Apple finally gave the SE lineup a much-needed refresh after three years, officially retiring the home button under a new — but familiar — name, the iPhone 16e. Apple is calling it the “most affordable member of the iPhone 16 family,” with a starting price of $599 in the US. It packs Apple’s latest A18 chip, loaded with Apple Intelligence features, plus a 6.1-inch OLED display.
Of course, not everything’s sunshine and rainbows. There are some pretty glaring drawbacks — like the 60Hz display, a single 48MP rear camera with no macro support, that dated notch, no MagSafe, and a pretty underwhelming color selection. So, should you buy the iPhone 16e? Honestly… probably not. At least not right now. You’d be better off snagging a better Samsung Galaxy phone for around the same price.
I’ve three solid Galaxy alternatives that you should definitely check out before pulling the trigger on the iPhone 16e. Let’s jump in.
1. Galaxy S24 FE — If you want a budget-friendly option right away
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Fan Edition (FE) is a great alternative to the iPhone 16e, offering flagship-level features without the steep price. It comes with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display and a 120Hz refresh rate, which is a clear upgrade over the iPhone 16e’s 60Hz screen. The Exynos 2400e chipset handles daily tasks and gaming just fine.
On the camera side, the Galaxy S24 FE is way more versatile than the iPhone 16e, with a triple-camera setup. It has a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. You also get seven years of software updates and a bigger battery. It keeps premium features like wireless charging, an IP68 rating, and Samsung DeX support. If you’re looking for a solid Android alternative that won’t break the bank, the Galaxy S24 FE is an easy pick.
2. Galaxy S25 — If you can stretch your budget for a flagship experience
If you’re willing to stretch your budget a bit, the Galaxy S25 is an easy choice over the iPhone 16e. At around $799, you’re getting a true flagship experience with Samsung’s latest design, display, and performance upgrades. The device features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, clearly outshining the iPhone’s 60Hz screen. It’s powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy.
When it comes to cameras, the Galaxy S25 is way ahead with a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, offering much more versatility than the iPhone 16e’s single camera. Plus, Samsung’s One UI 7.0 supports Galaxy AI, better battery optimization, and extended software updates. If you’re okay with spending a little more for a flagship device that’ll last you several years, the Galaxy S25 is definitely the better option.
3. Galaxy A56 — If you can wait a little for a well-rounded mid-ranger
If you’re not in a rush to upgrade your phone, the upcoming Galaxy A56 5G could be a great mid-range alternative to the iPhone 16e. Expected to launch next month, it’ll come with a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While it won’t be as powerful as the S-series, the Exynos 1580 processor should handle daily tasks, media, and gaming smoothly.
The A56 5G is likely to feature a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens. Expect great battery life too, with a 5,000mAh battery and 45W fast charging. On top of that, Samsung might offer up to six years of major Android updates. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly phone that outshines the iPhone 16e in key areas, waiting for the Galaxy A56 5G could be the way to go.
