Apple iPhone 17e Review: A New Era for the Entry-Level iPhone
19.03.26
Apple appears to be establishing a new rhythm for its budget-friendly smartphones. Just one year after the debut of the iPhone 16e, the tech giant has introduced the iPhone 17e. This marks a significant strategic shift, moving away from the multi-year gaps seen with previous SE models to a consistent yearly release cycle for the entry-level tier.
Pricing
| 256GB 8GB RAM | € 699.00 | 34 999 grn |
| 512GB 8GB RAM | € 949.00 | 47 499 grn |
The iPhone 16e found success in markets like the US, India, and Japan. Apple aims to capitalize on this momentum with the 17e, which brings several notable hardware improvements while maintaining a familiar form factor.
Apple iPhone 17e specs at a glance:
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Body | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, 169 g; Glass (Ceramic Shield 2), aluminum frame; IP68 |
| Display | 6.10″ Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800–1200 nits, 1170×2532 px, 460ppi |
| Chipset | Apple A19 (3 nm), Hexa-core (up to 4.26 GHz); 4-core Apple GPU |
| Memory | 256/512 GB Storage (NVMe), 8 GB RAM |
| OS | iOS 26.3 |
| Main Camera | 48 MP (f/1.6, 26mm, PDAF, OIS) |
| Selfie Camera | 12 MP (f/1.9, 23mm, PDAF) + SL 3D (depth sensor) |
| Battery | 4005 mAh; 50% charge in 30 min; MagSafe/Qi2 (15W) |
| Connectivity | 5G, eSIM, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
Performance and Hardware Upgrades
The core of the iPhone 17e is the Apple A19 chipset, the same silicon found in the flagship iPhone 17 series. While the GPU is slightly scaled back to 4 cores instead of 5, it remains a powerhouse for its class. Connectivity also sees a boost with the inclusion of the C1X modem, designed for better efficiency and signal stability. Perhaps the most welcome change is the storage: the base model now starts at 256GB, doubling the capacity of the previous generation without a price increase.
Package contents
Display, Design, and Charging
While the external design and the 6.1-inch 60Hz OLED display remain unchanged, Apple has added Ceramic Shield 2 glass with an anti-reflective coating for better durability and visibility. Wireless charging has received a major update, now supporting 15W MagSafe charging, matching the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup. The battery capacity stays at 4,005 mAh, and the device retains its IP68 rating. The unboxing experience remains minimal, providing only a USB-C to USB-C cable, with the phone supporting up to 25W wired charging via separate adapters.
Don't miss interesting news
Subscribe to our channels and read announcements of high-tech news, tes
Oppo A6 Pro smartphone review: ambitious
0 
Creating new mid-range smartphones is no easy task. Manufacturers have to balance performance, camera capabilities, displays, and the overall cost impact of each component. How the new Oppo A6 Pro balances these factors is discussed in our review.
Logitech MX Keys S Combo wireless keyboard and mouse set review: tactile hi-end
0 
The Logitech MX Keys S Combo combines a top-of-the-line mouse, keyboard, and palm rest, providing good ergonomics, build quality, and extensive functionality when working with multiple devices
Qiming Q2 guide robot: a technological breakthrough in China
On June 30, the Chinese city of Mianyang began continuous testing of the Qiming Q2 guide robot, which is a digital alternative to guide dogs.
Xiaomi Redmi K90 Ultra – a new gaming flagship with Snapdragon 8 Elite
Xiaomi released a powerful gaming smartphone Redmi K90 Ultra, which received a top Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a massive 8550 mAh battery and an advanced active cooling system.