Apple's newest affordable phone includes a bunch of premium features and tools, but to hit a sub-$600 price, it also omits a number of things.

One of the primary reasons the iPhone 16e is less expensive than the iPhone 16 is due to the differences in their camera systems. While both models feature a 48MP main camera, the iPhone 16 has a slightly larger sensor, which typically produces better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.

The iPhone 16e replaces the iPhone SE, last released in 2022, which was Apple's budget-friendly iPhone option. At $599, the starting price for the iPhone 16e is less than the $800 it costs for a standard iPhone 16, but more than the SE, which sold for $430.