The iPhone 16e has now been available for a few weeks, giving us the opportunity to see whether it meets expectations. While excitement for Apple's latest budget smartphone was building, concerns were also growing about a potential price increase. When the iPhone 16e launched on 19 February, these concerns turned out to be justified. Recent surveys suggest that many phone buyers felt the same way.

Before its release, some speculated that the iPhone 16e would only be worth considering if it was priced under £500. However, the base model starts at £599 for 128GB of storage—an increase from the previous iPhone SE's £429 starting price in 2022.

A recent survey of over 3,500 Apple users by a pre-owned phone marketplace reveals that more than 90% believe the iPhone 16e is too expensive to be considered a true "budget" phone. While the term "budget" can be subjective—sometimes referring to affordable models or simply more cost-effective alternatives to flagship devices—the data highlights a clear disconnect between expectations and pricing.

The survey also found that more than 70% of Apple users are "unimpressed" with the iPhone 16e, despite its advanced A18 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and comprehensive AI features. In fact, nearly three-quarters of respondents said they would prefer the iPhone 16e to be priced at £500 instead of its current higher price point.

As detailed in our full iPhone 16e review, this latest model sits at a lower price than the main iPhone 16—which starts at £799—but is still significantly more expensive than comparable devices from other brands, such as the Google Pixel 8a (£499) and the Nothing Phone 3a Pro (£449).

The survey results suggest that many customers find the iPhone 16e's price hard to justify, especially given its single camera and notched 60Hz display, which some users feel are outdated features. Over half (52.6%) of those surveyed said they would not consider the iPhone 16e because it lacks a second camera. Other reasons for hesitation included a preference for higher-end models (34%) and the absence of certain features like MagSafe support (16.1%).

Overall, the survey highlights growing concerns about value for money and the range of features in mid-range smartphones, especially among Apple users seeking more affordable options.

While the iPhone 16e and iPhone SE are technically different models, both have served as the most affordable options for those looking to own an iPhone. However, seeing a price increase of £170 in just two years is significant, especially for budget-conscious buyers.

Although this is based on a single survey with a limited group, it’s clear that even long-term users recognise when a deal isn’t worthwhile. The iPhone 16e may be the easiest way to join the iOS ecosystem, but the standard iPhone 16 offers much better value for money.

Both models are featured in our roundup of the best iPhones, so either device will handle your daily tasks with ease.

We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your opinion in the comments below.