Apple iPhone 17e Review: A Premium Budget Smartphone with Key Upgrades
Apple has launched its latest affordable smartphone, the iPhone 17e, set to go on sale from Wednesday, 11 March 2026. Priced at £599, this handset aims to deliver premium build quality, an intuitive interface, and smooth performance while cutting costs by omitting some high-end features. As a successor to the iPhone 16e, it retains a similar design but introduces a new soft pink colourway alongside black and white options. The most significant improvements are internal, including a new processor, upgraded modem, double storage, and the addition of MagSafe.
Design and Build: Subtle Changes with Enhanced Durability
The external design of the iPhone 17e is nearly identical to its predecessor, the iPhone 16e, with the same dimensions, weight, and frosted glass rear featuring a single camera in the top left corner. The anodised aluminium antenna band remains colour-matched to the back. Notably, the phone lacks the camera control button introduced on the iPhone 17, which may disappoint some users. However, a key upgrade is the inclusion of ceramic shield 2, offering better scratch resistance compared to the previous model's ceramic shield, making it more durable for everyday use.
Inside, the iPhone 17e now features MagSafe, a magnetic circle for wireless charging that ensures proper alignment on charging pads. This addition, absent in the iPhone 16e, enhances convenience for wireless charging enthusiasts. Apple has integrated MagSafe across all its current phones, setting it apart from competitors like Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra, which lacks an equivalent magnet system.
Display and Camera: Competent but Limited
The display on the iPhone 17e retains a 6.1-inch OLED screen with ceramic shield 2 protection but does not include a 120Hz refresh rate or dynamic island feature found on more expensive models like the iPhone 17. This results in a less smooth visual experience and the absence of an always-on display, which may be a drawback for users seeking top-tier screen technology. The camera system features a single 48MP rear sensor, matching the resolution of pricier iPhones, and includes advanced computational photography features. A 2x zoom function reduces resolution to 12MP for decent close-up shots, while video performance remains strong. The front-facing camera is a 12MP sensor, unchanged from previous models.
Performance and Battery Life: Lightning-Fast with Efficient Modem
The headline upgrade is the all-new A19 processor, which ensures lightning-fast performance and compatibility with latest features like Apple Intelligence. Although this version has one fewer graphics core than the iPhone 17, testing shows it handles regular tasks effortlessly. Additionally, the iPhone 17e includes Apple's latest in-house modem, the C1X, known for energy efficiency, which helps maintain battery life. This modem does not support mmWave 5G, but as this technology is not yet available in the UK, it poses no current issue.
Battery life is slightly shorter than the iPhone 17 due to the smaller size, but it remains reliable for daily use, typically lasting through the evening without significant depletion. The combination of the efficient modem and processor contributes to a balanced power management system.
Verdict: Is the iPhone 17e Worth the Investment?
The iPhone 17e represents a solid upgrade over the iPhone 16e, offering significant improvements such as the A19 processor, MagSafe, double storage, and ceramic shield 2 at no extra cost. It provides a premium experience at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent choice for users seeking quality without the high cost. However, for those who can afford an additional £200, the iPhone 17 offers superior features like a 120Hz display, dual cameras, dynamic island, and the camera control button, making it a more versatile option. If budget constraints apply, the iPhone 17e stands out as a compelling alternative, especially compared to discounted iPhone 16e models, due to its enhanced performance and modern amenities.
