Apple’s introduction of the iPhone 16e has expanded its mid-range lineup, offering more value-conscious consumers a compelling choice. Still, with narrowing price gaps and evolving features, many buyers remain unsure whether to choose the iPhone 16e, the standard iPhone 16, or the high-end iPhone 16 Pro.

Each time Apple updates its iPhone lineup, it reshapes its product portfolio and phases out older models. In early 2025, the debut of the iPhone 16e further redefined the brand’s offerings.

The iPhone SE has been discontinued and replaced by the iPhone 16e, a model more closely aligned with the main iPhone series. Pricing across the lineup has also tightened, making it harder to identify a clearly budget-friendly option.

Price gaps are narrowing

Apple’s iPhones now start at USD 599 for the base model and climb to USD 1,599 for the top-tier configuration.

The most affordable model is the new iPhone 16e with 128GB storage, while the most expensive is the iPhone 16 Pro Max with the highest storage capacity.

Previously, the price gap between the cheapest and priciest iPhone was USD 1,170, thanks to the iPhone SE. Now, that spread has narrowed to USD 1,000.

In addition to the iPhone 16 series, Apple has retained the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, offering more pricing options.

Best choices under USD 1,000

The entry-level iPhone 16e is priced at USD 599 for 128GB. Despite its affordability, it offers significant value: an A18 chip, 6.1-inch display, 48MP Fusion camera, and up to 26 hours of video playback battery life.

The iPhone 16e features a full-screen design with Face ID, a major leap from the iPhone SE. However, it comes with a notch instead of the newer Dynamic Island.

At USD 699, users can choose between the 256GB iPhone 16e or the 128GB iPhone 15. While the iPhone 15 has a dual-camera setup with Ultra Wide, its older A16 chip and lack of Apple Intelligence put it behind the iPhone 16e in performance.

At USD 799, the choice expands to four models: iPhone 16e (256GB), iPhone 15 (256GB), iPhone 15 Plus (128GB, 6.7-inch), and iPhone 16 (128GB).

The iPhone 16 offers a better A18 chip for enhanced graphics, a dual-camera system with Ultra Wide, Camera Control button, and MagSafe support, though its 22-hour battery life falls short of the 16e. Still, it stands out as the best option at this price point.

At USD 899, buyers can consider five options: iPhone 16e (512GB), iPhone 15 (256GB), iPhone 15 Plus (256GB), iPhone 16 (256GB), and iPhone 16 Plus (128GB). The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus remain the best picks unless high storage is prioritized over performance.

At USD 999, options include the iPhone 15 (512GB), iPhone 15 Plus (256GB), iPhone 16 (256GB), iPhone 16 Plus (256GB), and the 128GB iPhone 16 Pro.

With its 6.3-inch display, titanium frame, A18 Pro chip, better battery, and triple-lens camera system featuring a Tetraprism telephoto lens, the iPhone 16 Pro is the go-to for serious photography and video users. Otherwise, the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus offer ample performance for everyday needs.

Choices above USD1,000

Beyond USD 1,000, choosing an iPhone is mostly about screen size and storage needs.

At USD 1,099, choices include the iPhone 15 Plus (512GB), iPhone 16 (512GB), iPhone 16 Plus (256GB), or iPhone 16 Pro (256GB). Given the balanced 256GB storage and superior features, the iPhone 16 Pro is the standout.

At USD 1,199, the iPhone 16 Pro Max enters the picture. Starting at 256GB, it features a 6.9-inch display. If you prefer larger screens, this is worth the upgrade.

At USD 1,299, options include the iPhone 16 Pro (512GB) or the 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max, saving you USD 100. The choice hinges on screen size versus storage.

At USD 1,399, users can get the iPhone 16 Pro (512GB) and save USD 100 compared to the Pro Max at the same capacity. At USD 1,499, it’s a choice between the iPhone 16 Pro (1TB) and the 512GB Pro Max.

At the top-end USD 1,599 mark, the sole option is the iPhone 16 Pro Max with 1TB of storage. Buyers should consider whether they genuinely need this much space before committing.

Storage or features: what matters more?

Storage capacity versus feature set is a significant factor in higher price brackets. For a USD 100–200 difference, the decision may come down to generation or capabilities.

A newer iPhone with better features often comes with less storage, while an older model may offer more storage at the cost of missing Apple Intelligence or camera upgrades. The Pro versions always feature a triple-camera setup, while the 16e has a single lens.

Buyers should be cautious about choosing the iPhone 15 over the 16e simply because it has Dynamic Island. The 15 has weaker chip performance and lacks Apple Intelligence, making it a less future-proof choice.

For most users, 128GB remains a reasonable storage option. Unless you frequently need external storage or iCloud, prioritizing performance and camera upgrades is typically more worthwhile.

iPhone 16 pricing in Vietnam

On Apple’s Vietnam website, the iPhone 16e (128GB) is listed at VND 17 million (approx. USD 700), with 256GB and 512GB models priced at VND 20 million (USD 820) and VND 26 million (USD 1,070), respectively.

The iPhone 16 (128GB) is priced at VND 23 million (USD 950), while the 256GB and 512GB versions are VND 26 million (USD 1,070) and VND 32 million (USD 1,320). The iPhone 16 Plus (6.7-inch, 128GB) is also VND 26 million, with 256GB and 512GB versions at VND 29 million (USD 1,200) and VND 35 million (USD 1,445).

For the iPhone 16 Pro, the 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models are priced at VND 29 million (USD 1,200), VND 32 million (USD 1,320), VND 38 million (USD 1,570), and VND 44 million (USD 1,820), respectively.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max models with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage are priced at VND 35 million (USD 1,445), VND 41 million (USD 1,690), and VND 47 million (USD 1,940), respectively.

Hai Phong