iPhone 17e Review: Apple's Affordable Smartphone Gets Significant Enhancements
Apple has upgraded its most affordable new iPhone for this year, delivering more of the core Apple smartphone experience at a reduced price. The iPhone 17e represents an enhanced version of the mid-range "e" series that debuted with the iPhone 16e last year, now joining the iPhone 17 family as the latest entry-level option.
Pricing and Design
The iPhone 17e starts at £599 (€699/$599/A$999), positioning it £200 cheaper than the standard iPhone 17 and £100 less than the iPhone 16. This makes it the most economical new iPhone available directly from Apple. The device retains the familiar iPhone 14-inspired design, featuring a large notch at the top of the display and a 6.1-inch OLED screen with slightly slower refresh rates.
The aluminum sides provide a premium feel, while the screen glass has been upgraded to Ceramic Shield 2. This enhancement offers improved durability and includes an effective anti-glare treatment that significantly improves outdoor visibility.
Key Specifications and Performance
- Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) at 460ppi
- Processor: Apple A19 with 4-core GPU
- Memory: 8GB RAM with 256GB or 512GB storage options
- Operating System: iOS 26
- Camera System: 48MP rear camera, 12MP front-facing camera
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, Satellite and GNSS
- Durability: IP68 water resistance (6 meters for 30 minutes)
- Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8mm, weighing 170g
The iPhone 17e incorporates the A19 chip from the regular iPhone 17, though with one fewer GPU core that slightly reduces graphics performance. Most users won't notice this difference, as the phone remains exceptionally fast and capable of handling demanding games. Standard storage has been doubled to 256GB, providing ample space for most users with additional cloud backup options available.
Battery Life and Missing Features
Battery performance stands out as a strong point, with the device lasting approximately 52 hours between charges during typical usage across 5G and Wi-Fi networks. This endurance means most users will only need to charge every other night.
The phone does lack some advanced hardware features found in Apple's premium models. These omissions include Wi-Fi 7, Thread networking technology, and Ultra Wideband (UWB) connectivity. UWB enables precision finding tools and supports certain digital car key functionalities among other features.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 17e features a single 48MP rear camera, meaning it lacks ultrawide and telephoto options available on more expensive models. This limitation means photographers cannot zoom in or out digitally beyond what the main sensor provides. However, the camera captures high-quality photos across various lighting conditions and offers a 2x crop zoom for slight magnification.
New for this model is automatic portrait capture in the main photo mode, allowing users to adjust focus and depth after taking pictures. The device lacks a macrophotography mode, and the front-facing camera remains the 12MP sensor from older iPhones rather than Apple's latest 18MP automatic panning Centre Stage camera.
Sustainability and Repairability
Apple has made significant strides in sustainability with the iPhone 17e. The battery is designed to withstand over 1,000 full-charge cycles while maintaining at least 80% of its original capacity, with replacement costs set at £95. Screen repairs outside warranty cost £225.
The device contains more than 30% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, steel, tin, and tungsten. Repair guides are available, and iFixit awarded the phone seven out of ten for repairability. Apple provides detailed environmental impact reports and offers trade-in and free recycling programs, including for non-Apple products.
Comparison and Value Proposition
When compared to competitors, the iPhone 17e sits at £599 while the standard iPhone 17 costs £799 and the iPhone Air commands £999. Competing Android options include the Google Pixel 10a and Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, both priced at £499.
The iPhone 17e represents a meaningful improvement over last year's iPhone 16e, incorporating more core iPhone features into the budget-friendly lineup. Users gain access to a fast processor, Face ID security, MagSafe compatibility, extended battery life, and full iOS software support.
The display, while decent, operates at slower refresh rates than other iPhone 17 models. The older design lacks the camera control button and always-on display functionality but maintains comfortable ergonomics. The single rear camera remains the most significant compromise, capturing excellent photos but limiting photographic versatility.
Final Verdict
Apple continues to enhance its affordable "e" series with the iPhone 17e, delivering essential iPhone features at a lower price point. This device makes the most sense for buyers committed to purchasing the cheapest new iPhone available directly from Apple.
For other consumers, the iPhone 16 remains available from third-party retailers at similar or lower prices, particularly in refurbished condition. The iPhone 17e delivers core Apple smartphone functionality with some compromises, most notably in camera versatility and certain advanced features.
Advantages: Fast performance, quality display, excellent form factor, Action Button functionality, USB-C connectivity, outstanding battery life, MagSafe compatibility, extended software support, Face ID security, and generous 256GB base storage.
Limitations: Single rear camera without macro mode, absence of camera control button, outdated screen design with large notch, lack of Wi-Fi 7 and Thread/UWB connectivity, and premium pricing relative to some competitors.
