By launching the iPhone 17e just one year after the iPhone 16e, Apple is addressing long-standing gaps in its product line. Previously, the company introduced a new low-cost model every few years—such as the iPhone 5c (2013), iPhone XR (2018), and the iPhone SE (2016, 2020, 2022)—with intervals of two to four years between releases. However, Apple has now shifted to an annual update cycle, with the rebranding of the device to align more closely with the broader iPhone lineup. This move signals a clear strategic shift: Apple is now placing greater emphasis on the midrange segment.
Given the current state of global economics, Apple’s push toward more affordable devices like the iPhone 17e and newly launched MacBook Neo is well-timed. Many users may not fully utilize the high-performance capabilities of their current devices and could be reconsidering whether they need to invest in higher-end models. At $599, the iPhone 17e is about half the price of the iPhone 17 Pro or the iPhone Air. It's also $200 cheaper than the base model iPhone 17.
Since I reviewed the iPhone 16e last year, I've been using it primarily for work tasks such as Slack, email, and light document editing. Most potential buyers of the iPhone 17e are likely in similar situations—either looking for a secondary device or a reliable phone for a child or another dependent. For this review, I’ve tested a variety of use cases, from social media and gaming for teenagers to administrative tasks for professionals. My goal is to answer a key question: If you're buying your first iPhone or purchasing one for someone else, should you go for the iPhone 17e or the iPhone 17?
iPhone 17e vs iPhone 16e, for testing’s sake
Apple’s website makes it clear that it doesn’t want users comparing the iPhone 17e with the iPhone 16e. The comparison tool on the iPhone 17e product page only allows comparisons with the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and the iPhone SE (second and third generations). While it's understandable that Apple doesn't expect customers to buy the 17e right after the 16e, for this review, it makes sense to highlight the differences from the previous generation. The most notable upgrades include the A19 chip, double the storage capacity, enhanced Portrait mode, and MagSafe with faster wireless charging. Additionally, there's a new pink color option that adds a subtle splash of color to the previously monochrome design.
The A19 chip is designed to accelerate AI operations through its GPU's neural accelerators. In my testing so far, the performance gains have been minimal. Initially, the iPhone 17e seemed slower than the 16e, but after a software update, it caught up. In Apple Intelligence-powered tools like Cleanup, the iPhone 17e was slightly faster at identifying and removing unwanted objects from photos compared to the 16e. If you experience slow image generation or cleanup on your new iPhone 17e, give it a day or two for the software to stabilize.
Interestingly, in some side-by-side Image Playground tests, the iPhone 17e and 16e were closely matched. At times, the 16e was faster, while at others, the 17e had the edge. I'll continue to monitor how both phones perform, as early software issues could still be a factor. For now, the improvements from the A19's GPU seem to be inconsistent.
Improved portraits on the iPhone 17e
Among the many enhancements to the iPhone 17e, the most significant is in portrait photography. In my review of the iPhone 16e, I noted that the primary issue with its single-camera setup was the use of an outdated version of Portrait mode. This older version lacked flexibility and couldn't apply background blur to non-human subjects. This time around, Apple integrated the algorithms developed for the iPhone Air into the iPhone 17e’s rear and front cameras. This improvement delivers better segmentation and a more natural bokeh effect, along with depth information capture when applicable. For instance, when a person, cat, or dog is detected, the iPhone 17e automatically captures depth information so you can apply blur after taking the photo, even if you didn’t use Portrait mode initially.
Importantly, these “next-gen portraits” allow for post-shoot adjustments to the level of blur and focal point. In some photos of my neighbor’s grumpy shih-poo, I was surprised that my colleagues preferred the samples from the iPhone 16e over the iPhone 17e. Their feedback was fair: the newer phone blurred out Oreo’s tail, focusing only on his face. I was able to adjust this by using the editing tools and adjusting the aperture slider to bring more of the dog into focus. I also experimented by tapping on Oreo’s tail to make it clear, and the iPhone 17e blurred his face instead.
When using Portrait mode to photograph people, the iPhone 17e indeed delivered a more pleasing bokeh effect than its predecessor. In pictures of my friend Brenda Stolyar, with the “depth” or aperture set to f/4.5 across both devices, there was more softness in the brick wall behind her on the new phone. I was initially confused since it seemed like the older iPhone produced a sharper image until I realized it was actually softer bokeh.
