Highlights
- Apple introduces iPhone 17e at $599 with doubled base storage (256GB), MagSafe + Qi2 wireless charging and a new Soft Pink colour.
- Key upgrades over iPhone 16e include the A19 chip, faster C1X modem, 48MP Fusion rear camera, and MagSafe support, while retaining a 6.1″ display and notch design.
- The new model will be available for pre-orders starting March 4.
iPhone 17e. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 17e at $599 while doubling the base storage compared to its predecessor. The new model enters the iPhone 17 lineup as a more affordable option, but with notable upgrades over last year’s version. Here’s more on the latest iPhone you can find in the stores.
iPhone 17e
The iPhone 17e is available in 256GB of storage, which is an upgrade from the 128GB memory option provided on the iPhone 16e. This move is particularly significant given the recent rise in DDR memory prices driven by increased demand from AI server deployments.
iPhone 17e colours. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple is also offering three colour options for the device, which include Black, White and a new Soft Pink finish.
Under the hood, the iPhone 17e runs on Apple’s latest A19 chip, the same processor used in the base iPhone 17. It also features the C1X modem, Apple’s newest in-house cellular modem, which is also found in the iPhone Air. This replaces the older C1 modem used in the iPhone 16e.
In its announcement, Apple stated, “Apple today announced iPhone 17e, a powerful and more affordable addition to the iPhone 17 lineup. At the heart of iPhone 17e is the latest-generation A19, which delivers exceptional performance for everything users do. iPhone 17e also features C1X, the latest-generation cellular modem designed by Apple, which is up to 2x faster than C1 in iPhone 16e. The 48MP Fusion camera captures stunning photos, including next-generation portraits, and 4K Dolby Vision video. It also enables an optical-quality 2x Telephoto — like having two cameras in one.”
One of the biggest additions to the iPhone 17e is MagSafe support, along with Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W. This marks a major upgrade over the 7.5W Qi wireless charging available on the iPhone 16e. With MagSafe, compatible chargers, stands, wallets, cases, and camera accessories can snap magnetically onto the back of the device for better alignment and convenience.
The iPhone 17e will be available for pre-orders starting March 4 at 6:15 am PT/9:15 am ET. Meanwhile, sales are scheduled to begin a week later on Wednesday, March 11.
iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17 – A Comparison
iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17 – Similarities
To start with, the iPhone 17e shares several core features with the standard iPhone 17.
Both devices are powered by the A19 chip, although the iPhone 17e includes one fewer GPU core. They also come with Ceramic Shield 2 protection on the display, 256GB of base storage and built-in MagSafe support.
From a performance perspective, the difference between the two should be minimal, as they use nearly identical processors.
iPhone 17e (left) and iPhone 17 (right). (Image credit – Apple)
iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17 – Differences
The biggest differences between iPhone 17e and iPhone 17 are in the camera systems and display technology.
On the front, the iPhone 17 features an 18MP Center Stage camera capable of auto-adjusting framing for selfies regardless of how the phone is held. This feature did not make its way to the iPhone 17e, which instead retains a 12MP TrueDepth front camera similar to previous generations.
On the rear, the iPhone 17e includes a single 48MP Fusion main camera, while the iPhone 17 offers a dual-camera setup with an additional Ultra Wide lens. Although the 48MP Fusion camera on the iPhone 17e delivers strong performance, it falls short in certain areas. Its optical image stabilisation is less advanced, and it does not support the latest Photographic Styles. The Dual Capture feature available on iPhone 17 is also absent on the iPhone 17e.
Moreover, the Camera Control button featured on the iPhone 17 is missing from the iPhone 17e.
The display is another area where the differences are more pronounced. The iPhone 17e does not support the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate or the Always-On display feature found on the iPhone 17. It also features a slightly smaller 6.1-inch display, compared to the 6.3-inch panel on the iPhone 17.
Additionally, the iPhone 17e retains a notch design, making it the only modern iPhone without Dynamic Island. In contrast, the iPhone 17’s Dynamic Island gives it a more premium aesthetic. The iPhone 17 display is also approximately 25% brighter than the one on the iPhone 17e.
Battery life differs with the iPhone 17e offering up to 26 hours of video playback, compared to 30 hours on the iPhone 17. Fast charging speeds are slightly better on the iPhone 17.
In terms of connectivity, the iPhone 17e uses Apple’s C1X modem, whereas the iPhone 17 is equipped with a Qualcomm modem. The iPhone 17e does not include the new N1 wireless chip that comes with the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 17e is available in Soft Pink, Black, and White, while the iPhone 17 comes in Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, Black, and White.
Price remains the biggest differentiator. The iPhone 17e starts at $599, while the iPhone 17 carries a starting price of $799.
| iPhone 17e | iPhone 17 | |
| Display | (6.1″) Super Retina XDR display | (6.3″) Super Retina XDR display, ProMotion technology, Always-On display, Dynamic Island |
| Processor | Apple A19 Hexa Core | Apple A19 Hexa Core |
| RAM and Storage | 8 GB RAM
256 GB Storage |
8 GB RAM
256 GB Storage |
| Camera | 48 MP Rear
12 MP Front |
48+48 MP Rear
18 MP Front |
| Battery | Up to 26 hours video playback | Up to 30 hours video playback |
| Charging | MagSafe wireless charging up to
15W with 20W adapter or higher |
MagSafe wireless charging up to
25W with 30W adapter or higher |
iPhone 17e brings meaningful upgrades over the iPhone 16e, especially with the inclusion of MagSafe and the newer C1X modem. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 remains the more feature-packed option. For buyers who can stretch their budget, the standard iPhone 17 definitely looks like it delivers better overall value.
FAQs
Q1. What is the price of the iPhone 17e and when will it be available?
Answer. The iPhone 17e starts at $599. Pre-orders begin on March 4, and sales start on March 11.
Q2. What are the major upgrades of the iPhone 17e compared to the iPhone 16e?
Answer. Key upgrades include 256GB base storage (up from 128GB), the A19 chip, the faster C1X modem, a 48MP Fusion camera, and MagSafe + Qi2 wireless charging support.
Q3. How does the iPhone 17e compare to the standard iPhone 17 in performance?
Answer. Both use the A19 chip, so performance is nearly identical, though the iPhone 17 has one extra GPU core.
Q4. What features are missing in the iPhone 17e compared to the iPhone 17?
Answer. The iPhone 17e lacks Dynamic Island, ProMotion 120Hz, Always-On display, the dual-camera system, advanced front camera features, and has shorter battery life (26 hours vs 30 hours).
Q5. What colour options are available for the iPhone 17e?
Answer. The iPhone 17e comes in Soft Pink, Black, and White, while the iPhone 17 offers more colours, including Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, Black, and White.