A new iPhone 16e survey overlooks who the device is for

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A recent survey found Apple's new iPhone 16e isn't impressing existing iPhone users, but it misses the point on the smartphone's intended consumer base.

Five iPhone 16e smartphones in a row, including gold, blue, and white models, with one screen displaying a person against a sunset over a snowy landscape.
iPhone 16e



Apple's recently released iPhone 16e has drawn mixed reactions, notably from existing Apple enthusiasts. A recent survey by SellCell found that 72.9% of current iPhone users weren't impressed with the device, primarily criticizing its $599 price tag as being overly ambitious for what it offers.

SellCell surveyed over 3,500 current iPhone users in the U.S., including users with iPhone 15 or older models and existing iPhone 16 users. Participants provided their opinions on the new iPhone 16e's price, features, and its impact on Apple's brand.

The methodology involved gathering detailed responses regarding reasons for upgrading, factors influencing their decisions, and general attitudes toward budget models.

iPhone 16e target audience



But these critiques miss the mark by overlooking who the iPhone 16e is truly for -- new users switching from Android or those who prioritize practicality over premium features.

As we've pointed out , the device isn't for the devout or even casual Apple fan. The company has clearly positioned the iPhone 16e as a bridge into its ecosystem.

Bar chart showing survey responses on iPhone 16e impressions. Ratings: 1 (4.4%), 2 (8%), 3 (14.7%), 4 (42.2%), 5 (30.7%). Total responses: 3,508.
Customer responses to the iPhone 16e. Image credit: SellCell



The iPhone 16e offers essentials such as an A18 processor, a reliable 48MP rear camera, and solid battery life. It lacks high-end features such as MagSafe compatibility, multiple camera sensors, and the Dynamic Island display found in Apple's premium models.

However, these aren't the features most important to the target audience. Apple's focus for the iPhone 16e is squarely on fulfilling fundamental needs -- performance, enough camera quality, and extended battery life -- rather than chasing the latest technological innovations.

Pie chart shows 63.3% support budget models in separate lineups, 36.7% believe choices don't hurt the brand. Total responses: 3,508.
Customer opinions on budget iPhones. Image credit: SellCell



Apple is consciously catering to a broader audience of budget-conscious consumers who value a seamless, reliable smartphone experience without the premium price. While SellCell's survey suggests that current premium users see the iPhone 16e as underwhelming, this reaction isn't entirely unexpected or problematic.

The real measure of success for the iPhone 16e will be its ability to attract and retain users new to the Apple ecosystem, rather than appealing to those already invested in higher-tier models. Ultimately, the iPhone 16e fulfills its intended role effectively.



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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 4
    DAalsethdaalseth Posts: 3,269member
    The 16e is a fine phone…for $459 to $499. $599 is just too high for a ‘budget phone’. Their target audience for this won’t give a tinkers damn about Apple Intelligence. They just want a phone they can do things on that’s inexpensive. This isn’t. You can get a 14 that will do them for four or so years for a lot less. You can get a 15 for about the same price and is a better iPhone. You can get Android phones for less with better specs. 
    grandact73
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  • Reply 2 of 4
    AbcdEftabcdeft Posts: 17member
    Apple is doing surveys for users bought iPhone 16 recently, asking why they choose 16 over 16e. I don't want an iPhone that looks like 2 years earlier. iPhone 16 was already a cut-down from its pro, which is unacceptable already, and they're doing it again on 16e. Remember when Apple made entry-level products from ground up? Learn from Pixel 9a.
    grandact73watto_cobra
     1Like 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 3 of 4
    freeassociate2freeassociate2 Posts: 231member
    Anecdotally, most of the folks I know who’ve bought a c/SE/e series iPhone are those that want to stay in the Apple ecosystem but are … frugal. Not frugal enough to buy a last generation model, or a refurb, though. They tend to be into the nuances of tech begrudgingly and only as needed. They’re not particularly passionate about brands — it’s more a utilitarian decision. Also, most seem privacy centric in most areas of thier lives.


    watto_cobra
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  • Reply 4 of 4
    nubusnubus Posts: 786member
    The target audience is budget, corporate, mother-in-law, kids, and non-techies. It has DCI-P3 for no good reason as elderly don't have the eyesight and the rest don't care. Display repairs are now $100 more. That makes no sense to the users. OLED is pretty but too much. It has no MagSafe forcing elderly to fumble with connectors or do the "guess a position" game to charge. It does however offer Animojis that are of no use to most of the intended users. Apple could have given it Touch ID like on iPad Air to keep the cost down. The battery is too big and it comes with satellite connectivity - but why when MagSafe is not present? Is hiking Yellowstone that important to grandma? It is available in white and black. Either drop white to make distribution efficient or give it vibrant colors like 5c and XR (RED). The specs are simply not right.
    watto_cobra
     0Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
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