iPhone 16 available at the same price as iPhone 17e: Which is the better deal?
Apple has launched its new affordable iPhone 17e at a starting price of Rs 64,900. However, the 2024 standard iPhone 16 is also available in the same price range. So, what should you buy? Well, the decision really depends on what matters more to you.
Last night, Apple launched its latest generation affordable iPhone, the iPhone 17e. In line with its predecessors, this new affordable iPhone also promises flagship-like performance but at a relatively lower price. In India, the iPhone 17e will be available for pre-order from March 4 for Rs 64,900 for the 256GB model. This is Rs 18,000 less than the base variant of the standard iPhone 17. Sounds affordable, right?
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Well, the iPhone 16, Apple’s 2024 base iPhone, is available at an even lower price.
For example, on Vijay Sales, the iPhone 16 with 128GB storage is currently listed at Rs 64,900, which is the same as the launch price of the iPhone 17e. But swipe in bank discounts and EMI deals, and the price goes down even further. So, when two iPhones are priced the same, the real question becomes: do you go for the latest device or the established flagship experience?
Well, the answer really depends on what matters most to you if you’re spending around Rs 65,000 on an iPhone. Here’s a quick comparison of iPhone 16 and iPhone 17e based on performance, cameras, display and design, and price.
iPhone 17e vs iPhone 16: Performance
The iPhone 17e runs on Apple’s latest A19 series chip, which, according to Apple, is designed for better efficiency and better overall speeds. The iPhone 16, meanwhile, is powered by the A18 chip. On paper, the iPhone 17e clearly has the advantage, offering better performance and long-term software support, making it more future-ready.
However, while the iPhone 16 is technically a generation older, it’s very capable for everyday use. We’ve seen this device handle everything from social media scrolling to streaming, photography and casual gaming with ease. For most users, the real-world difference in day-to-day tasks may not seem dramatic. That said, if you’re planning on holding onto your phone for three to four years, the A19 chip in the 17e offers a little more breathing room.
iPhone 17e vs iPhone 16: Cameras
Both the iPhone 17e and iPhone 16 have a 48-megapixel main rear camera, which means you’ll get sharp images with strong color accuracy and Apple’s reliable computational photography. However, the iPhone 16 has a dual-camera setup, so you also get a 12MP ultra-wide lens, which the 17e doesn’t have.
That said, the iPhone 17e benefits from better image processing thanks to its new chipset. But, the iPhone 16, being a former mainstream flagship, still holds its place with well-balanced HDR and consistent video performance.
For selfies and video calls, both devices offer a similar front camera experience, although the iPhone 17e may have a slight edge in processing.
iPhone 17e vs iPhone 16: Display and design
Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17e feature 6.1-inch OLED displays with vibrant colors and sharp contrast. Neither pushes into higher refresh rate territory, both remain at 60Hz. However, the iPhone 16 offers a slightly higher peak brightness, which may be helpful when viewing content outdoors.
Design-wise, both maintain Apple’s flat-edge aesthetic and premium build quality. However, with the iPhone 16, you also get a dual-camera setup and Dynamic Island, which the 17e doesn’t have. This may be tempting to some users, especially when you’re essentially getting a more premium iPhone at the expense of a more affordable model.
price and storage game
So, Apple has introduced the iPhone 17e with 256GB storage at Rs 64,900, and you can also avail some bank discounts during checkout. At the same time, at this price you will get only 128GB storage in iPhone 16. So, the iPhone 17e clearly gets the edge here.
In short, for the same price, the 17e offers new hardware and double the base storage. Meanwhile, the 16 gives you a tried-and-true flagship experience with a slightly brighter display output.
So, which one should you buy?
If you want better future-proofing, more processing power, and extra storage out of the box, the iPhone 17e makes strong practical sense.
If you want a more premium iPhone experience, and features like dual cameras and Dynamic Island matter to you, and you don’t mind slightly older silicon, the iPhone 16 remains a solid choice.
However, at the same price, the advantage of the new generation of iPhone 17e is also definitely hard to ignore.