The iPhone 16e is here, but should you wait for the iPhone 17?
Apple has officially killed the iPhone SE, and its so-called “budget” replacement—the iPhone 16e—is here. But at ₹59,900, it’s not exactly a steal. And with the iPhone 17 lineup expected to launch in just a few months, the big question remains: should you grab the 16e now or hold off for the 17?
Let’s break it down.
iPhone 16e: Design and features
At first glance, the iPhone 16e looks eerily familiar—because it’s essentially an iPhone 14 with some tweaks. It retains the 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and the Face ID notch, a design Apple moved away from with its newer Dynamic Island screens.
However, a few key features are missing. Apple has completely removed MagSafe, meaning you won’t be able to use Apple’s ecosystem of magnetized accessories like wallets, battery packs, or the MagSafe charger.
Under the hood, the iPhone 16e runs a slightly modified A18 chip—the same one in the iPhone 16 but with one fewer GPU core. While this won’t affect everyday tasks, it does mean slightly lower gaming performance compared to the standard iPhone 16.
And here’s a kicker: no ultra-wide camera. While the iPhone 16 retains a secondary 12MP ultra-wide lens for capturing expansive shots, the 16e sticks to a single 48MP sensor, limiting your photography options.
iPhone 17: The upgrades we expect
The iPhone 17 is shaping up to be a far more compelling option, even for the standard model (not just the Pro versions). Apple is rumored to finally bring ProMotion 120Hz displays to its non-Pro iPhones, making animations, scrolling, and gaming smoother than ever.
Additionally, the A19 chip is expected to offer a performance boost, and Apple might introduce vapor chamber cooling, helping the iPhone run more efficiently under heavy loads.
The camera setup for the standard iPhone 17 remains uncertain, but considering Apple’s track record, it’s safe to assume it will improve upon the iPhone 16e in more ways than one.
Final Verdict: Buy the 16e or hold off for the 17?
The iPhone 16e starts at ₹59,900, which is significantly higher than what we expected for Apple’s entry-level model. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 is likely to start at ₹79,900—but there’s a chance Apple could push the price even higher this year.
So, should you buy now or wait?
If you need a new iPhone right now and don’t care about high refresh rates or a second camera, the iPhone 16e is a decent option.
But if you can wait a few months, the iPhone 17 is shaping up to be a much better long-term investment. With an upgraded display, better performance, and improved cooling, it could justify the extra ₹20,000 price tag.
At the end of the day, the iPhone 16e is a repackaged iPhone 14, while the iPhone 17 is likely to offer a real generational leap. If you want the latest tech, waiting is the smarter move.
