Very is offering shoppers up to £560 in trade-in credit when they exchange an old device, potentially cutting the price of the iPhone 17e (£599) to as little as £39. The amount offered depends on the make, model and condition of the traded-in phone, so the maximum is not guaranteed.
How the trade-in works
The retailer says the trade-in value varies by device, meaning students with an eligible handset sitting unused in a drawer could put its value towards a newer model. The full terms and conditions are available on Very's website.
For those unfamiliar with the iPhone 17e, it is one of Apple's more affordable options but still includes a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display and 256GB of storage as standard. It runs on Apple's A19 chip with Apple Intelligence, and its battery is designed to last all day.
Key features and durability
The handset also has a 48MP camera with next-generation Portrait mode, including Focus and Depth Control. Durability is a potential bonus for students, as the front uses Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple says offers three times better scratch resistance than the previous generation.
The deal arrives ahead of Apple's next iPhone event, confirmed for 9 September under the tagline 'Surprise and Shine'. The iPhone 18 series is anticipated to be among the headline announcements, though Apple has yet to confirm the exact models.
Alternatives and user feedback
Beyond Very, Currys has discounts on smartphones from Apple, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy. Back Market also offers money off restored phones, including a Galaxy S22 5G currently £170 for a remodeled version with 'good' battery life and 256GB of storage.
One shopper who swapped an iPhone 12 for an iPhone 17e said: "The difference has been noticeable from day one. Everything feels quicker, from unlocking the phone and switching between apps to browsing the web and using everyday features. The performance is smooth and effortless, making my iPhone 12 feel a little dated in comparison."
They added: "The battery life has probably been the biggest improvement for me. With my iPhone 12, I often found myself checking the battery percentage throughout the day, especially during busy periods. With the iPhone 17E, I've comfortably been getting through the day with plenty of charge left, which has been a huge benefit."
Another reviewer said: "I bought this phone to replace my iPhone 12. The battery is fantastic and does everything I need it to do. Great phone without the big price tag." A third commented: "Great iPhone does exactly what any other iPhone does without paying over the odds. Battery life lasts me all day, and I rely on my phone for work as well."
Users should note the iPhone 17e has only one rear camera, unlike the iPhone 17, which includes a secondary ultra-wide lens. For everyday photography and quick snaps, a single high-quality sensor is sufficient for most users.
