Apple iPhone 17e
The iPhone 17e is Apple’s new $599 entry‑level iPhone, delivering major upgrades over the 16e—most notably the A19 chip, doubled 256GB storage, MagSafe support, and improved durability—making it a far better value in the mid‑range market.
Jumoka Cobbs 
Apple iPhone 17e Review Score
Mixed reviews - 11 reviewers had varied opinions
11
Reviews
85.0
Highest
70.0
Lowest
Screen
6.1"
Processor
Apple A19
RAM
8GB
Storage
256GB,512GB
Battery
Up to 26hrs
Resolution
2532x1170
Display
XDR OLED
Water Resistant
IP68
Review Sources:
| Publication | Score (100) | Review Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The iPhone 17e is a decent upgrade to the iPhone 16e, and a welcome addition to the iPhone range. The new colour, soft pink, is appealing. For those, as well as a second camera, a bigger and better display, dynamic island and the handy camera control" | |||
| PCMag | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"Apple has built an excellent midrange phone that captures the essence of the iPhone experience, without many of the compromises you’d expect, and with some welcome upgrades over last year's model." | |||
| Engadget | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The iPhone 17e is a solid entry-level handset for those who need a basic, no-frills path into the Apple ecosystem. With the current state of global economics, Apple's focus on lower cost devices like the iPhone 17e and newly launched MacBook Neo is t" | |||
| The Verge | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The 17E comes with MagSafe, as well as a base storage bump up to 256GB, and it still starts at $600, which is nothing to sneeze at given the memory crisis and all. But Apple did something else in the time between the 16E and the 17E: it released the " | |||
| Tech Advisor | Mar 11, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The Apple iPhone 17e is a strong entry-level iPhone, delivering great performance, a solid battery life, a capable rear camera, and the full iOS 26 experience in a compact, premium design. MagSafe is a welcome addition over the iPhone 16e, and while " | |||
| Wired | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The iPhone 17e is a solid camera phone that delivers excellent results in most situations, with great color accuracy and detail. It's a bit pricey, but you're paying for a premium experience." | |||
| AV Forums | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"While it lacks the bells and whistles of the iPhone 17, this is a highly effective phone with plenty going for it. And a great way to get an iPhone for a lower price.
The OLED display here is excellent, but it's a 60Hz screen. Look at it alongside t" | |||
| Telegraph | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The Apple iPhone 17e is a sensational smartphone for its price. It has a compact, lightweight build, speedy performance, decent battery life, a simple camera system that produces brilliant shots and intuitive software. You make some compromises compa" | |||
| Wired | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The iPhone 17e is still a little overpriced compared to the competition, but I think it's a perfectly fine choice for anyone who wants to buy a basic iPhone without going through the used market." | |||
| Tom's Guide | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The iPhone 17e is what the iPhone 16e should've been from the start. It's finally a compelling entry-level package that embraces MagSafe, gets upgraded with a more powerful A19 chip, and 256GB off storage, which all ensures it remains a performance l" | |||
| Gizmodo | Mar 9, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The iPhone 17e is what you get if you're on a tighter budget and you simply don't need all the bells and whistles in the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. Compared to the iPhone 16e, the iPhone 17e is just such a better value. It'll be great for teenagers" | |||
| * Price represents starting price. Price can increase based on product options and selection. | |||
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🤓 Nerd Verdict
Updated: March 12, 2026
The iPhone 17e is a solid choice for those on a budget who need a modern iPhone experience without breaking the bank. While it doesn't offer revolutionary features, the upgrades like double storage and MagSafe support make it a more compelling value compared to its predecessor.
✅ Strengths
- The iPhone 117e offers double the starting storage at 256GB, making it more versatile for users with larger media needs. Multiple reviews highlight that this upgrade significantly improves the phone's value proposition. For instance, Tom's Guide notes that the increased storage "ensures it remains a performance leader at the $599 / AU$999 price point." Additionally, the inclusion of MagSafe support is a notable improvement, providing users with wireless charging and the ability to attach magnetic accessories, a feature previously only available on more expensive iPhone models.
- The A19 chip, while not as powerful as the A16 in the iPhone 17, still delivers strong performance, according to reviews. Tom's Guide praises the chip’s "strong A19 chip performance," and Gizmodo notes that it "is almost as powerful as the one in the $800 iPhone 17."
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Despite the improvements, the 60Hz refresh rate display remains a drawback, as it lags behind the 120Hz ProMotion feature found in higher-end models. This can be noticeable when scrolling through apps or using animations, as noted by Gizmodo. Additionally, while the iPhone 17e has a Ceramic Shield 2 front glass, it still only features a single rear camera, which limits its photography capabilities compared to the dual-camera setup in the iPhone 17 and Pro models.
- The lack of advanced photography features such as the next-gen Photography Styles and Dual Capture in the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models is a significant gap, as highlighted by Tom's Guide, which states, "No next-gen Photography Styles No Dual Capture." This limits the phone's ability to produce high-quality photos, especially in low-light conditions.
💡 Bottom Line
The iPhone 17e is a worthwhile purchase for budget-conscious users who don’t require the latest and greatest features but still want a modern iPhone experience. Its double storage, MagSafe support, and strong chip performance make it a valuable option. However, if you prioritize advanced photography features or a 120Hz display, the iPhone 17 or 17 Pro might be a better choice, despite the higher price tag. At $599, the 17e offers good value but may not be the best option for everyone.
