Where to pre-order the new Apple iPhone 16e for a much cheaper price

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Apple's latest iPhone 16e is set to launch for pre-orders today, offering a perfect solution for Brits who don't want to splash out a huge amount of cash. The California tech giant announced the new phone on Tuesday (February 18), following rumours that a budget iPhone 16 was in the pipeline.

CEO Tim Cook revealed that the 16e would feature Apple's newest A18 chip, promising fast, smooth performance and impressive battery life. The phone also boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology and an edge-to-edge design, ideal for watching HDR videos, gaming, and reading sharp text.

Other features include FaceID, IP68 resistance, and a 48MP Fusion camera for stunning photos and videos. Priced at £599, it could be a fantastic budget alternative if you don't require all the power of the original iPhone 16.

The phone is due to release on February 28th, but pre-orders are set to open from 1pm today (Friday, February 21)- and we've got the best place to pre-order the device if you're looking for a contract price that won't break the bank. Mobiles.co.uk is our top pick for contracts as it allows you to compare some of the leading carriers that won't rip you off.

Mobiles.co.uk compares Vodafone and iD Mobile, which offer excellent 24-month contracts that don't tie you in forever and allow you to pay a reasonable monthly price. We've found in the past that some contract deals are even cheaper than buying the phone outright.

TrustPilot reviews for Mobiles.co.uk are generally positive, with a rating of 4.3 stars out of five. One customer shared: "Used Mobiles.co.uk a number of times over a number of years. Recommended many times and family and friends have also use on the back of recommendations. Always seem to have the best offers and love the auto-cashback option.

Another shopper said: "Another shopper commented: "I recently upgraded to a sim-only contract. I was given great advice to ensure that I purchased the correct plan based on my new handset. The price was very competitive too! " However, some customers did report issues with transferring their phone numbers to a new provider.

One customer noted: "The PAC transfer was a bit of a hassle and took too long! It took a week to sort out. There is no contact number unless you area vulnerable customer."

We highly recommend scrolling down to find a range of the best deals as you might spot something that offers freebies, the right price, or the right amount of data. If you're not interested in getting the iPhone 16e, Mobiles.co.uk also has some great deals on other phones.

Other retailers like Amazon and Currys offer the option to buy the phone outright if that's something you've been considering - but it's worth checking out Mobiles.co.uk first just in case you can get a data contract and phone for a cheaper overall cost.

However, if you're keen to shop around - which we highly recommend - there are other places to consider for a good deal on the iPhone 16e. Sky offers a range of competitive prices if you're willing to commit to a 36-month contract, but they do allow you to switch devices every 24 months if you're happy with a longer-term commitment.

We also suggest checking out Carphone Warehouse for a solid iPhone 16e deal. They offer a broader selection of carriers and even provide the option to upgrade through their website if your current phone is showing its age.