respone

To address the finer points, ignoring the ample logomachy:
1. 'It doesn't need the latest chip.' That's what the SE model gets each time: the latest chip in a retired chassis.
2. 'It doesn't need AI.' AI is automatic with the latest chip and its included 8GB RAM, so this point's redundant.
3. 'It could've just used a single camera.' It does. "2-in-1" is a marketing phrase. It's one. https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/whats-so-fusion-about-the-iphone-16s-48mp-camera
4. 'It doesn't have the latest display.' It has the display of the model that's been retired, as usual.
5. 'It's too close to the iPhone 15.' Perhaps, only until the 15 is pushed out of the lineup, presumably within a year from now.
6. 'They'll refresh it every year now.' Based on what evidence? The name? Did the 5c get refreshed every year? Did the XR?
7. '$599 is too much.' The original iPhone, starting at $499, would be over $750 in today's money. Does the 16e offer more value than the original? If the price increase is too much, can't you buy a used iPhone?
8. 'No MagSafe.' I cannot imagine how MagSafe would ever be useful, but wouldn't it certainly *increase* the price? Is it possible that some people don't desire MagSafe or even UWB and don't want to pay more for them, and this is now the only perfect phone in the lineup for them?
9. 'This is supposed to be the common man's phone. Think of the children and the elderly!' This is deflection from the facts that weaken your argument.
10. 'It doesn't come in red.' The horror.
11. 'If only we had a new Mini.' Like the Mini 13 that started at $699 which would be over $800 in today's money? Is $599 too much or not? Also, the $429 SE 3 in 2022 would now be $480 with inflation. The price complaints don't add up.
12. 'It's a big phone.' For you, maybe, but the average customer disagrees. Once again, it's the size of the retired model it's repurposing.

To conclude: you do not get double the memory, double the storage, a much-needed major camera upgrade, the latest chip, bigger brighter screen, much better battery - all for the same $429 price from 2022 (before inflation). Between the boosted value of more modern features, and the decreased buying power of the dollar, we're lucky it starts at only $599. The dollar is not worth what it was in 2016 or whatever iPhone release year you want to compare prices from. This phone is much nicer than whatever model from years ago. The price should be higher by comparison. And yet it's still cheaper than the original 4GB 2007 model in 2025 dollars.