We love Apple's iPhones here at CNET but the $800 starting price for the basic iPhone 16 may be a little steep for some users. If you're looking for a more affordable alternative, the new iPhone 16E is an excellent option. It starts at $599 and there are tons of offers out there that can get you one for even less. You may even snag one free if you have an old phone to trade in or need a new line at a carrier. To help you take advantage of these bargains, we've rounded up the best iPhone 16E deals out there.
Here's what you need to know. The new iPhone 16E has a four-core A18 processor and a new C1 5G modem -- the most power-efficient modem we've seen on any iPhone model to date. It has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, a 48-megapixel rear camera with 2x telephoto zoom and a 12-megapixel front camera for selfies. Like the flagship iPhone 16 lineup, it's also designed for Apple Intelligence and has a dedicated action button to launch Visual Intelligence. And, according to our reviewer Patrick Holland, it also boasts impressive battery life. "The iPhone 16E can definitely make it through a day on a single charge and, depending on how you use it, it'll likely make it through a day and a half before needing to be plugged in," he wrote. The basic model comes with 128GB of storage, with prices starting at $599.
Best iPhone 16E deals
The 16E is now available at Apple and several other retailers and carriers, with multiple ways to save some cash. Some offer discounts with a new line of service, and if you have an older phone you don't mind parting with, you can score substantial savings with a trade-in offer. We'll keep a close eye on offers as they come and go and update this page accordingly, so be sure to check back often.
When you trade in an eligible device, Apple offers savings on the new iPhone 16E. Trading in an old phone could save you up to $630, which can potentially score you the basic 128GB model free. However, that discount is only available if you're trading in the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which would be a bit of a downgrade. For the iPhone 14 series, the most you'll save is $450, which is still a solid deal for this affordable model. Note that the older your phone is, the less you will potentially receive for a trade-in device.
If you order the iPhone 16E at Best Buy and sign up with a carrier, there are ways to save. A qualified activation with Verizon and a trade-in of your old or damaged phone will save you up to $600. If you're an AT&T customer, a qualified activation on an eligible unlimited installment plan can save you up to $384, which drops the starting price to just $6 per month. Discounts will be delivered via bill credits over 36 months.
Customers can order the new iPhone 16E at T-Mobile and there are a few ways to save. Those on a Go5G Plus or Next plan can get it free with an eligible trade-in, while those on other plans can still save up to $300. You can also get the device free with a new line and a trade-in or when switching your existing number over from another carrier. There are also several special offers for military members, first responders and people 55 and older.
US Cellular is offering many ways to save on the iPhone 16E. Activating a new line or account on a qualifying line will save you up to $830, which scores you the 128GB or 256GB model free. You can also get the 512GB model free with a new line and an eligible trade-in.
US Cellular is also offering $500 off with a new prepaid line and the port-in of an existing number, which drops the starting price to $99.
How much does the iPhone 16E cost?
There are three storage configurations for the new iPhone 16E. The pricing for each model is as follows:
- 128GB: $599
- 256GB: $699
- 512GB: $899
What colors does the iPhone 16E come in?
The iPhone 16E is only available in two colors -- white or black. Apple also has a silicone case that retails for $39 and comes in five colors -- winter blue, fuchsia, lake green, black and white.
When was the iPhone 16E released?
The iPhone 16E is the first budget-friendly Apple phone since the third-gen iPhone SE hit shelves back in 2022. Preorders started on Feb. 21, and the phone started shipping on Feb. 28.