Deals: iPhone 16e goes on pre-order, here are some alternatives
The iPhone 16e pre-order deals are now live, but is this budget-friendly Apple device really worth it? Priced at £600/$600/€700/₹60,000, the iPhone 16e is Apple’s latest attempt at an affordable iPhone, but it lacks MagSafe, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and a high refresh rate display.
If you’re considering iPhone 16e pre-orders, you might also want to check better alternatives—from iPhones with better cameras to Android phones with flagship specs at similar prices. Let’s compare the best deals!
If you’re considering iPhone 16e pre-orders, you might also want to check out the Best Phones 2025 available today, including better iPhone alternatives and Android flagships that offer superior specs.
iPhone 16e Pre-Order: What’s New & What’s Missing?
The iPhone 16e is the same size as the iPhone 16, but it cuts a few corners to maintain a lower price:
- ✅ Apple Intelligence support (despite a downgraded A18 chipset with one GPU core less).
- ✅ 48MP main camera (same as the iPhone 15 but lacks an ultra-wide sensor).
- ✅ 6.1” OLED display (60Hz refresh rate) – no ProMotion.
- ✅ Face ID in a notch (Touch ID is no longer available).
- ✅ Action Button included (but no Camera Control).
- ❌ No MagSafe (wireless charging limited to 7.5W Qi standard).
- ❌ No Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for smart tags.
🛒 Check Latest Price on Amazon
Best iPhone Alternatives to iPhone 16e Pre-Order Deals
If you’re looking for a flagship-level alternative, check out the Best Flagship Phones that offer ProMotion displays, ultra-wide cameras, and better performance.
1️⃣ iPhone 16 – A More Premium Option
💰 Price: £800 ($800/€900) | 128GB
- ✔️ Dynamic Island display (but still limited to 60Hz).
- ✔️ 12MP ultra-wide camera (better versatility).
- ✔️ Full MagSafe support (compatible with magnetic chargers & accessories).
- ✔️ Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for Apple smart tracking.
- ❌ Costs £200 more than the 16e.
➡️ Verdict: If you can stretch your budget, the iPhone 16 is a more complete package. | 🛒 Check Latest Price on Amazon
2️⃣ iPhone 15 – A More Affordable Flagship
💰 Price: £700 ($700/€800) | 128GB
- ✔️ Dynamic Island + 48MP main camera (with in-sensor 2x zoom).
- ✔️ USB-C charging (future-proof connectivity).
- ✔️ Full MagSafe & UWB support.
- ❌ Uses A16 chipset (no Apple Intelligence support).
➡️ Verdict: For just £100 more than the iPhone 16e, you get better design, camera flexibility, and MagSafe support. | 🛒 Check Latest Price on Amazon
3️⃣ iPhone 15 Pro – Flagship Features at a Discount
💰 Price: £640 ($640/€750) | Refurbished 128GB
- ✔️ 120Hz ProMotion display for smooth scrolling.
- ✔️ Triple-camera setup (48MP main, 12MP telephoto (77mm), 12MP ultra-wide).
- ✔️ Apple A17 Pro chip with full AI support.
- ❌ No longer sold by Apple (refurbished units only).
➡️ Verdict: If you want Pro-level hardware without spending on the iPhone 16 Pro, this is an excellent deal. | 🛒 Check Latest Price on Amazon
4️⃣ iPhone 14 Pro – Budget-Friendly with Pro Features
💰 Price: £550 ($550/€650) | Refurbished 128GB
- ✔️ 120Hz ProMotion + Dynamic Island.
- ✔️ 48MP main camera with 12MP telephoto (77mm).
- ✔️ Full MagSafe & UWB support.
- ❌ Uses Lightning cable (not USB-C).
- ❌ No Apple Intelligence support.
➡️ Verdict: If you don’t mind Lightning charging, the iPhone 14 Pro still holds up against modern devices. | 🛒 Check Latest Price on Amazon
📢 Best Android Alternatives to the iPhone 16e
If you’re considering switching to Android, you might also want to explore the Smartphone Buying Guide to help you choose the right device.
5️⃣ Google Pixel 9 – AI-Powered Camera King
💰 Price: £650 ($650/€750) | 128GB
- ✔️ 120Hz punch-hole display (smoother visuals).
- ✔️ 50MP main + 48MP ultra-wide camera.
- ✔️ Google’s AI features (Pixel-exclusive software upgrades).
- ❌ No MagSafe-style magnetic charging.
- ❌ No UWB support.
➡️ Verdict: If you want a powerful AI-driven phone with a superior camera, the Pixel 9 is a solid choice. | 🛒 Check Latest Price on Amazon
6️⃣ Samsung Galaxy S24 – Free Buds & Smartband Deal
💰 Price: £600 ($600/€700) | 128GB
- ✔️ 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED display.
- ✔️ 50MP main + 10MP telephoto + 12MP ultra-wide cameras.
- ✔️ Includes FREE Galaxy Buds FE & Galaxy Fit3.
- ❌ No MagSafe-style charging.
➡️ Verdict: A complete flagship package with free accessories—great value for money! | 🛒 Check Latest Price on Amazon
7️⃣ Samsung Galaxy S25 – The Next-Gen Upgrade
💰 Price: £700 ($700/€800) | 128GB
- ✔️ 120Hz LTPO display with punch-hole camera.
- ✔️ Galaxy AI integration (Samsung’s latest AI features).
- ✔️ 50MP main + 10MP telephoto + 12MP ultra-wide camera system.
- ❌ No UWB or satellite messaging.
➡️ Verdict: For £100 more, the S25 offers a next-gen chipset and AI perks. | 🛒 Check Latest Price on Amazon
8️⃣ Motorola Razr 50 – Foldable for the Same Price as iPhone 16e
💰 Price: £600 ($600/€700) | 256GB
- ✔️ 6.9” 120Hz foldable OLED display + 3.6” cover screen.
- ✔️ 50MP main + 13MP ultra-wide camera.
- ✔️ 15W wireless charging.
- ❌ Dimensity 7300X chipset is weaker than Apple’s A18.
➡️ Verdict: If you want a foldable at the same price as the iPhone 16e, this is a unique alternative. | 🛒 Check Latest Price on Amazon
9️⃣ OnePlus 12R – Bigger Battery, Faster Charging
💰 Price: £620 ($620/€720) | 128GB
- ✔️ 6.78” 120Hz LTPO display.
- ✔️ Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.
- ✔️ Massive 5,500mAh battery (100W wired charging).
- ❌ No telephoto camera (50MP main + 8MP ultra-wide only).
➡️ Verdict: A performance-focused phone with a huge battery—ideal for power users! | 🛒 Check Latest Price on Amazon
Final Thoughts – Which Phone Should You Choose?
💡 If you want to stick with Apple:
- iPhone 16e is the cheapest new model, but iPhone 15 Pro (refurbished) offers better value.
- iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 provide better cameras & MagSafe support.
💡 If you’re open to Android:
- Pixel 9 & Galaxy S25 offer cutting-edge AI features.
- Motorola Razr 50 gives you a foldable at the same price.
- OnePlus 12R is the battery king with ultra-fast charging.
To compare the latest prices across different brands, check out the Smartphone Price List for 2025.
If you’re also considering audio accessories, don’t miss our Best Earphones and Headphones guide to pair with your new smartphone.
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