84
NotebookcheckRead review ↗
“The iPhone 17e's features and performance make it a good smartphone.”
Publisher score: 84/100 · 6mo ago
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Apple iPhone 17e
$599 · Apple A19 · 7 months old
77
Review
Radar
Image credit: Apple iPhone 17e official product image
Editor's Verdict
Our Take
SS
Alright, let's cut to the chase. The iPhone 17e lands squarely in the mid-range at $599, and it’s a compelling option for anyone eyeing the Apple ecosystem without wanting to splurge on the flagship. Apple has clearly listened, bringing tangible upgrades like more storage and the genuinely useful MagSafe to the table – features that elevate it beyond a mere budget iPhone. The A19 Bionic chip, shared with its pricier siblings, means you're not sacrificing performance for price, delivering a smooth, responsive experience that will handle your daily tasks and then some. This isn’t some watered-down imitation; it’s a proper iPhone experience, refined and made accessible.
However, the elephant in the room, as some keen eyes have pointed out, is the standard iPhone 17. If you can stretch your budget just a little further, the gulf in features and overall polish between the 17e and the 17 is significant enough to warrant serious consideration. The 17e is undeniably a solid choice for a no-frills entry into iOS, a capable device that fixes its predecessor's shortcomings. But for those who value every last bit of cutting-edge tech, the question remains: is the 17e a smart buy, or is it a compromise that leaves you wanting more when the next step up is so tantalizingly close?
Sanjiv Sathiah · Managing Editor
Alternatives
Compare with nearby picks
Most positive review signal
“The iPhone 17e's features and performance make it a good smartphone.”
Notebookcheck · 84
Most cautious review signal
“If the last two budget iPhone releases are anything to go by, Apple is likely turning it into a regular thing. Just a year after the iPhone 16e release,...”
GSMArena (m.gsmarena.com) · 67
Tech publication reviews
80
Tech AdvisorRead review ↗
“The Apple iPhone 17e is a strong entry-level iPhone, delivering great performance, a solid battery life, a capable rear camera, and the full iOS 26 experience in a compact, premium design.”
Publisher score: 4/5 · 7mo ago
80
EngadgetRead review ↗
“The iPhone 17e is a solid entry-level handset for those who need a basic, no-frills path into the Apple ecosystem.”
Publisher score: 80/100 · 7mo ago
80
Reviews.orgRead review ↗
“The Apple iPhone 17e doubles down on everything that worked about its predecessor and fixes the things that held it back.”
Publisher score: 4/5 · 6mo ago
80
Trusted Reviews
“The iPhone 17e is a good, affordable iPhone with a few nice upgrades over the 16e – however with the iPhone 17 being so good, is it worth it?”
Publisher score: 4/5 · 6mo ago
76
GSMArenaRead review ↗
“Still, globally, the iPhone 17e struggles to offer compelling value for its price, and if you're after a bargain-priced iPhone, then last year's iPhone 16 fits the bill better.”
Publisher score: 3.8/5 · 6mo ago
70
Wired
“A bump in storage and the addition of MagSafe make Apple’s cheapest iPhone a better value proposition than its predecessor.”
Publisher score: 7/10 · 7mo ago
67
GSMArena (m.gsmarena.com)Read review ↗
“If the last two budget iPhone releases are anything to go by, Apple is likely turning it into a regular thing. Just a year after the iPhone 16e release,...”
Publisher score: 67/100
Additional review coverage
Consumer ReportsCoverage
Apple iPhone 17e review
“Overall the Apple iPhone 17e was excellent.”
Source page
NotebookcheckCoverage
Apple iPhone 17e review
“The iPhone 17e's features and performance make it a good smartphone.”
Source page · 6mo ago
Trusted ReviewsCoverage
Apple iPhone 17e Review
“The iPhone 17e is a good, affordable iPhone with a few nice upgrades over the 16e – however with the iPhone 17 being so good, is it worth it?”
Source page · 6mo ago
Lux CameraCoverage
Apple iPhone 17e review
“The cameras are unchanged, which isn't a problem.”
Source page · 6mo ago
GSMArenaCoverage
Apple iPhone 17e review
“Still, globally, the iPhone 17e struggles to offer compelling value for its price, and if you're after a bargain-priced iPhone, then last year's iPhone 16 fits the bill better.”
Source page · 6mo ago
Tech AdvisorCoverage
Apple iPhone 17e review
“The Apple iPhone 17e is a strong entry-level iPhone, delivering great performance, a solid battery life, a capable rear camera, and the full iOS 26 experience in a compact, premium design.”
Source page · 7mo ago
WiredCoverage
Apple iPhone 17e Review
“A bump in storage and the addition of MagSafe make Apple’s cheapest iPhone a better value proposition than its predecessor.”
Source page · 7mo ago
EngadgetCoverage
Apple iPhone 17e review
“The iPhone 17e is a solid entry-level handset for those who need a basic, no-frills path into the Apple ecosystem.”
Source page · 7mo ago
77
Apple iPhone 17e