Apple’s latest offering bids to appeal to those spending less, while still offering advanced modern features.
The iPhone 17e is the successor to the iPhone 16e launched last year. In our short testing of the device, it’s clear that while it’s ideal for those using a much older phone, it is in fact an outstanding option for any smartphone user as it has only a couple of simple drawbacks.
It’s small, appealing to some. In a market where the biggest iPhone has a 6.9-inch screen, the 6.1-inch screen of the iPhone 17e feels very small in the hand.
Add to that, it’s lacking a camera or two. Just one camera lens means limited zoom options, including the popular 0.5x ultra-wide lens.
For 2026, the e series smartphone comes in a new soft pink, which will appeal to some buyers for sure, alongside the standard black and white.
What really matters is the addition of magnetic-attach charging, known as MagSafe in the world of Apple. This means easy charging with lots of great options in cars and at home.
The glass is more durable; Apple say it’s three times more scratch resistant than the 16e, and I didn’t see any noticeable scratches from a few days in the pocket with my keys.
The real headline for the iPhone 17e is the boost in storage, up from 128GB to 256GB on the entry-level phone.
That also means there’s a bunch of brand-new iPhone 16e models out there with 128GB of storage now selling for $799 at some third-party retailers. That iPhone 16e is the real value this year.
If you or someone you know is using a smartphone that is now five, six or more years old, for many reasons it’s smart to upgrade. There is no requirement to spend too much, and for those keen to stay in or be in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 17e is a sensational choice to get the latest technology at a great price.
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