We’re days away from Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event on Tuesday, the place we anticipate the rumored iPhone 17 to be introduced. The iPhone 17 will possible be a follow-up to the iPhone 16, which launched in 2024. Nevertheless, Apple’s latest cellphone, the $599 iPhone 16E, was launched in February and gives a singular attraction: Get a few of the iPhone 16’s finest options (a 48-megapixel digicam, iOS 18 and an A18 chip for Apple Intelligence) for $200 lower than the $799 iPhone 16.
However do you purchase the iPhone 16E now or look ahead to the iPhone 17 to debut in a number of weeks? We expect it is best to wait to purchase both. Here is why.
Watch this: iPhone 16E Evaluate
iPhone 16E vs. iPhone 17: At present
The iPhone 16E is supposed to be a barely extra inexpensive model of the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16E has the excellence of being Apple’s most inexpensive cellphone (earlier than provider reductions and offers) regardless of costing $170 greater than the corporate’s earlier low cost cellphone, the iPhone SE from 2022. The 16E is aimed toward those that need to get the most recent least expensive iPhone with all of the Apple perks they anticipate, like a very good digicam, companies like iMessage and FaceTime, and years’ price of software program upgrades.
The iPhone 16E carries the iPhone SE’s outdated mantle and makes use of components of outdated iPhones to create an inexpensive one. For instance, the 16E’s display screen and physique are much like the iPhone 14 and it has the identical processor that the iPhone 16 has. On paper, the 16E is an improve in practically each option to the final iPhone SE. The iPhone 16E releases on the finish of February. However in order for you the iPhone 17, you are going to have to attend as a result of it would not exist.
Apple hasn’t introduced the iPhone 17, and you may’t preorder it but. The following iPhone is only a bunch of rumors that paint the image of a legendary newer cellphone that is higher than what’s out there now. However the chances are high excessive that Apple will launch an iPhone 17 on Tuesday.
iPhone 16E vs. iPhone 17: Tuesday
The iPhone 17 hasn’t been introduced but. On this image, we used an iPhone 16 Professional and put the quantity 17 behind it since there are not any photographs from Apple of its unreleased cellphone.
What is going to the iPhone 17 have that the brand new iPhone 16E would not? I don’t know as a result of Apple hasn’t introduced something but.
However we will have a look at a few of the many iPhone 17 rumors and postulate why it could or is probably not price ready weeks for. The largest rumor is that Apple would possibly debut a brand new iPhone mannequin with an especially skinny design, as reported by The Information. Nicknamed the iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim, it will have the same old year-to-year additions, like a brand new processor and new software program, however its primary attraction will possible be its new design.
Each cellphone Apple has launched since 2020 has regarded much like the iPhone 12 and had flat sides, aside from the iPhone SE. That very same iPhone 12 design can seen within the iPhone 16 collection together with the brand new iPhone 16E. And whereas many Apple lovers need an iPhone with a really new design, there’s logic to Apple keeping what works for its massive base of iPhone customers.
The iPhone 17 Air’s thin design might have a big 6.6-inch show that slots in-between the 6.1-inch screens on the iPhone 16 and 16 E and the 6.9-inch show on the 16 Professional Max. The iPhone 17 Air can also be anticipated to have Apple’s C1 5G modem, the identical one which debuted within the iPhone 16E in line with famous analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
However even when the iPhone 17 have been out at the moment, it is meant for a distinct particular person in contrast with the inexpensive iPhone 16E.
iPhone 16E vs. iPhone 17: Finances or flagship?
The iPhone 16E is the one cellphone Apple sells that has a single rear digicam.
The true complicating issue between deciding between Apple’s brand-new low cost iPhone and its subsequent unannounced flagship mannequin is simply that: Would you like a budget-version of the iPhone 16? Or would you like considered one of Apple’s costlier premium fashions? And in that case the true query ought to be would you like an iPhone 16 or wait for an iPhone 17?
Despite the fact that the one issues we all know concerning the iPhone 17 collection are primarily based on rumors, it can possible have an everyday base mannequin that begins round $800 and a extra premium Professional mannequin that begins at $1,000. Just like the iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 has a distinct worth proposition and can possible be aimed toward a distinct consumer than the iPhone 16E.
It is also unclear if Apple will launch an inexpensive model of the iPhone 17 in 2026 — possibly the 17E? The iPhone SE collection received updates each two to a few years in contrast with the annual updates that Apple’s flagship line will get.
