
The iPhone 17e introduces several notable improvements over its predecessor, including significantly better battery life and an A19 chipset that ensures excellent performance for its class. It also boasts a solid 48-megapixel main camera for daylight photography, upgraded MagSafe wireless charging, and an increased base storage of 256GB without a price hike.
However, the phone is hampered by several key limitations. Most notably, its display retains an outdated 60 Hz refresh rate, lacks always-on functionality, struggles with sunlight legibility due to its brightness, and still features thick bezels with a large notch devoid of Dynamic Island integration.
Ultimately, despite being the cheapest new iPhone, its overall value is questioned by the reviewer. With strong alternatives like last year's iPhone 16 available at a similar price and the regular iPhone 17 offering a superior 120 Hz display for a modest premium, consumers are advised to consider other options for better value.
“So, that's the iPhone 17e. Our tests show that it has better battery life than the iPhone 16e, and the wired charging is improved a little bit, too. Plus, you get a faster chipset, Mag Safe, and an anti-reflective screen, but is that enough to make it worth getting?”
“So, in the end, while the iPhone 17e is the cheapest new iPhone model, for the best value, it could be worth it to look elsewhere.”
The iPhone 17e, while equipped with a powerful A19 processor and doubled base storage, is criticized for lacking significant upgrades over its predecessor.
The reviewer points to the same camera and 60 Hz screen, the absence of Always On Display, and outdated bezels with a notch as serious flaws. The 3000 zł price is deemed too high and disproportionate to the minimal changes, leading to a categorical lack of purchase recommendation.
The phone is only recommended for die-hard Apple fans, and only if the price is significantly reduced, preferably to around 2000 zł.
“Regarding this device, which is priced the same, I have a lot of bad things to say, and no, I absolutely do not recommend it.”
“It is absolutely not worth 3000 zł. Thank you, goodbye. We can disperse.”
The iPhone 17e is positioned as an affordable, 'cheap iPhone' that introduces MagSafe functionality, representing a significant upgrade compared to the previous 16E model. It also offers decent sound quality from its built-in microphone, which is a plus for basic video creation.
However, the phone has significant drawbacks, such as very poor image stabilization and the absence of a wide-angle lens, limiting its filmmaking capabilities. Furthermore, the visible screen bezels are irritating, especially on bright backgrounds.
Despite these compromises, the reviewer finds the phone sufficient for simple video tasks, indicating its acceptability within its price range.
“Oh, God, the stabilization on this is terrible.”
“These bezels are really annoying me. Someone might say, 'That's not a big deal.'”
“The dictaphone on this iPhone. Well, I think it's good, this one is probably a bit better, but this one isn't bad at all.”
“the iPhone, which I haven't even taken out of the box yet. [...] And I'll probably say more about it in the next episode.”
The Apple iPhone 17E, priced at $600, is positioned as a mid-range entry into the Apple ecosystem. It offers a capable 48MP main camera with good portrait mode, a decent 6.1-inch OLED display, and the promise of 7 years of software updates with Apple Intelligence. The face unlock also performs well.
However, the device faces significant criticism for its outdated features, including a 60Hz refresh rate, no always-on display, and a large notch instead of a Dynamic Island. Other drawbacks include the lack of an ultra-wide camera and slow 20W wired charging.
Consequently, the reviewer advises against purchasing the 17E, recommending the standard iPhone 17 or used Pro Max models for a superior experience, though it's deemed acceptable as a secondary or budget-friendly iOS device.
“I would skip this phone and go straight to the 17. Let's just keep it a buck. Skip the iPhone 17E. Save up one more paycheck and get the 17.”
“Okay, for 600 bucks, it's not a bad phone. [...] But I heard a lot of people call it online a budget phone. 600 bucks is not a budget phone. Okay? 600 bucks is a mid-range phone.”
“3000 zł [approx. $750 USD] is not a small amount for a smartphone that looks like it came out about 4 years ago, because it doesn't have the Dynamic Island. Everything is like that. But on the other hand, if someone doesn't want too much from a phone, then this is exactly the phone for such a person.”
“We have the 17e after the 16e turned out to be not a very interesting product, but the 17E seems to be slightly improved.”