Apple 's iPhone 17E is an interesting proposition in the affordable smartphone category, but most users should seriously consider upgrading to the iPhone 17. At just $200 more — or about $9 per month on a two-year payment plan — the full-size model offers significantly more features that justify the investment. The price difference may seem significant at first, but when broken down into monthly installments and taking into account carrier discounts, it becomes much more manageable for the average consumer.
See also: Apple officially announces iPhone 17e with MagSafe
The iPhone 17E replaces the 16E in Apple 's lineup , bringing significant improvements over its predecessor. The 16E was the first in a new series of budget models that didn't rely on an older chassis with updated internals, like the iPhone SE . Instead, the 16E was a full member of its generation, just with fewer features and ultimately an excessively high price tag of $600 . This strategy by Apple reflects the company's effort to maintain its premium image while offering more affordable options in an increasingly competitive space.
The biggest problem with the 16E was the absence of MagSafe , one of Apple 's key technologies for modern iPhones . The iPhone 17E fixes that major gap, finally adding magnetic support for accessories and wireless charging. In addition, the base storage capacity increases to 256GB , double the 128GB of its predecessor, which is especially important given the current smartphone memory crisis. The addition of MagSafe opens up a whole world of accessories, from car chargers to desk stands and wallets, making the device much more versatile in everyday use.
The significant absences of iPhone 17E
Despite the improvements, the iPhone 17E still falls short in key areas that make the iPhone 17 a much more attractive option. The absence of Always-On Display (AOD) technology is particularly noticeable in everyday use. Users cannot see the time or lock screen widgets without touching the device, which significantly reduces ergonomics. This feature has now become standard on most premium smartphones, and its absence on the iPhone 17E makes it look outdated.
See also: What to expect from the iPhone 17e?
The lack of AOD also affects the functionality of the bedside clock when the device is charging, while users lose the ability to monitor Live Activities – such as the status of a Starbucks order – without activating the screen. Additionally, the absence of Dynamic Island means there is no central place to display these updates. Dynamic Island is not just a cosmetic improvement – it is a functional element that unifies notifications and apps in a groundbreaking way.
StandBy mode , Live Activities , and Dynamic Island are some of Apple 's best software ideas in recent years. The fact that they are partially or not implemented at all in the iPhone 17E is a significant drawback for users looking for the full iOS experience . These features have changed the way users interact with their devices, and their absence makes the iPhone 17E feel like an unfinished experience.
Photography is another area of weakness. The iPhone 17E only has a single 48-megapixel sensor on the back, with no ultrawide camera. This limitation, combined with the less advanced photography features, could disappoint users looking for more advanced photography capabilities. The absence of an ultrawide camera means users miss out on the ability to take wide-angle photos, which has become standard even on much cheaper smartphones.
See also: iPhone 17e update may not be as fast as expected
For those considering the iPhone 17E, it's important to consider a few factors. First, the device is ideal for users who are coming from much older iPhone (pre- iPhone 12) and don't need the most advanced features. Second, if your budget is tight and the extra $200 isn't feasible, the iPhone 17E offers a decent iOS. Third, users who aren't interested in photography or advanced features will find the device's performance satisfactory for basic tasks like calling, messaging, social media, and streaming.
