At a price of 17 million VND, the iPhone 16e cannot be considered a cheap product like the iPhone SE.
In reality, the iPhone 16e appears to be a feature-cut version of the iPhone 16 aimed at the mid-range segment. However, this product still has difficulty competing with Android phones in the same price range.
Many Android options under 17 million VND are much better than the iPhone 16e.
Users are encouraged to avoid the iPhone 16e when there are more attractive Android options on the market from leading manufacturers such as Google and Samsung . The newly announced Galaxy A36 and A56 models are noteworthy, for example.
Refresh rate
Apple reserves the high-refresh-rate 120Hz display for the high-end iPhone Pro models, so the iPhone 16e only has a 60Hz display. Meanwhile, many Android phones in the sub-$700 price range, such as the Galaxy A36, offer 120Hz displays, which results in a smoother scrolling experience. This makes looking at the 60Hz display on the iPhone 16e less appealing.
Mid-range Android smartphones have 2 or more cameras on the back.
Multi-camera setup
While the iPhone 16e has a 48MP main camera, its sensor is smaller than the standard iPhone 16 models, which results in less light capture. Furthermore, the iPhone 16e only has a single camera, while Android competitors like the Galaxy A36 offer multiple cameras, allowing for more diverse photography.
Physical SIM slot
While many manufacturers are moving to eSIM technology, keeping a physical SIM card slot still offers flexibility to users. A physical SIM slot allows for easy switching between devices without reactivating service, and is not affected by software or hardware issues. Mid-range Android phones like the Galaxy A36 support a physical SIM slot, which is convenient for users.
Android phones are getting longer software support.
Software Support
Apple has historically been known for its long-term software support, but that's changed in recent years. In 2024, Google and Samsung committed to providing seven years of Android updates for their flagship phones. Mid-range Android phones are expected to get multi-year software support by 2025.
For example, Google has promised seven years of OS and security updates for the Pixel 8a, while the Galaxy A36 will get six years of support. By contrast, Apple has never released major iOS updates for its seven-year-old iPhones.
Wireless connection
The iPhone 16e uses a custom Apple C1 modem , which doesn't support 5G mmWave, a faster 5G network technology that's available in many major cities around the world. The Pixel 8a, on the other hand, supports 5G mmWave if purchased from Verizon. Additionally, the iPhone 16e doesn't support Wi-Fi 7 or the Wi-Fi 6E standard, while many mid-range Android phones like the Pixel 8a and Galaxy A36 do.
The iPhone 16e comes in only two color options.
