Early decision on Apple’s $599 budget iPhone
Apple’s new iPhone 17e hits stores on Wednesday, and the first iPhone 17e review shows a phone that improves on the budget iPhone formula without changing it too much. Reviewers highlight double the storage, the arrival of MagSafe support, and the new Soft Pink color option as the main reasons the device feels more attractive than last year’s model. At the same time, many reviewers say that the standard iPhone 17 is too tempting when you compare the features to the price.
The iPhone 17e starts at $599 and retains the same design introduced with the iPhone 16e. Apple added its new A19 chip, MagSafe magnetic charging and other accessories, and a faster C1X mobile modem while increasing the basic storage to 256GB. Those changes push the device forward without changing its identity as Apple’s entry-level iPhone.
Reviewers also note that the phone has several limitations that separate it from Apple’s higher-priced models. The display still runs at 60Hz, the design keeps the traditional notch instead of Dynamic Island, and the bezels look thicker than those on flagship iPhones.
Good Development Maybe
Brian Tong describes the iPhone 17e as a “solid improvement” for people still using older devices like the iPhone SE or iPhone 11. He highlights the jump to 256GB of storage and the addition of MagSafe as two changes that improve everyday usability.
Tong explains that users from very old iPhones will immediately see a faster and smoother experience thanks to the new Apple A19 processor. He also notes that MagSafe opens the door to accessories like magnetic chargers, wallets, and battery packs that previous budget models didn’t support.
For those upgrading from much older hardware, Tong believes the iPhone 17e brings enough improvements to feel like a significant step forward.
iPhone 16e update
TechRadar describes the iPhone 17e as an improvement on the formula Apple introduced with the iPhone 16e. The publication explains that the previous model has already undergone a major change by modernizing the design and removing the Home button that defines the iPhone SE line.
TechRadar calls the new Soft Pink is a “perfect addition of color” and it says the A19 chip is sound “too soon” during daily use. The phone also now starts with 256GB of storage while keeping the same price of $599 as before.
At the same time, the publication points out several missing features that make the phone feel more advanced than Apple’s top devices.
The main limitations mentioned include:
- Nothing is always displayed
- No 120Hz refresh rate
- The design is almost identical to last year’s model
It concludes that the iPhone 17e improves the package in practical ways, even if it doesn’t attempt a major redesign.
More Better Options?
The Verge takes a cautious view and says the iPhone 17e is “It’s nice, but you probably shouldn’t buy it.” The book says the $200 difference between the 17e and the standard iPhone 17 brings a long list of improvements that interest many buyers.
The Verge explains that the price difference works out to approx $9 more per month on a two-year payment planwhich would make the standard iPhone 17 more appealing to many buyers.
According to the publication, the standard iPhone 17 includes several features that the cheaper model does not have:
- 120Hz ProMotion display
- Dynamic Island for notifications and live activities
- Extra Ultra Wide Camera
The VergeTherefore, it suggests that anyone who can stretch their budget should consider the standard iPhone 17 instead.
Magsafe support
CNET focuses on the MagSafe recall and describes the phone’s appeal as “magnetic.” The book says that MagSafe support improves everyday life because users can easily attach accessories and charge the phone with compatible magnetic stands and battery packs.
CNET also highlights a few design compromises that remind consumers they’re using a lower-priced iPhone.
The publication points to the following limitations:
- Large display bezels
- Traditional notch instead of Dynamic Island
- A constant 60Hz display that doesn’t stay on the screen
Despite those trade-offs, CNET believes the phone remains a solid value. The book says that most consumers won’t find the compromise too bothersome, especially if the phone costs a few hundred dollars less than Apple’s premium models.
Budget friendly
Engadget describes the iPhone 17e as “economic choice” within the Apple program. The publication explains that the device focuses on the basics instead of pushing advanced features.
Engadget says Apple’s focus on low-cost devices feels timely as more consumers are rethinking how much they want to spend on smartphones and laptops. The iPhone 17e costs about half the price of the iPhone 17 Pro and remains $200 cheaper than the regular iPhone 17.
For most users, Engadget says the phone still checks the essential boxes that are important for everyday use.
Performance, MagSafe and modem upgrades
Several reviewers highlighted the technological improvements that power the iPhone 17e behind the scenes. The phone uses the new Apple A19 processor, benchmarks show its performance 15 percent faster than the A18 chip used in the iPhone 16e.
That improvement puts performance close to the standard iPhone 17, meaning users should see smoother performance in apps, games, and multitasking.
MagSafe also plays a big role in this year’s development. The magnetic charging system supports fast wireless charging 15W instead of 7.5W and works with many accessories such as magnetic battery packs, wallets, and charging stands.
Apple also introduced the C1X mobile modemthe company claims it delivers twice the speed of the previous generation C1 modem. In one test on AT&T’s network in New Jersey, PCMag recorded download speeds of 419 Mbpswhich suggests a noticeable leap compared to previous models.
Release date and availability
Apple has already opened pre-orders for the iPhone 17e, and the device is officially launching Wednesday, March 11. The phone starts with $599 in the United States and includes 256GB of base storagewhich doubles the boot capacity compared to the previous model.
Before iPhone 17e updates feature a device that focuses on practical improvements such as storage, MagSafe, and performance while maintaining the same overall design and style. For consumers looking for a modern iPhone at Apple’s lowest price, the device remains an attractive option, although many reviewers say that the standard iPhone 17 is tempting when you consider the additional features for $200 more.
