The iPhone 17e has arrived and if I’m not underwhelmed, it’s truthful to say that I’m not overwhelmed both. Whelmed would possibly moderately describe my response.
For months I’ve been following the rumours and, to be truthful to the leakers and tipsters, most have been proper on the cash – to the extent that there wasn’t one factor that Apple introduced that was a shock, apart from the brand new, pale pink colourway. And even that feels a little bit wan.
Nevertheless, there have been a number of disappointing omissions. One hearsay had it that the good Dynamic Island could be coming to the 17e, however there’s no such luck for potential consumers of probably the most reasonably priced new iPhone. As an alternative, they’ll get a product that’s wise, respectable – and a little bit bit meanly put collectively.
To provide credit score to Apple, probably the most requested 17e characteristic did arrive: MagSafe charging. The costly Galaxy S26 vary doesn’t even have that, with the Extremely costing greater than double the 17e – however it’s not fairly the MagSafe you might need hoped for.
Apple
In accordance with Simon Jary, charging skilled on our sibling publication Macworld, it’ll solely ship 15W charging speeds as an alternative of the 25W of newer iPhones (that’s the Qi2.2 customary).
Equally, there’s the matter of its efficiency bump to Apple’s latest chip, the A19. This is without doubt one of the headline options that Apple pointed to in its announcement. Nevertheless, it’ll be a four-core variant. Apple is saving a bit of money by utilizing lower-tier chips in its budget-friendly cellphone.
Being affordable, most 17e consumers gained’t discover the distinction in informal, day-to-day use. Nonetheless, it’s certainly one of a variety of second-rate or out-of-date elements in what continues to be an expensive cellphone.
There are the options that Apple hasn’t up to date from its predecessor. The 6.1-inch OLED display screen, with its primary 60Hz refresh charge and 1200 nits peak brightness, stays largely as is, thick bezel included.
Apple
There’s just one rear digital camera and the selfie digital camera didn’t get the 24Mp improve that every one different iPhone 17 fashions obtained, so consumers can be ignored of having fun with its glorious attendant options, Middle Stage and Twin Seize.
Altogether, Apple has carried out the alternative of showering this cellphone with love. It doesn’t really feel inclusive – it looks like a reluctant try to mop up cellphone consumers who don’t need to pay flagship costs. I’d like to see an entry-level iPhone with only one actually nice characteristic or cause to purchase, however it’s not the 17e. Apple doesn’t need you to purchase this cellphone, and it reveals.
If it’s one of the best specs for the worth that you just’re after, you’ll discover a lot better choices among the many finest mid-range Android telephones we’ve examined. And if you need one of the best worth iPhone round, I’d recommend on the lookout for a refurbished iPhone 17.