iPhone 16E: The Most Affordable New iPhone, But Are There Trade-Offs?
At $599, the iPhone 16E is the most affordable option if you’re looking for a brand new iPhone. It boasts a sharp 6.1-inch OLED display, a powerful A18 chip, and IP68 water resistance. The main camera, at 48MP with OIS, adequately covers your basic photography needs.
The iPhone 16E offers a great balance between features and affordability.
However, some may argue that the price is a bit high for what you get. The 16E lacks an ultra-wide camera and MagSafe support, missing out on the magnetic accessory ecosystem that most recent iPhones offer. Additionally, it retains the “notch” design instead of adopting the Dynamic Island feature of its higher-end counterparts.
On the upside, the 16E supports Apple Intelligence, a set of new AI features not found on the iPhone 14 or 15. While these features may not be extremely useful right now, they do add a sense of “future-proofing” to the device. For those who aren’t too fussy and just want a new iPhone at a comfortable price, the 16E is a sensible choice.
Google Pixel 9A: The Best Android Phone Under $500
With a price tag of $449 (and often discounted to around $11 million in the US), the Pixel 9A is a highly competitive mid-range Android device. It’s powered by the Tensor G4 chip and features a brighter 6.3-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and IP68 water resistance, which is rare in this price range.
The Pixel 9A offers an impressive package for its price.
The 48MP main camera delivers great results in well-lit conditions, and it’s accompanied by an ultra-wide lens and a capable 13MP selfie camera. While low-light and portrait photography might not match the premium Pixel 9 models, it’s more than sufficient for daily use.
The standout feature of the Pixel 9A is its software support: it’s guaranteed to receive OS updates for up to 7 years, outpacing many rivals in its price bracket.
OnePlus 13R: Large Display, Long-Lasting Battery, Impressive Performance
With a starting price matching the iPhone 16E ($599) but often discounted to $499, the OnePlus 13R is a formidable contender. It boasts a massive 6.78-inch OLED display with a high resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it packs a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, a large 6,000mAh battery, and 80W fast charging.
The OnePlus 13R offers a large display and exceptional battery life.
While it lacks wireless charging and only offers IP65 water resistance (protection against water jets), the 13R excels in offering a high-quality display and impressive battery life. If you prioritize visual enjoyment and long-lasting power, this is a device to consider.
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: Under $400 With IP67 Water Resistance
Priced at around $360, the Galaxy A35 5G strikes a good balance between performance and durability. It features a 6.6-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an Exynos 1380 chip, and IP67 water and dust resistance, which is a rare find in this price segment.
The Galaxy A35 5G offers a great balance of features and durability.
While the camera might not be its strongest suit, and performance can stutter when running multiple apps, the A35 5G makes up for it with long-term software support: 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches. For basic users, it’s a device that can last and perform adequately over the long haul.
A Few Other Options Considered but Fell Short
The Motorola Moto G Power (2024) has a beautiful design and supports wireless charging, but it’s criticized for having too much bloatware.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE offers many premium features, but at $649, it’s no longer a true “budget” option, especially with the Pixel 8A being a stronger contender.
Whether you’re an iPhone or Android fan, The Verge’s list demonstrates that there are excellent smartphone options in the $10-15 million VND price range. It all comes down to identifying your priorities – performance, display, camera, or durability – and choosing the device that best aligns with your needs.
