The iPhone 17e is about to launch, effectively replacing the iPhone 16e in Apple’s lineup. While the new model is a much worthier budget option, I can’t overlook the prices I’m seeing for the 16e right now.
That’s because you can currently get the iPhone 16e for $149 at Cricket — a massive 75% discount. In the mobile world, this is unheard of, considering older devices typically only see price cuts of about $100. Compared to the $599 starting cost for the iPhone 17e, you really shouldn’t pass up these iPhone 16e deals. Here’s why.
First of all, this Cricket Wireless deal gives you the iPhone 16e with 256GB of storage — doubling the usual 128GB base model. This better positions it against the newer iPhone 17e, which comes standard with 256GB. To get the iPhone 16e for $150, you’re required to prepay for two months of the Supreme Unlimited plan at $60 per month. At checkout, you’ll pay $269 plus tax for the device and two months of unlimited service.
In my iPhone 17e review, I highlighted how similar these two phones are, especially regarding their cameras. Side-by-side photo samples show practically identical results. That’s because the iPhone 17e simply recycles the same cameras found in the iPhone 16e.
Another reason I recommend this deal is that the 16e offers the same display and battery performance as the newer model. In fact, I was surprised that the iPhone 16e lasted several minutes longer than the iPhone 17e in our battery drain test. Furthermore, the iPhone 16e’s display actually turned out to be a smidge brighter in our testing.
Finally, the iOS 26 software experience is identical between the two. That’s the beauty of Apple’s ecosystem — the experience is unified across the lineup. Not only does the older iPhone 16e gain the same personalization tools as the iPhone 17e, but it also has access to the same Apple Intelligence features, like the updated Visual Intelligence integrated into the screenshot function.
Sure, there are incentives to pick the iPhone 17e. It features the newer A19 chip, which outperforms the iPhone 16e’s A18, and it finally adds MagSafe for faster wireless charging and compatibility with MagSafe accessories. But considering the massive price gap between $599 and $149, I would gladly choose the iPhone 16e.