But when all you need is Apple’s least expensive, then the iPhone 16E is the way in which to go. And better of all, you’ll be able to buy it today.
Purchase a cellphone while you want it
The iPhone 16E will little question be essentially the most inexpensive option to get an iPhone earlier than provider reductions and offers.
In the end, in case your present cellphone is damaged or has a cracked display screen and it is advisable to purchase a cellphone now, then achieve this. Apple’s common iPhone 16 is a tremendous choice and, when you’re seeking to purchase Apple’s least expensive cellphone, go along with the iPhone 16E.
In case you are due for an improve out of your provider, then issues get trickier. 4 months is a very long time to attend, particularly for a cellphone Apple hasn’t even introduced or instructed us about. But when your present cellphone is working fantastic, maintain onto that improve and reevaluate your scenario Tuesday.
Apple iPhone 16E Specs vs. iPhone 16, iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 15
Apple iPhone 16E | iPhone 16 | iPhone SE (2022) | iPhone 15 | |
Show dimension, tech, decision, refresh price | 6.1-inch OLED show; 2,532×1,170 pixels; 60Hz refresh price | 6.1-inch OLED show; 2,556×1,179 pixels; 60Hz refresh price | 4.7-inch LCD; 1,334×750 pixels; 60Hz refresh price | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,556×1,179 pixels; 60hz refresh price |
Pixel density | 460ppi | 460ppi | 326ppi | 460ppi |
Dimensions (inches) | 5.78×2.82×0.31 | 5.81×2.82×0.31 | 5.45×2.65×0.29 | 2.82×5.81×0.31 |
Dimensions (millimeters) | 146.7×71.5×7.8 | 147.6×71.6×7.8 | 138.4×67.3×7.3 | 71.6×147.6×7.8 |
Weight | 167 grams (5.88 ounces) | 170g (6oz) | 144g (5.09oz) | 171g (6.02oz) |
Cell software program | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 15 | iOS 17 |
Digital camera | 48 megapixel (vast) | 48 megapixel (vast), 12 megapixel (ultrawide) | 12 megapixel (vast) | 48 megapixel (vast), 12 megapixel (ultrawide) |
Entrance-facing digicam | 12 megapixel | 12 megapixel | 7 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Video seize | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K |
Processor | Apple A18 | Apple A18 | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A16 Bionic |
RAM/storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Expandable storage | None | None | None | None |
Battery | As much as 26 hours video playback, 21 hours streamed video playback, 90 hours of audio playback. 20W wired charging, 7.5W Qi wi-fi charging | As much as 22 hours video playback; as much as 18 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wi-fi charging as much as 25W with 30W adapter or greater; Qi2 as much as 15W | Battery dimension not disclosed (charger not included; helps wi-fi charging) | Undisclosed; Apple says as much as 20 hours of video playback (16 hours streamed) |
Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) | House button | None (Face ID) |
Connector | USB-C | USB-C | Lightning | USB-C |
Headphone jack | None | None | None | None |
Particular options | Motion button, Apple C1 5G modem, Apple Intelligence, Ceramic Defend, Emergency SOS, satellite tv for pc connectivity, IP68 resistance | Apple Intelligence, Motion button, Digital camera Management button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits show brightness vary, IP68 resistance. Colours: black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine. | 5G-enabled; helps 25W wired quick charging; Water-proof (IP67); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wi-fi charging | Dynamic Island; 5G (mmw/Sub6); MagSafe; waterproof (IP68); wi-fi charging; eSIM; satellite tv for pc connectivity |
US worth begins at | $599 (128GB), $699 (256GB), $899 (512GB) | $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB) | $399 (64GB), $449 (128GB), $549 (256GB) | $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB) |
UK worth begins at | £599 (128GB), £699 (256GB), £899 (512GB) | £799 (128GB), £899 (256GB), £1,099 (512GB) | £419 (64GB), £469 (128GB), £569 (256GB) | £799 (128GB), £899 (256GB), £1,099 (512GB) |
Australia worth begins at | AU$999 (128GB), AU$1,199 (256GB), AU$1,549 (512GB) | AU$1,399 (128GB), AU$1,599 (256GB), AU$1,949 (512GB) | AU$749 (64GB), AU$829 (128GB), AU$999 (256GB) | AU$1,499 (128GB), AU$1,699 (256GB), AU$2,049 (512GB) |