Apple iPhone 16e Fails To Win Hearts, As Google Pixel 9a Shines Over The Horizon

On the day when Google introduced the Pixel 9a without throwing major surprises and keeping it close to expectations (especially in pricing), new research showed that Apple iPhone 16e—which was launched a month back—has failed to win the hearts of smartphone lovers.

The mid-range Google Pixel 9a—launched on March 19—dazzled fans with a refreshed design that eliminates the large camera bulge, an advanced Tensor G4 chipset, powerful 5100 mAh battery, a bigger display than its predecessor, and other to features.

More than anything else, the Pixel 9a aligns perfectly with the expected price point, a critical factor for smartphone buyers in a market full of alternatives. The Pixel 9a starts at $499—Rs 49,999 in India—and this was exactly what experts had predicted.

The same doesn't ring true for iPhone 16e, which gave everyone a shocker when it buried Apple’s budget SE lineup and showed up with a hefty price tag of $599 (Rs 59,900), a good $100, or around Rs 10K, more than what analysts had predicted. To make matters worse, it lacked key features: MagSafe, Dynamic Island, ultrawide lens, Camera Control, bright display, and a GPU core. 

Apparently, iPhone users aren’t liking that!

According to a survey of iPhone users by SellCell, a majority indicated they weren’t impressed with the iPhone 16e, and most users find the iPhone 16e too expensive. Below are key survey findings:

• With 72.9% saying they are "somewhat" or "not at all" impressed, iPhone consumers are generally not happy with the 16e.

• Over nine in 10 (91.6%) are dissatisfied with the 16e’s price, with 72.7% arguing that it should cost around $500 and 18.9% suggesting it should remain at $429, like the SE. 

• Nearly a quarter (23.8%) would like Apple to introduce a new low-cost "e" version of every iPhone going forward. 

• The majority (92.7%) are against purchasing the iPhone 16e, while only 7.3% of those who own an iPhone 15 or older model intend to upgrade to the 16e.

The top reasons for users not wanting the 16e: 

• Lack of multiple rear camera sensors such as wide angle or telephoto lens (52.6%).

• I prefer a higher-end model as I want the best of what Apple has to offer regardless of the price (34%).

• Relatively cheaper but not cheap enough to make it worthwhile over higher-end iPhone 16 models (25.3%).

• Missing MagSafe compatibility (16.1%).

• No significant upgrades compared to current phone (14.3%).

The survey indicates the majority of Apple users would rather spend more money on a premium model with superior tech than settle for a bargain with the iPhone 16e. This certainly isn’t a good sign, especially if users take a shine to much more reasonably priced and technologically sound Google Pixel 9a.