What are the "pros and cons" of the iPhone 16e? Is it a good deal?

Note that the iPhone 16e has been discontinued. This Q&A has been updated with current iOS support details and more; it can be quite helpful to anyone considering one of these iPhone models on the used market.

Naturally, only you can decide if the iPhone 16e is the best iPhone for you, but the below objective pros and cons can help.

EveryiPhone.com also provides an in-depth iPhone 16e evaluation that can be better for those who prefer details. For those who would rather have a quick-to-read summary, though, the following can be ideal.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone 16e)

iPhone 16e Pros:

• The cheapest new iPhone available at the time it was released.
• Essentially the same fast performance as the more expensive iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.
• Excellent battery life (even better than the more expensive iPhone 16).
• 5G networking capability.
• Respectable single lens rear camera.
• Waterproof to six meters for up to 30 minutes (IP68).
• Integrated inductive (Qi) charging capability.
• Dual SIM/eSIM standard.
• Industry-standard USB-C port.
• Complete support for iOS 26, the current version of the iOS, including the Apple Intelligence feature.

iPhone 16e Cons:

• "Notch" at top of display is dated compared to other contemporary models with "Dynamic Island" functionality and the display is relatively low quality, as well (it is the display from the iPhone 14).
• Low quality rear camera compared to more expensive iPhone models.
• Glass front and back are fragile compared to many kinds of metal, plastic, or other materials.
• No physical Nano SIM on models sold in the United States.
• No MagSafe.
• 5G networking does not support mmWave even in the US.
• Relatively slow USB 2 (480 Mb/s) transfer speeds over USB-C.
• Relatively slow wireless charging (7.5W).
• No support for Ultrawide Band or Thread Networking.
• Only available in white or black color options.

So, should I buy an iPhone 16e? Is it a good deal?

Although the value proposition may have shifted somewhat on the used market, when they all were new, compared to the more expensive iPhone 16 models, the iPhone 16e essentially is the same speed and originally cost US$200 less (US$100 less from September 9, 2025).

The "regular" iPhone 16 models have better displays; better rear cameras; better cellular, Wi-Fi, and charging capabilities; the very convenient MagSafe; and more. It certainly provides a lot of extra value for the extra money.

Accordingly, it is no question that the iPhone 16 is better, but if you don't mind the slightly dated design, you're on a budget, and you want a fast, capable iPhone, the iPhone 16e could be a good deal for you, especially given now even lower prices on the used market.

Of course, if price is your primary concern, there are any number of other used iPhone models that still have plenty of life left and that are available at even lower prices.

In the US, site sponsor Other World Computing sells used and refurbished iPhone models with free shipping. On the other hand, if you need to sell an iPhone, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPhone with an instant quote and prompt payment.

Please also see EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPhone model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.