iPhone 17e Test: Is Apple’s Budget Phone Worth It? (2026)

Display with Trade-offs

The iPhone 17e is 240 Euro cheaper than the standard iPhone 17 (based on MSRP). This price reduction comes with some compromises, most noticeable in the display, which is noticeably smaller at 6.1 inches.

The 17e still features a display notch and lacks the pill-shaped Dynamic Island. There’s no interactive Dynamic Island button for displaying and controlling music, sports scores, or other information. Face ID unlocking functions reliably, though the sensor is located in the notch instead of the Dynamic Island found on newer iPhones.

the 17e’s display has a refresh rate of just 60 Hz. Those accustomed to a 60-Hz screen won’t notice anything negative. However, switching from a 120-Hz display to the budget iPhone will make the visuals appear jerky and less fluid. The 60-Hz screen also means there’s no Always-on Display.

Despite the 60 Hz refresh rate, the iPhone 17e’s display is high-quality and delivers impressive brightness. The 1,200 nits peak brightness is sufficient.

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The Camera

Having just one camera lens on a smartphone in 2026 is a unique feature. It’s nearly the same camera found in the standard iPhone 17. The image quality is high-grade and virtually flawless.

There’s no ultra-wide or telephoto lens on the iPhone 17e. While you can use zoom – from 2x to 10x – it’s digital zoom, which comes with compromises in image quality.

Compromises must also be made with the front-facing camera. The 17e retains the older 12-MP selfie camera. The iPhone 17, however, has an 18-MP front camera with Center Stage and higher image quality.

There are also compromises with video features. While the iPhone 17e’s video quality is largely convincing, it lacks the efficient image stabilization of Action Mode.

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Storage, Software, and a Limitation

A welcome development is Apple increasing the minimum storage size to 256 GB on the iPhone 17e, while maintaining the same price. In effect, the 17e has become cheaper compared to the iPhone 16e. The device runs the latest iOS 26.3 software, and it’s expected to receive updates for the next 6 to 7 years.

The A19 processor’s performance is not a concern. It’s one of the most powerful smartphone chips available, ensuring a solid experience for years to come. The A19 chip makes the iPhone 17e even more powerful than the budget MacBook Neo, which is powered by an A18 Pro chip.

The iPhone 17e is also equipped with the latest in-house C1X mobile modem. This provides a more stable mobile connection and, above all, greater energy efficiency.

Unfortunately, the 17e doesn’t have a UWB chip. Without the Ultra-Wideband radio standard, you can’t use Precision Finding to locate AirTags or other Apple devices with the iPhone 17e.

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Battery with MagSafe

The iPhone 17e truly shines with its battery. With a capacity of 4,005 mAh, it has a relatively small battery compared to other smartphones. However, it’s enough to give the 17e an above-average battery life.

The A19 chip, the new version of the in-house C1X mobile modem, and a not-too-powerful and small display ensure that you can get around 2 days of battery life with a single charge. This assumes moderate screen time and not overly resource-intensive use.

The best new feature of the iPhone 17e is MagSafe. This allows the budget Apple phone to be attached to a magnetic charging station and use MagSafe accessories. The wireless charging power is up to 15 watts.

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Conclusion

If an Android manufacturer were to launch a smartphone with the specs of the iPhone 17e today, it would likely be positioned in the 200-Euro entry-level segment. Apple can charge 709 Euro for it. But why?

As with the iPhone 16e: Apple simply has no competition. Anyone who wants to be comfortable in the walled Apple ecosystem with iOS, iPads, MacBooks, etc., has to choose an Apple device.

As is typical in gated communities, the price also includes the cost of a number of amenities. These include the seamless interaction between individual Apple devices and increased data protection. You could argue that you’re paying a fee for using the ecosystem.

Although it may seem overpriced, you get a solid smartphone with the iPhone 17e, designed for longevity, equipped with an extremely powerful processor, and featuring a high-quality single camera.

The Price Comparison

Is it currently the best iPhone deal? Not really. The iPhone 16e from last year is currently a particularly good value. Compared to the 17e, you only have to forego MagSafe and settle for a slightly weaker processor. The iPhone 16e is currently listed on price comparison sites for 549 Euro – but in the 128 GB version.On Amazon, the iPhone 16e currently costs 569 Euro.

The step up to the higher-end iPhone 17 costs an additional 180 Euro. For that, you get 128 GB more storage, a better screen, an additional camera, and Dynamic Island, but a smaller battery. Whether these extra features are worth the 890 Euro is a matter of personal preference. This price refers to the cheapest offer on price comparison sites.The iPhone 17 currently costs 906 Euro on Amazon, while Apple directly charges 949 Euro.

As a hidden tip, the iPhone 16 comes into play. It currently costs the same as the iPhone 17e, but is more comparable to the iPhone 17. Given the specs, it represents the best iPhone deal currently available. The iPhone 16 is listed on comparison platforms in the 128 GB version at a price of 710 Euro,currently costing 754 Euro on Amazon.