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+--- Thread: To 16e or not 16e - That is the question... (/Thread-To-16e-or-not-16e-That-is-the-question)
To 16e or not 16e - That is the question... - bjcheung77 - 02-25-2025
I'm looking to get more into the Apple Ecosystem, currently with a new Mac mini M4 as my main PC, and an older Mac Mini M2 as a family computer, this phone would be an upgrade from my old SE3 2022, since they've discontinued the SE and now in favor of 16e.
Yes, the Apple 16e phone came out just a few days ago and on pre-order until the early part of March up to mid March. The phone is at a good price point of $599USD. Having said that, the features of the phone is lesser than the 16 (non pro), the main difference is the camera as it uses the same CPU/Ram and other configuration is very similar.
16e only has 1 camera lens, 16 has 2 cameras lenses and the 16 pro has 3 camera lenses. You can make a comparison on the Apple website if you need the extra details. There are a few pre-paid cell MVNOs Mobile Virtual Network Operators available that will provide a discount on the phone and on the pre-paid plans on a cell network.
Here's an example from Slickdeals.net: Straighttalk.com has a deal for $365, $299 for the phone and $65 for a month plan, you can cancel the plan anytime, and in 2 months (60 days) your phone will be unlocked to be used on any carrier of your choice. In brief, you're getting a discount on the phone, but need to wait 2 months for it to unlock. People use it as an ipod music player or wifi device, ipad mini replacement, whatever may work in your scenario. You're paying "half price" for this phone.
On the flip side, there are other options such as this example: 1 year service of unlimited calls/text and X gigs of data for $599. So, it's like getting the phone for free, but using their post paid cell service plan. Or, the other way of looking at it is, buying the phone for $599 and getting their cell service free, it's the same pricing either way you look at it!
Toms Hardware has a few examples of cheap post paid options: https://www.tomsguide.com/sales-events/iphone-16e-preorders-how-to-get-apples-new-phone-for-free
RE: To 16e or not 16e - That is the question... - LevelUP - 02-26-2025
I'm in the same boat, trying to decide which iPhone to buy, so I’d be like the blind leading the blind if I tried to give advice here.
RE: To 16e or not 16e - That is the question... - bluebooger - 02-26-2025
he recommends a refurbished 15 pro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF4vZxbSmjo
so does he
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-WhZT02ubg
RE: To 16e or not 16e - That is the question... - housecat - 03-13-2025
Not an Apple person, but I was told just buy everything Apple new, and quickly flip it every X months and then you always have the latest, and never need to worry about the inflated, unimaginable pricing for feature-removed "it's a feature not a bug" products.
LOL my bias is showing but in all seriousness that is what was recommended to me, "if you want the Apple ecosystem." - my buddy Erik who is so in-deep with Apple it's astonishing.
Also side-note for international travel, Apple gives the private keys to the UK government so they just need your Apple ID and they retain it indefinitely, so if travelling to the UK, don't expect privacy. (Was noted on YouTube etc only after whistleblowers blew it out) and makes one wonder which other governments have access to your private key for your keyring access. I roll my own and don't trust walled gardens as much as possible for identity management now.
RE: To 16e or not 16e - That is the question... - Vle045 - 03-13-2025
I got the 16 Pro. It was free with my cell phone plan through T-Mobile. That’s the best way to do it in my opinion. Of course, that all depends on what discounts and deals you can find.