Richteatime

Literally just joined the site to say "Me too"

I moved to the iPhone ecosystem from Android because of the iphone SE (1st Gen). It was the perfect entry-level phone (as were the 5s/5c, which were basically identical!)
+ small enough to fit in a pocket
+ battery was OK
+ camera was good enough for the 80% of occasions where I just needed a quick snap, and didn't want/need to get my DSLR out.

Battery died three years ago; got a iPhone SE 2
- bigger, falls out of my pocket
- more expensive
- battery hasn't lasted
- full of gimmicks like "Hey Siri", that I just turn off.

Now, the 16e is
- even bigger
- more expensive
- full of gimmicks like AI, that I'd just turn off.

So... I'm with the OP on this. I'm SO annoyed with Apple, and can't understand why the 16e exists at all (exc a iPhone 16 with bits taken out, is cheaper for Apple to produce than a separate, smaller unit)

I _was_ waiting on the announcement, and I'm now just intent on getting a battery replacement (3rd party, if Genius Bar can't offer me a decent rate) and crack on with the SE 2 until it finally dies, or I spot ANY phone in the $400-$600 range that is just simple, reliable, smooth and with basic smartphone features without falling out of my pocket or needing constant charging.