Despite Apple launching the iPhone 17e in early 2026, a recent report suggests that the iPhone 16e is still worth buying, especially when obtained as a refurbished version. Apple offers it through its official store starting at $419, with an official warranty and the option to subscribe to AppleCare+.

Apple launched the iPhone 16e in early 2025 as the spiritual successor to the iPhone SE series, but it came with a more modern design featuring a full-screen display. The company later replaced it with the iPhone 17e within its current lineup.

Powerful Performance and Long Years of Updates

The report indicates that the phone still offers competitive specifications in 2026, as it is powered by the A18 chip used in both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, with 8GB of RAM. This makes it compatible with Apple's Apple Intelligence platform.

The device features a 6.1-inch screen and a single 48-megapixel rear camera. Its battery provides up to 26 hours of video playback according to the company’s estimates. The phone supports an upgrade to iOS 27, and the report predicts it will continue to receive system updates for between four and five years, giving it a long virtual lifespan compared to its price.

Who is the iPhone 16e a good option for?

The report states that the phone is a suitable choice for users who want to own an iPhone at a lower price without needing all the professional features available in the higher versions. It's also appropriate for teenagers buying their first iPhone, or for older people who need a device they can rely on for daily communication, internet browsing, and taking photos while benefiting from Apple’s AI advantages.

When is the iPhone 17e the better choice?

On the other hand, the report clarifies that users who can afford an additional amount may find that the iPhone 17e offers better value in the long run. It comes at the same price as the iPhone 16e when it was launched, but it provides significant improvements including MagSafe support, a basic storage capacity of 256GB, and the latest A19 processor which delivers higher performance and more efficient power consumption.
Geekbench 6 performance tests showed that the iPhone 17e achieves results very close to those of the iPhone 17, while the iPhone 16e offers a performance similar to that of the iPhone 16 series.

Pro phones remain the choice for fans of advanced features

The report concludes by noting that users who are interested in obtaining a more advanced camera system, or wish to take advantage of all the new Apple Intelligence features in iOS 27, may be better off heading towards iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro, especially since some of the new AI features, such as Siri voice personalization, will remain exclusive to phones equipped with 12GB of memory.