For users coming from older models like the iPhone 11, 12, or SE, the next-gen portraits represent a significant upgrade. Even compared to the iPhone 16e, the ability to apply the effect on photos of food and other inanimate objects without faces made me feel the camera had become more versatile. This update gives photos a more modern look. However, if you don't care about bokeh and only need a phone for basic tasks like snapping menus or receipts, the improvements won't matter much.
MagSafe and wireless charging
Another key feature is the improved wireless charging speeds. While the iPhone 16e supported up to 7.5W, the iPhone 17e goes up to 15W (with adapters of 20W or higher) and supports MagSafe accessories. I can't imagine anyone considering a new iPhone 17e already owns magnetic cases or stands, but if you do decide to invest in them, you'll find them convenient and satisfying.
I placed both models on my wireless charging stand—the 17e snapped on and started charging, while the 16e clattered off the stand. I placed it on the charging pad at the base instead and noted how much power each gained in 15 minutes. The improvement is clear: the iPhone 17e went from 30% to 46% (a 16% increase), while the 16e only gained 3% (from 69% to 72%).
Beyond the numbers, what this means is that when you're in a hurry and trying to quickly top up your phone on a wireless charger found at a cafe, you won't need to sit around as long with the iPhone 17e. For those who leave their phone on a stand overnight, this change is less impactful.
There are a few other updates I haven't fully tested yet, such as the improved durability with Ceramic Shield 2 on the iPhone 17e’s screen. The new display also features a glare-reducing treatment, which I haven't had the chance to evaluate due to the recent gloomy weather here in New York. Also, while I appreciate the doubled storage, which will please media enthusiasts, I've already received warnings about my iCloud storage running out. It still feels like an area Apple might need to address, but for newcomers to the iOS ecosystem, the increased base storage is definitely a plus.
Elsewhere, there are virtually no differences between the iPhone 17e and iPhone 16e. They have the same size displays with identical resolution, brightness, refresh rate, contrast ratio, and color gamuts. Both are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, and have similar battery life (up to 26 hours of video playback, according to Apple). They also share the same dimensions of 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches, although the iPhone 17e weighs 2 grams (0.8 ounces) more than the 16e, which is likely due to the addition of MagSafe. Unless you have precise weighing scales, this difference is negligible.
Should you get the iPhone 17e or the iPhone 17?
Where meaningful distinctions arise is when comparing the iPhone 17e to the iPhone 17. For $200 more, you’ll gain longer battery life and slightly better performance due to an additional GPU core. The iPhone 17 also has a larger, brighter, and sharper 6.3-inch display with a full-screen design incorporating the Dynamic Island. It supports Always On Display and features an 18MP front camera with Center Stage, which allows seamless switching between landscape and vertical orientations during selfies without rotating the phone.
In fact, the camera upgrades alone on the iPhone 17 might justify the extra cost. Alongside the additional ultrawide camera, you’ll also get a dedicated camera control button on the right edge, the latest Photographic Styles, support for macro photography, Cinematic mode, Dual Capture in videos, and spatial and macro recording capabilities. It also includes sensor-shift optical image stabilization, which is more advanced than the OIS on the iPhone 17e. Additional differences include faster recharge speeds with compatible chargers and Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for more precise Find My support. The iPhone 17 also supports dual-frequency GPS and the latest connectivity standards, including Thread, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6, whereas the iPhone 17e only gets Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
While the iPhone 17 is slightly taller and heavier, these trade-offs are justified by the added features and superior camera performance. It’s a significantly more advanced device for $200 and feels like a better choice for beginners than the iPhone 17e. However, if your budget is tight and camera performance isn’t a priority, the iPhone 17e still offers a solid user experience.
Wrap-up
In 2026, it feels like Apple has done the impossible. It has managed to offer multiple iPhones at various price points with enough meaningful differences to justify each tier. Meanwhile, each iPhone 17 in the full lineup is a capable and satisfying device for its price. Upgrading to the iPhone 17e from the iPhone 11, 12, or SE will certainly feel significant, though getting any current-gen phone will feel modern compared to those.
In fact, if you’re platform agnostic and wouldn’t mind an Android device, there are options available with significantly better screens and cameras. The Pixel 10a, for example, offers a larger display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a dual-camera system for $100 less. With Apple now targeting the midrange market, it should seriously consider improving these areas in the next e-series iPhone.
But of course, the name "iPhone" carries its own premium, and the iPhone 17e is a solid entry-level handset for those who need a basic, no-frills path into the Apple ecosystem.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/iphone-17e-review-the-economical-choice-130000647.html?src=rss