Apple has been trying to offer us an affordable iPhone for years. First, they introduced vibrant colors with the iPhone 5c, then launched the iPhone SE series, and last year released the iPhone 16e. However, these iPhones always came with some compromises, such as limited storage and missing features. With the new iPhone 17e, Apple may have finally solved this problem. The iPhone 17e is the first truly budget-friendly iPhone that can be recommended to the masses. Here’s what you need to know.

Be sure to check out our hands-on video about the iPhone 17e. It’s a great device for its price.

What’s Improved?

The best way to discuss the features of a budget-friendly device is to compare it with its predecessor. The most important thing to note here is that the starting price remains the same. The iPhone 17e starts at just $599. For this price, you get a few significant quality-of-life improvements that were not available in the 16e.

  • New A19 chip, which is also present in the new iPhone 17
    • This provides the 17e with a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine.
  • MagSafe support
    • This offers 15W wireless charging support instead of 7.5W.
  • 256GB base storage instead of last year's 128GB
  • Ceramic Shield 2 provides 3 times better scratch resistance.

Here, Apple has added important features and made adjustments. Just looking at storage, you’re getting a much better deal compared to last year. A 256GB iPhone 16e was $700! When you add the new chip, better wireless charging, and MagSafe support, it starts to look like a really attractive device. So how do these improvements translate into real-world usage?

Real-World Usage

We all know that specifications only tell part of the story. The real question is whether these improvements actually translate into a better daily experience. The short answer: absolutely. The new A19 chip makes everything feel smooth and responsive. For context, I’m coming from a 120Hz ProMotion display, so it’s not quite as smooth. However, it will feel great for most people. Whether scrolling in Safari, using social media, switching between apps, or playing intensive games, this chip can handle it all. For those coming from an iPhone 14 or older, this will feel like a significant leap.

One of the biggest compromises Apple had to make with this device was the display. It still uses the same 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display (yes, that’s a bit long). So it remains at 60Hz. But it’s still bright, sharp, and perfectly equipped for everything from watching videos to browsing the web. I don’t think customers buying this phone will care about that. They’re not coming from ProMotion screens; they’re the customers who held onto their iPhone Xrs until they stopped working. So yes, the screens on the Pro models are smoother, but iPhone 17e users won’t notice that and it won’t affect the iOS experience.

Another major hardware improvement is MagSafe! They not only added magnets, but they also support Qi2 wireless charging. So you can charge your iPhone 17e at 15W instead of 7.5W. I’m using the SolidSafe Air ultra-thin MagSafe battery, and it fits perfectly. It extends battery life by 100%! MagSafe also allows you to use all your MagSafe accessories, so you don’t have to buy a case.

Cameras

This is another example of Apple making a compromise while still retaining premium features from flagship iPhones. The iPhone 17e still has only one camera sensor. However, this sensor is the 48MP main camera found in the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro. Here’s what you get:

  • 48MP high-resolution photos
  • 2× optical quality zoom
  • Smart HDR processing
  • Portrait mode with depth control
  • 4K Dolby Vision video recording

The compromise here is not in the sensor or camera quality but in versatility and quantity. You lose the ultra-wide lens that the iPhone 17 has and the telephoto lens that the Pro models have. So there’s no macro mode or action mode. However, the sensor still takes great photos and videos. In good lighting conditions, the image quality produced by this iPhone is excellent. It performs well even in lower light conditions. What’s missing is the option to fit more people into a photo or to have a wider angle if you want that. In fact, I think the ultra-wide lens is a significant factor for the average customer. I’ve heard people prefer to hold onto their iPhone 12s because they have an ultra-wide camera instead of switching to the 17e. What would you do?

One last thing about the cameras is that the iPhone 17e does not have the new square 24MP sensor for the selfie camera. It retains the 12MP true depth camera. Not a big deal, but it’s another feature that’s missing from this iPhone.

Comparison with Other iPhone Models

This is where things get interesting. The iPhone 17e comes with fewer compromises than the 16e. At $599, this is $200 less than the iPhone 17. What do you get for $200? You get a 120Hz ProMotion display, an extra ultra-wide camera sensor, the new 24MP selfie camera, dynamic island, and camera controls. For the target customer of the iPhone 17e, I think these people won’t care enough to upgrade to the iPhone 17. Again, this is for someone who has been using an iPhone for 5+ years and just wants to get the cheapest modern iPhone.

So, there’s a clear budget iPhone that most people will go to an operator store and buy. It looks modern, has performance that matches the 2026 iPhone series, and is designed to last another 5-7 years for someone.

Pricing and Availability

The iPhone 17e is available for sale at $599 as of today. There are three color options: Black, White, and Soft Pink. It also comes with two storage options: 256GB and 512GB.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone 17e feels like the entry-level iPhone Apple should have made years ago. Instead of feeling like a compromised version of a flagship device, it offers a good experience with the features that most people actually want. With the A19 chip, 256GB base storage, MagSafe support, a decent 48MP camera, and solid battery life, all at the same starting price of $599.

So, if you’re upgrading from an old iPhone or looking for the best value in the iPhone lineup, I recommend the iPhone 17e. It doesn’t compromise the iPhone experience too much while retaining enough flagship features. Apple gets all the essentials right.

What do you think? Are you the target customer for the iPhone? Let’s discuss in the comments below.

Best iPhone 17e & Other Accessories

  • Ultra-thin MagSafe Battery
  • iPhone 17e budget case
  • AirPods 4 for just $99
  • Best budget 25W 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger
  • iPhone 17e screen protector