After days of anticipation, the iPhone 16e has finally hit the market. While it doesn't bring any groundbreaking features, its pricing has certainly raised eyebrows. Initially expected to start at a maximum of 3999 yuan, Apple has set the price at 4499 yuan, a significant deviation from predictions. However, it's a relief that the base storage is 128GB, rather than the rumored 64GB. Nevertheless, the price increase of 600 yuan compared to the SE3 is notable. Apple's pricing strategy for the iPhone 16e is somewhat cunning, as the starting price of 4499 yuan, with national subsidies, only drops to the widely anticipated 3999 yuan.

Positioning-wise, the iPhone 16e is somewhat ambiguous. The name suggests it belongs to the latest 16 series generation, yet Apple swiftly removed the SE3 from shelves, giving the impression that the 16e is a direct replacement. Upon closer inspection, this doesn't quite add up. The design shares many similarities with the iPhone 14, while some functional configurations rival those of the iPhone 16. This lack of clear positioning is compounded by several functional flaws.

In terms of hardware, the iPhone 16e boasts the A18 chip, seemingly on par with the iPhone 16. However, Apple has not officially disclosed that this variant lacks one GPU core, resulting in slightly lower performance compared to a standard A18. This omission might seem puzzling, but Apple's cunning lies in the fact that the difference is barely noticeable in daily use, and users are likely to forget about it over time.

Apple's precise "cost-cutting" extends beyond the CPU chip. The iPhone 16e lacks support for MagSafe magnetic charging and UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology. UWB, a wireless communication protocol popularized by Apple, is highly useful for high-precision positioning. The Thread radio function is also absent. These omissions are puzzling, given Apple's usual emphasis on innovation and user experience.

Adding to the confusion, Apple compares the A18 chip in the iPhone 16e to the A13, highlighting the CPU upgrade. Similarly, the iPhone 16e is benchmarked against the iPhone 11 in terms of battery life, network performance, and other aspects. While some may find these comparisons absurd, they are strategically targeted at users still using the iPhone 11 or older models. With tens of millions of such users globally, Apple positions the iPhone 16e as an affordable upgrade option, despite its higher price tag compared to the iPhone 11.

Moreover, despite boasting a 48-megapixel main camera similar to the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16e lacks the sensor-shift stabilization function. Other specifications, such as the 60Hz refresh rate OLED screen and USB 2.0 port, are unremarkable. Fast charging support, while present, is overshadowed by the numerous deficiencies.

The pricing strategy is particularly intriguing. The 256GB version of the iPhone 16e is priced at 7499 yuan and does not qualify for national subsidies. In contrast, the 256GB version of the iPhone 16 is priced at 5999 yuan, with a subsidized price of 5499 yuan. The choice for consumers is clear.