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 - 14 reviewers had varied opinions
14
Reviews
85.0
Highest
70.0
Lowest
🏆 How it ranks
⚙️ Product Specifications
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 21, 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." | |||
| 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" | |||
| Trusted Reviews | Mar 18, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The iPhone 17e looks great in the new pink shade. This is certainly one of the best-looking phones at this price, with that distinctive Apple finish. The sides are aluminium, the back glass, and there's the same Ceramic Shield 2 coating as the iPhone" | |||
| GSMArena | Mar 18, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"Apple is now looking to build on that momentum with a refreshed and more capable iPhone 17e. The new iPhone 17e is equipped with the latest Apple A19 chipset, the one running inside the current iPhone 17 generation. The graphics performance is slight" | |||
| Expert Reviews | Mar 27, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The iPhone 17e is Apple's cheapest phone, and therefore a shoo-in for top sales, but Android rivals offer a lot more for your money" | |||
| * Price represents starting price. Price can increase based on product options and selection. | |||
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🤓 Nerd Verdict
Updated: March 28, 2026
The iPhone 17e is a solid choice for those who prioritize iOS and are looking for a budget-friendly option, but it may not stand out as the best value in the mid-range smartphone market. It offers strong performance and a good main camera, but lacks the versatility of the iPhone 17 or the competitive features of many Android alternatives.
✅ Strengths
- The iPhone 17e delivers strong performance with the Apple A19 chipset, as noted by Trusted Reviews and GSMArena.
- It features a good main camera with 48MP resolution, producing great photos, according to reviews from GSMArena and Trusted Reviews.
- The new 15W MagSafe wireless charging and Ceramic Shield 2 coating provide practical benefits, as mentioned by Trusted Reviews and Expert Reviews.
⚠️ Weaknesses
- The single-camera setup without a telephoto or ultrawide lens is a significant drawback, noted by Trusted Reviews and Expert Reviews.
- The 60Hz display and mediocre battery life are limitations that can impact user experience, as reported by multiple publications.
- While the price is competitive at £599, the iPhone 17e lacks the advanced features and longer battery life of higher-end models, making it less attractive compared to other options.
💡 Bottom Line
If you are an iOS user and want a budget-friendly phone with good performance and a decent camera, the iPhone 17e is worth considering. However, if you are looking for more advanced features or prefer Android, you might want to explore other options like the Google Pixel 10a or OnePlus 15R, which offer more competitive features and value for the price.