The iPhone 17e, Apple's most affordable new handset, has received significant upgrades including a faster chip, doubled storage, automatic portrait mode, and MagSafe support. Priced at £599, it undercuts the iPhone 17 by £200 and the iPhone 16 by £100, offering a compelling entry point into the Apple ecosystem.
The device retains the design of its predecessor with a 6.1-inch OLED screen and a large notch, but now features tougher Ceramic Shield 2 glass with an effective anti-glare coating. Powered by the A19 chip (one GPU core less than the iPhone 17), it delivers fast performance capable of handling demanding games. Standard storage is 256GB, and battery life extends to 52 hours between charges.
However, the 17e lacks several advanced features such as Wi-Fi 7, Thread, Ultra Wideband, and a telephoto or ultrawide camera. The single 48MP rear camera captures good photos with automatic portrait mode and 2x crop zoom, but lacks macrophotography. The 12MP selfie camera is unchanged from older models.
Repairability scores 7/10 from iFixit, with battery replacement costing £95 and screen repairs £225. The phone contains over 30% recycled materials and offers trade-in and recycling schemes. It is available now starting at £599 with 256GB storage.
For those seeking the cheapest new iPhone, the 17e delivers core features like Face ID, MagSafe, and long software support. However, photography enthusiasts may be disappointed by the single camera, and alternatives like the iPhone 16 from third-party retailers or the Google Pixel 10a (£499) may offer better value.
