The iPhone 16e is now official in the Philippines. While you can get it for less than its Php 39,990 SRP at official Apple stores, critics say that the most affordable iPhone is not worth it: you lose MagSafe, you only have a 60Hz display, and you settle for a single rear camera. Some may argue that its better to get a regular iPhone 16, others think that you can go for an Android flagship killer instead. We check out the alternatives in the market if you find the iPhone 16e too expensive, or you prefer to use an Android phone.

Galaxy S24 FE

The most obvious iPhone 16e alternative in the Android space is the Galaxy S24 FE, which has the same starting price for the 128GB storage. However, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 for the masses gets you a 120Hz display, a sleeker punch-hole for the selfie camera, and a bigger battery. The Galaxy S24 FE’s main draw over the iPhone 16e is its cameras, where you also get a 12-megapixel ultrawide and an 8-megapixel telephoto camera.

OnePlus 13R

For Php 1,000 less, the OnePlus 13R is a better deal since you get more RAM and storage at 12GB and 256GB, respectively, along with a higher-resolution 50-megapixel 2x telephoto camera. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip should be roughly on par with the iPhone 16e’s A18 processor, and OnePlus managed to squeeze in a 6000mAh battery inside that slim body.

ROG Phone 9 FE

For a few thousand Pesos more, you could get yourself a gaming phone with the ROG Phone 9 FE. Aside from its gamer looks, you get Air Tiggers to make your gaming experience better, along with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip that’s still a beast in gaming. Not to mention, you get a blazing fast 165hz display and a 5500mAh battery to last you through long gaming sessions.

Xiaomi 15

With the 256GB variant of the iPhone 16e priced at Php 46,990, you can save Php 1k and get a 2025 Android flagship with the Xiaomi 15. You get a significantly better set of specs overall, with the Xiaomi 15 shining through its Leica-branded cameras that’s a well-rounded bunch with three 50-megapixel sensors for the main, ultrawide, and telephoto cameras.

POCO F7 Ultra

If you’re looking for insane value–at least for internals–the newly-launched POCO F7 Ultra definitely gives the iPhone 16e a run for its money at the same under Php 40k price point. Aside from having the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, you get 16GB RAM and 512GB storage as well, along with fast 120w charging that should top up the 5300mAh battery as quickly as possible.