Apple has quietly retired the iPhone SE and introduced its replacement: the iPhone 16e. This model marks a notable shift in Apple’s strategy toward budget smartphones. Priced at £599 in the UK (by comparison, the SE used to retail at about £359), the 16e blends modern features with high-end performance, making it a strong contender for both personal and business use. But is it really a budget iPhone? Read more about it below.
We currently have the iPhone 16e in our iPhones for Business Shop starting at £27.95 (plus VAT) per month.
Design & Display
The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, a substantial upgrade from the SE’s 4.7-inch LCD. The vibrant colours, rich contrast, and edge-to-edge screen offer a far more immersive experience.
In terms of design, the 16e adopts a cleaner, more modern look. The physical home button is gone, replaced by Face ID and slim bezels. It’s only available in black and white (compared with the multi colours available with the iPhone 16). The new design has been well-received, with users praising the updated aesthetic and larger display.
Performance & Battery Life
The iPhone 16e runs on Apple’s latest A18 chip with a 4-core GPU, the same processor found in the standard iPhone 16. This means flagship-level speed and responsiveness in a more accessible package.
Battery life sees a substantial boost, offering up to 26 hours of video playback, a leap from the SE’s 15-hour rating. In real-world use, many users report the phone lasting up to two days on a single charge, depending on workload and screen time.
Camera Upgrades
The most dramatic improvement is the camera. The iPhone 16e comes with a 48MP Fusion camera, replacing the SE’s 12MP lens. It supports 2x optical zoom, improved low-light capture, and Dolby Vision 4K video recording. Outdoor shots are detailed and vivid, though indoor performance can be inconsistent under low light—still, it’s a considerable step forward for a mid-range iPhone.
Notable Features
Beyond its core upgrades, the 16e packs features that make it a dependable everyday device, particularly for business professionals:
- USB-C Port: Simplifies charging and data transfer, especially if you’re already using USB-C accessories or laptops.
- Face ID: A fast and secure way to unlock your device or log in to sensitive apps.
- Emergency SOS via satellite & crash detection: Valuable safety features for travelers, remote workers, or outdoor professionals.
Business-Class Value Compared to Android Rivals
The iPhone 16e sits in direct competition with Android models like the Google Pixel 9, and the Samsung Galaxy S24, —all popular choices for business users seeking reliable performance. The iPhone 16e stands out with its powerful A18 chip, smooth performance, and strong integration in Apple’s ecosystem, great for business users who value speed and security. The Pixel 9 offers advanced AI and communication tools, ideal for productivity and remote work. The Samsung Galaxy S24 has the most versatile hardware, with a premium display and business features like Knox and DeX for multitasking.
For those wanting a budget-friendly phone without compromising performance, the iPhone 16e is a solid choice against these Android rivals.
Verdict
Labeling the iPhone 16e a “budget phone” feels almost disingenuous. At £599, it may be Apple’s most affordable new release, but that hardly qualifies it as budget by any reasonable standard, especially when compared to genuinely low-cost Android alternatives such as the Motorola Moto G35 256GB, which can be purchased for around £130. What the 16e truly represents is a strategic repositioning: it’s Apple’s entry-level by name only, packing the same powerful A18 chip as its premium siblings, a stunning OLED display, and a vastly improved camera system. This is not a cut-down device—it’s a fully capable iPhone that delivers serious value for business users and consumers who want flagship performance without paying Pro-level prices. Just don’t call it budget.
