Apple iPhone 17e hands-on: New chip, more storage memory, and yes, MagSafe
Source: Mashable Tech
Apple’s “e” Series: From the iPhone 16e to the iPhone 17e
When Apple launched its first “e” model, the iPhone 16e — read the review here — tech reviewers (myself included) collectively asked:
“WHY?”
It wasn’t the battery life or the chip (both were solid), nor was it the device’s retro‑style design that raised eyebrows. The real sticking point was the absence of MagSafe, Apple’s magnetic, wireless‑charging system that lets users snap accessories onto the phone with ease.
- Cost‑saving move: Dropping MagSafe likely reduced production expenses for Apple.
- Ecosystem impact: Without MagSafe, owners couldn’t take advantage of Apple’s extensive accessory lineup, which diminished the phone’s overall appeal.
Good news: the iPhone 17e
I’m pleased to report that this year’s budget offering, the iPhone 17e, resolves that issue.
- MagSafe restored: The phone now supports Apple’s magnetic charging and accessory ecosystem.
- Same strengths: Battery life and performance remain strong, preserving the positives of the 16e.
For more details, see Apple’s announcement: iPhone 17e – budget smartphone.
Same old design, with one big difference
MagSafe is here, and so is the Clear Case with MagSafe.
Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
Apple sent me an iPhone 17e unit for review, and I was happily able to use my Apple Wallet and magnetic chargers with it. Apple also sent me a Clear Case with MagSafe. While it may not be my favorite case in terms of design, it was a relief to be able to charge the phone magnetically without removing the case.
I’m aware that people who buy a budget phone are perhaps less interested in splurging on additional accessories. But MagSafe is a simple, cool feature that also works with cheaper, third‑party accessories, and it doesn’t get in the way if you don’t care for it. I’m glad that Apple came to its senses and included it in the new iPhone 17e.
The ability to use MagSafe chargers and accessories is just about the only physical difference between the iPhone 17e and the 16e. The iPhone 17e looks exactly the same as its predecessor, with the only difference being the new color, Soft Pink. The unit Apple sent me was in this color, and I can tell you that it is a very nice—though indeed very soft—pink.
On the front, there’s still no Dynamic Island (see the rumor report); the Face ID sensors and the selfie camera are still hidden inside a notch at the top of the display. The dimensions have remained exactly the same (your old iPhone 16e case will work), and the weight is virtually unchanged (169 g for the new model vs. 167 g for the old one).
Mashable Light Speed
The display is still a 6.1‑inch OLED that maxes out at 60 Hz, and that’s very apparent if you switch from a 120 Hz phone; the transitions and animations aren’t nearly as smooth on the iPhone 17e.
The biggest upgrades are on the inside
The iPhone 17e silicone case (Bright Guava) can be attached to Apple’s Crossbody Strap.
Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
The biggest improvements on the iPhone 17e are inside the phone. It ships with Apple’s new A19 chip, which powers the latest AI‑driven features. The C1X modem replaces the older C1 modem, though the exact performance gains haven’t been fully disclosed.
Storage & pricing
- 256 GB base storage (up from 128 GB on the iPhone 16e)
- Starting price remains $599
- Optional 512 GB model for $799
Having the latest chip and a generous amount of storage means the iPhone 17e should stay relevant for four to five years. In fact, it’s very similar to the $799 iPhone 17, but the A19 in the 17e has one fewer GPU core, making it slightly less powerful for gaming.
If you don’t need the absolute flashiest device and just want something that gets the work done, the iPhone 17e is a very interesting choice.
What About the Camera?
The camera on the back has the same specs as the one on last year’s iPhone 16e, but it does have some improvements.
Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable
When I reviewed the iPhone 16e, I was pleased with its battery life and overall performance. However, after using the phone for several months, I was disappointed with the camera. The device has a single 48‑megapixel rear camera with specs very similar to those on the iPhone 16. It performed adequately in daylight, but night shots—or even photos taken in the relatively dim lighting of my living room—were underwhelming.
The bad news is that the iPhone 17e carries the exact same camera hardware as the iPhone 16e. Apple claims the new A19 chip will unlock better shots, and indeed some new features are present, such as next‑gen portraits with Focus and Depth Control. It’s still early to gauge the real‑world impact of these improvements.
On first glance, the camera feels a little better than before. I was able to capture decent images in fairly dark environments, but I’ll need more time to assess just how much it has improved.
Mashable’s Apple iPhone 17e review is coming soon. Want more tech reviews and news? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter.