iPhone 17e: Initial reviews praise the new budget model

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The iPhone 17e officially goes on sale on Wednesday. Even before its launch, numerous reviews have already been published, providing a detailed impression of the new budget iPhone. Apple is positioning the device, with a starting price of €699, as a more affordable entry point into the current iPhone generation.

The initial reviews paint a fairly clear overall picture. Many reviewers describe the iPhone 17e as a worthwhile upgrade for users of older iPhones. At the same time, several media outlets emphasize that the differences to the more expensive iPhone 17 remain significant. According to some reviews, it is precisely these compromises that make the standard model even more attractive to many buyers.

The iPhone 17e is not a fundamental reinvention of the affordable iPhone line. Instead, it is a further development of the concept that Apple introduced with the iPhone 16e.

This model already brought a significant design change. The classic home button, which had long characterized the entry-level iPhone, disappeared. With this, Apple finally said goodbye to the look of the third-generation iPhone SE and introduced a more modern display design.

With the iPhone 17e, Apple is focusing more on improvements under the hood. The device receives a new processor, more storage, and, for the first time, MagSafe. At the same time, the starting price remains unchanged, thus improving the price-performance ratio compared to its predecessor.

First reviews: A solid upgrade for older iPhones

Tech reviewer Brian Tong has already published a detailed video review of the iPhone 17e. In it, he describes the device as a "solid upgrade" for users of older models such as the iPhone SE or the iPhone 11.

In his opinion, two changes are particularly noticeable in everyday use: the larger storage capacity and the support for MagSafe accessories. According to Tong, this combination makes the device feel significantly more modern than previous budget iPhones.

Design and new color option

In terms of design, the iPhone 17e largely adheres to the concept of its predecessor. The basic appearance was already modernized with the iPhone 16e and is now being continued.

One noticeable new feature, however, is an additional color option. According to TechRadar, the new Soft Pink variant is a "great addition" to the existing black and white options.

According to the magazine, the real progress lies less in the design and more in the technology. TechRadar describes the iPhone 17e as an evolution of the existing concept: The iPhone 16e already underwent a major modernization, while the new model simply makes the overall package even more attractive.

A19 chip and significantly more memory

One of the biggest improvements concerns storage capacity. The iPhone 17e starts with 256 GB of storage, which is double that of its predecessor.

Despite this improvement, the starting price remains the same. Apple continues to charge €699 – and the price remains unchanged in other markets as well.

Additionally, the device receives the new A19 chip. According to TechRadar, this processor ensures that the smartphone feels consistently fast in everyday use. The editors describe the chip's performance as "fast enough" for typical smartphone tasks.

MagSafe is becoming an important feature

Another new feature of the iPhone 17e is the integration of MagSafe. This magnetic technology allows chargers and accessories to be attached directly to the device.

The US technology magazine CNET jokingly describes the device's appeal as "magnetic." MagSafe offers practical advantages, especially in everyday use, such as wireless charging or the use of compatible mounts and accessories.

For a more affordable iPhone model, this feature is considered a significant addition, as it was previously mainly available on higher-priced devices.

Display and missing premium features

Despite the improvements, several reviews make it clear that the iPhone 17e still has some limitations.

The display is one of the areas where Apple cuts costs. The device has a fixed 60Hz display, which means features like an always-on display are not available.

Furthermore, the Dynamic Island, which is used for system notifications and live activity on newer iPhone models, is missing. Instead, the device still has a classic notch at the top of the screen.

CNET also points out that the display bezels are significantly thicker than on more expensive iPhones. According to the magazine, these design differences underscore the fact that with the iPhone 17e, you ultimately get what you pay for.

Comparison with the iPhone 17

An important point in many reviews is the direct comparison between the iPhone 17e and the iPhone 17.

The standard model costs about $200 more (around €250 in Germany). According to The Verge, however, this extra cost is worthwhile for many buyers. The editors even write that while the iPhone 17e is good, it's "probably not worth buying" if your budget allows for the higher price.

The reason for this is the significantly longer list of upgrades for the iPhone 17. Even with a mobile contract, the difference is relatively small, according to the report. Without additional discounts, the price difference amounts to approximately nine dollars per month over a two-year period.

The iPhone 17e as an economical option

Other media outlets view the device more from an economic perspective. Engadget simply describes the iPhone 17e as "the economic choice".

The smartphone meets the basic requirements of modern devices without demanding the high price of premium models. Engadget also points to the current economic situation. Many users are now questioning whether they really need to spend so much money on the most powerful devices.

At a price of 699 euros, the iPhone 17e costs about half the price of an iPhone 17 Pro or an iPhone Air and is around 250 euros cheaper than the iPhone 17.

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iPhone 17e: Affordable iPhone with noticeable limitations

The first iPhone 17e reviews clearly show how Apple positions the new model within its product lineup. The device offers significant improvements over its predecessor, including more storage, the new A19 chip, and, for the first time, MagSafe.

At the same time, some premium features that are standard on more expensive iPhones are still missing. These include a faster display, an always-on mode, and Dynamic Island.

This means the iPhone 17e remains primarily one thing: an affordable entry point into the current iPhone generation. For many users, it should be a sensible option. However, according to several reviews, those who want as many features as possible and can afford the extra cost will find the iPhone 17 to be a significantly more complete package. (Image: Apple)