The iPhone 16e is Apple’s most inexpensive for 2025, but it surely’s removed from a finances telephone just like the outgoing iPhone SE, contemplating its $599 beginning value. This looks as if an iPhone 16 that cuts corners to suit into the midrange class. Regardless of that, the iPhone 16e struggles to maintain up with Android telephones in its value vary.
As a lot as I take pleasure in utilizing an iPhone 16 Professional Max as my every day driver, I might by no means suggest spending nearly $600 on the iPhone 16e. There are higher choices from prime Android producers like Google and Samsung. As an illustration, the just-announced Galaxy A36 and A56 fashions are exhausting to miss, and even the Google Pixel 8a looks as if a extra compelling possibility, beginning at $499. So, let’s talk about why midrange Android telephones are superior.
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6
Increased refresh fee
The iPhone 16e’s 60Hz display is a dealbreaker
Apple desires to maintain excessive refresh fee shows unique to its high-end Professional iPhones. So, the iPhone 16e having a 60Hz display comes as no shock. Nonetheless, Android telephones supply 120Hz screens even within the sub-$600 value vary, making them a extra fascinating possibility. Scrolling by way of dwelling pages and apps on a 120Hz show feels buttery easy, and after you’ve got skilled this, it is exhausting to return to a telephone with a 60Hz display.
The Pixel 8a and the Galaxy A36 supply 120Hz screens at extra fascinating value factors of $499 and $399, respectively, making the iPhone 16e’s 60Hz display seem to be a joke for $599. Whether or not you propose to sport in your telephone or choose an general snappy really feel as you utilize apps, the 120Hz show on these midrange Android telephones makes a world of distinction in the long term.
5
Versatile digicam setup
The iPhone 16e has a single 48MP digicam
Though the iPhone 16e appears to have a formidable 48MP major digicam, it isn’t the identical 48MP unit because the one on the usual iPhone 16 fashions. It has a smaller sensor, that means it will not seize as a lot mild as the first digicam on the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Professional. Plus, it lacks sensor-shift optical picture stabilization. Nonetheless, that is not the primary challenge. The iPhone 16e solely provides a single lens, whereas Android rivals supply a minimum of two lenses on this value vary.
Take the Pixel 8a from final yr, for instance. It boasts a 64MP extensive digicam and a 13MP ultrawide digicam for a flexible taking pictures expertise. Samsung’s inexpensive Galaxy A36 provides three cameras, which embrace a 50MP extensive lens, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens. At $599, Apple ought to’ve saved the 12MP ultrawide from the usual iPhone 16 fashions to compete towards midrange Android telephones.
4
Bodily SIM slot
The iPhone 16e is eSIM-only, a minimum of within the US
Smartphone producers and cellular carriers have been pushing eSIM expertise, but it surely is not time to surrender on the bodily SIM card slot. Nonetheless, eSIM has benefits, like being much less susceptible to SIM-swapping assaults, not having to fret about misplacing a bodily SIM card, saving cash when touring overseas, and extra. Nonetheless, getting a telephone that gives each provides you added flexibility.
With a bodily SIM, you possibly can swap between units seamlessly with out reactivating your service with the assistance of your service. They’re additionally not affected by software program and {hardware} points, and you do not have to fret about service assist when touring to a creating or underdeveloped nation. Midrange Android telephones just like the Pixel 8a supply a slot for a bodily nano-SIM card on prime of eSIM. The brand new Galaxy A36 goes additional with dual-SIM (bodily) assist regardless of providing eSIM compatibility.
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3
Software program assist
Midrange Android telephones promise long-term software program updates
Apple was miles forward of Android by way of long-term software program assist, however that modified in recent times. In 2024, Google and Samsung promised seven years of Android updates for his or her flagship telephones. The state of affairs is healthier in 2025, as midrange Android telephones declare a number of years of software program assist.
As an illustration, when Google launched the Pixel 8a in 2024, it promised seven years of Android OS upgrades and safety updates. The brand new Galaxy A36 will get Android OS updates and safety patches for six years, which is spectacular for a telephone that prices $400. This dedication is one thing we have needed from Android manufacturers. As a lot as I respect Apple for the way lengthy it helps its units, I do not assume the corporate has rolled out main iOS updates to iPhones which are seven years previous. The iPhone 6s from 2015 bought its final main iOS replace (iOS 15) in 2021.
2
Higher wi-fi connectivity
Apple’s new C1 modem appears like a downgrade
Apple has been utilizing Qualcomm’s 5G modems in its trendy iPhones, however now, the iPhone 16e makes use of a customized Apple C1 modem, which feels extra like a downgrade than an improve. The largest draw back is that it does not assist 5G mmWave, the rarer and sooner model of 5G, which is accessible in high-density cities throughout the USA. Should you dwell in a first-rate location like New York Metropolis, Los Angeles, or Chicago, the dearth of 5G mmWave may be a dealbreaker. The Google Pixel 8a, alternatively, helps 5G mmWave if you are going to buy it from Verizon.
Moreover, the iPhone 16e does not assist Wi-Fi 7 like the usual iPhone 16 fashions. It does not even assist the Wi-Fi 6E normal. This might not be an enormous deal if you do not have a suitable router, however most midrange Android telephones, together with the Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy A36, supply Wi-Fi 6E assist. If you need a “future-proof” telephone, do not take a look at the iPhone 16e.
1
Extra colour choices
The iPhone 16e solely is available in black and white
This would possibly sound foolish, but it surely’s extra of a private desire than something. The iPhone 16e is just out there in two colour variants: black and white. Even its predecessor, the iPhone SE (2022), was out there in a daring Product Purple variant. I imagine somebody available in the market for a finances or midrange telephone would need a sprint of colour, which Apple does not supply.
You’ll find midrange Android telephones in several sizes and colours. As an illustration, the Pixel 8a is accessible in Obsidian, Porcelain, Bay, and Aloe, whereas Samsung provides the Galaxy A36 in Lavender and Lime in addition to Black and White. If none of these colour choices enchantment to you, you possibly can select from many different midrange Android telephones. It is all about having choices, and Android telephones have the higher hand.
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Midrange Android telephones supply unbelievable worth
Not like the iPhone 16e, midrange Android telephones are feature-packed and do not sacrifice a lot within the {hardware} division. Even the construct high quality of Android telephones within the sub-$600 value vary is respectable. I would somewhat pay 100 {dollars} much less and get a greater telephone over an iPhone that cuts corners. I can not stand the one 48MP digicam with a smaller sensor, the 60Hz refresh fee, and the dearth of 5G mmWave assist. If final yr’s Pixel 8a can trump the iPhone 16e, assume how way more fascinating the rumored Pixel 9a might be when it launches in early 2025.