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I ALWAYS buy the middle storage tier, because I value the peace of mind, but my 256GB iphone 13 is perpetually sitting at 120GB usage. My mom, who installs virtually zero apps and takes almost no pictures/videos is totally fine on 128GB.
That's what I mean - 'mom/dad/uncle/grandma' just wants a new-ish iPhone and hasn't a clue what the iPhone 16 or 17 actually does.

'Is it fairly new and fast, as my old iPhone is so slow now. Does it take great photos? OK I'll take the 16, as that's cheaper and I like the blue one'.

And there's nothing wrong with that!

If you are the kind of person who thinks carefully about what storage that you want - you will be the kind of person who also wants the latest and greatest, I practically guarantee you.
 
I really wish Apple would release a barebones 400$ phone. The dumbest most barebones iPhone you can get that’s still fairly capable and fast and dependable!

Browser, iMessage, FaceTime, calls, photos, camera and very limited store access…then there’s no need for an E series….this new entry series IS the “e” series. Get ppl into the garden safely then they can explore further on their own if they want. Then just have the basic last yr model for sale and then the current lineup.

The real head scratcher for me in this whole big lineup they have now…what do you choose btw $700 16e 256 GB or $700 16 128 GB??…

And finally, I’m looking forward to an in depth comparison video between 16 plus (and Pro Max) versus a 17 Air. Also, between 17 pro max and my current awesome 16 Pro Max would be fun.
 
Either MacRumors did not bother to check the updated Apple iPhone page on the day of the iPhone 17 announcement or this article was intentionally published at a later time.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus with 128GB not really worth it even when the price was lowered. Either get the iPhone 16 Plus 256GB or iPhone 17 256GB

Why even bother getting 16 plus when 17’s screen size is now 6.3 inch’s. Yes it’s 0.2 inch’s smaller than the 16 plus but far better
 
Apple's famous price ladder at work 😄

The 16e is a bad deal with the 16 so close and so much better…
But the 16 is a bad deal with the 17 being so close and so much better…
That depends upon where you buy your phones.
I just bought a 16e for $99 USD no contract, no plan required. It replaced my iPhone 12 but if I wanted to, I could use that 16e without ever activating cell service and use it as a portable media player and pocket camera.
 
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