iPhone 17e Hands-On: Apple’s Budget Phone Gets MagSafe
The iPhone 17e has officially entered the spotlight as the newest budget-friendly smartphone from Apple Inc., offering a familiar design with a few meaningful upgrades while keeping its price at $599.
Announced earlier this week, the iPhone 17e replaces the previous entry-level model in Apple’s lineup and aims to provide a simple, reliable iPhone experience without the premium features found in higher-end models. While it may not introduce groundbreaking innovations, it still includes improvements that make it a solid choice for users looking for an affordable Apple device.
One of the most notable additions to the iPhone 17e is support for MagSafe. This marks the first time Apple has brought MagSafe to its entry-level iPhone models. With MagSafe, users can attach compatible accessories such as wallets, cases, and wireless chargers magnetically to the back of the phone. The device supports wireless charging up to 15W and is compatible with the Qi2 wireless charging standard, allowing broader compatibility with cross-platform wireless charging accessories.
In terms of design, the iPhone 17e features a 6.1-inch display similar to other standard iPhones. However, the screen is fairly basic compared with Apple’s premium models. It has a 60Hz refresh rate and lacks advanced features such as Dynamic Island and ProMotion. While this keeps costs lower, it also means the display experience is simpler compared with flagship models.
Apple has slightly improved durability by adding Ceramic Shield 2 coating to the screen, which enhances scratch resistance and reduces glare. This upgrade helps the display withstand daily wear and tear, especially for users who prefer not to use a screen protector.
Photography on the iPhone 17e remains straightforward. The device includes a single 48-megapixel rear camera capable of producing 24-megapixel photos by default. Users can capture full 48-megapixel images if they want higher resolution shots. Apple also allows a 2× crop zoom that the company describes as “optical-quality,” providing additional flexibility for photography without adding a second lens.
On the front, the phone features a 12-megapixel selfie camera, which is slightly lower than the higher-resolution front cameras found in other iPhone 17 models. Despite this, it should still deliver solid performance for video calls, selfies, and social media content.
Internally, the iPhone 17e is powered by the new Apple A19 chip, delivering strong performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. The phone also includes Apple’s new Apple C1X modem, which the company claims provides faster connectivity and improved efficiency compared with previous models.
Another welcome upgrade is storage. The base model now starts at 256GB, giving users significantly more space for apps, photos, and videos compared with earlier entry-level iPhones.
Overall, the iPhone 17e doesn’t try to compete with premium flagship smartphones. Instead, it focuses on delivering the essentials of the iPhone experience in a reliable and affordable package. With MagSafe support, improved durability, and upgraded storage, Apple’s newest entry-level device offers just enough improvements to make it a compelling option for many users.
For buyers who want an affordable iPhone without paying flagship prices, the iPhone 17e may be exactly what they’re looking for.
Source:
The Verge – iPhone 17e Hands-On
https://www.theverge.com
