Before the iPhone 16e’s arrival, the best budget iPhone option was the SE, which had a decade-plus-old design and a tiny IPS screen with a lower resolution and an IPS panel. Replacing the SE with a product with modern design, top-tier specs, and Apple Intelligence is a major leap forward for Apple’s entry-level smartphone.

Satellite connectivity isn't necessarily at the top of the list for what people want in their phone. Usually, it's good battery life (which the iPhone 16E has), a good camera (the 16E checks that off too) and a decent price (which the 16E just misses).