the iPhone 15. Therefore, there is no significant edge in this case. You will get decent speed which quite enough to handle daily based tasks. The 8GB RAM is sufficient to offers next level performance.
9. Type C Port
The iPhone 16e has a USB-C port, which is a positive step. If we compare it to iPhone 14, then iPhone 16e wins because iPhone 14 offers lighting port. However, when iPhone 15 comes in frame, then it wins as the iPhone 15 comes with Type-C port which offers better connectivity.
10. Premium Experience
The iPhone 16e design is outdated. It looks like the Apple has rebranded the unsold iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 models. The notch display looks very odd and it feels cheap when you hold it in hand. While on the other hand, the iPhone 15 gives the user a luxury experience. This phone makes its presence felt as soon as it is taken in hand.
Final Words
The iPhone 16e may be a good phone, but it does not seem to be a reasonable option for its price. Models like the iPhone 15 offer better features and experience at a slightly higher price or even you get it in same range for online stores. So, if you want a modern and premium smartphone, the iPhone 15 may be a better option instead of the iPhone 16e.
iPhone 16e nowhere falls in the affordable range. It is an expensive flagship phone from Apple which is just launched to clear unsold models. At price of at ₹ 59,900, we don’t recommend to buy iPhone 16e. You should once check iPhone 15 (128 GB) from the online stores or you can also checkout Android smartphones from Samsung or 1+.
Alternatively, save ₹ 59,900 for now, invest this amount in FD (having 8.5% to 9.3% interest) for 9 months and buy a new iPhone 16 (128 GB) having A18 chip, dual camera, dynamic island features, Apple intelligence, magsafe wireless charging for ₹ 64,999 in October or November 2025. I’m saying because, After the launch of iPhone 17, the iPhone 16 prices will drop by Rs 10,000 and you can buy iPhone 16 at discounted price from online stores!
