The most affordable new iPhone has been updated for this year, featuring a faster processor, double the storage, automatic portrait mode, and MagSafe. This brings more of the core Apple smartphone experience at a lower price.
The iPhone 17e is an upgraded version of the mid-range “e” line that debuted last year with the first iPhone 16e. It’s the newest addition to the iPhone 17 family, starting at £599 (€699/$599/A$999). This makes it the cheapest new iPhone sold by Apple, undercutting the iPhone 17 by £200 and the iPhone 16 by £100.
The new 17e looks identical to the model it replaces, retaining the older iPhone 14-style design with a large notch at the top of the screen and a 6.1-inch OLED display. The aluminum sides feel premium, and the screen glass has been upgraded to the latest Ceramic Shield 2, which is more durable and features a highly effective anti-glare coating for better visibility outdoors.
The 17e includes MagSafe built into the back for magnetic accessories like PopSockets, wallets, and chargers, which have been a key part of the iPhone experience since 2020.
Specifications
Screen: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) (460ppi)
Processor: Apple A19 (4-core GPU)
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB or 512GB
Operating System: iOS 26
Camera: 48MP rear; 12MP front-facing
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, Satellite and GNSS
Water Resistance: IP68 (6 meters for 30 minutes)
Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8mm
Weight: 170g
Fast Chip and Long Battery Life
The 17e features the Action Button, which can be used to toggle silent mode, turn on the flashlight, open the camera, or access various other functions.
It uses the A19 chip from the standard iPhone 17 but with one fewer GPU core, slightly reducing graphics performance. However, this is unlikely to be noticeable, as the phone is very fast and can still handle demanding games. It also comes with a generous 256GB of storage as standard, which should be sufficient for most users, with additional cloud backup available.
Battery life is excellent, lasting around 52 hours between charges with typical use over 5G and Wi-Fi, meaning most people will only need to charge it every other night.
The 17e lacks some of the more advanced hardware features found in Apple’s other phones, including Wi-Fi 7, Thread, and Ultra Wideband (UWB). The latter is used for the precision finding tool and some digital car keys, among other features.
Sustainability
The single rear camera might be a drawback for some users.
The battery is designed to last over 1,000 full charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its original capacity and can be replaced for £95. Out-of-warranty screen repairs cost £225. The 17e has available repair guides and received a repairability score of 7 out of 10 from iFixit.
It contains more than 30% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, steel, tin, and tungsten. Apple details the phone’s environmental impact in its report and offers trade-in and free recycling programs, even for non-Apple products.
Camera
The 17e uses the same familiar camera app as other iPhones but lacks ultrawide and telephoto lenses. This means if you can’t physically move closer to or farther from your subject, you won’t be able to get certain shots.
However, the single 48MP camera takes good photos in various lighting conditions and can manage a 2x crop zoom for slight magnification. It now also automatically captures portrait shots in the main photo mode, allowing you to adjust the focus and depth of a picture after it’s taken.The iPhone 17e lacks a macro photography mode, which is disappointing. It also uses the same 12MP front-facing camera found in older iPhones, rather than Apple’s newer 18MP version with automatic panning and Centre Stage. While it gets the job done, it’s not the latest technology.
Price
The iPhone 17e starts at £599 (€699/$599/A$999) for the 256GB model.
For comparison:
* iPhone 17: £799
* iPhone Air: £999
* Google Pixel 10a: £499
* Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: £499
Verdict
Apple is gradually bringing more core iPhone features to its budget-friendly “e” line, making the iPhone 17e a better choice than last year’s iPhone 16e.
You get most of the essentials: a fast processor, Face ID, MagSafe, long battery life, and full software access. The screen is decent, though it’s slower and less smooth than other models in the iPhone 17 lineup. The older design means it lacks a camera control button and an always-on display, and it has a larger notch at the top. Still, it feels good to hold.
The biggest drawback is the single rear camera. While it takes great photos, it limits your creative options. If you’re serious about photography, this isn’t the phone for you.
As with its predecessor, the 17e only makes sense if you want the absolute cheapest new iPhone from Apple and won’t consider anything else. For everyone else, a new iPhone 16 can be found from third-party retailers for a similar price, or even less if you’re open to a refurbished model.
Pros: Fast performance, decent screen, great size, action button, USB-C, excellent battery life, MagSafe, long software support, Face ID, at least 256GB of storage.
Cons: Only a single rear camera with no macro mode, no camera control button, older screen design, no Wi-Fi 7, no Thread or UWB support, still relatively expensive.
The 17e offers the essential iPhone experience for less.
Frequently Asked Questions
iPhone 17e Review FAQs Apples Most Affordable New Smartphone
General Beginner Questions
Q What is the iPhone 17e
A The iPhone 17e is Apples newest and most affordable smartphone in the 17series lineup designed to offer core iPhone features at a lower price point
Q How is the e model different from the regular iPhone 17
A The e model typically uses slightly older or less expensive components may have fewer camera lenses a smaller or lowerresolution display and a less powerful chip than the flagship model all to keep the cost down
Q What are the main improvements in the iPhone 17e compared to the previous model
A While specifics depend on the official release common improvements for a new e model include a newer processor for better speed and efficiency camera upgrades longer battery life and support for the latest iOS features
Q Is the iPhone 17e good for firsttime iPhone users
A Yes its an excellent entry point It provides the familiar iOS experience access to the App Store and reliable performance without the premium price tag of a Pro model
Q Will the iPhone 17e get software updates
A Yes Like all new iPhones it will receive the latest iOS updates for many years ensuring you have access to new features and important security patches
Features Performance
Q Whats the biggest benefit of choosing the iPhone 17e
A The biggest benefit is getting a modern new iPhone with a warranty current software and reliable performance from Apple at the most accessible price in their new lineup
Q Does it have a good camera for everyday photos
A Yes While it may lack the advanced zoom or lowlight capabilities of Pro models its main camera is more than capable of taking great photos and videos for social media family events and everyday use
Q How is the battery life Should I expect to charge it daily
A Apple usually improves battery efficiency with each generation You should expect to charge it daily with typical use but it should comfortably last a full day
Q Does it support 5G
A Most likely yes Apple has
