iPhone 17e reviews praise improved budget pick that makes iPhone 17 look even better

Source: 9to5Mac

Overview

Apple’s new iPhone 17e hits stores on Wednesday, and reviews for the $599 model have arrived. Reviewers are praising the new Soft Pink color option, doubled storage capacity, and inclusion of MagSafe. However, the iPhone 17e’s compromises also make the standard iPhone 17 look even better for those who can afford it.

Key Upgrades

• Storage: Starts at 256 GB, double the base capacity of its predecessor.
• Chip: Apple’s A19, described as “plenty fast.”
• Color: New Soft Pink addition alongside Black and White.
• MagSafe: Adds magnetic charging and accessories.

Review Highlights

• Brian Tong (video): Calls the iPhone 17e a “solid upgrade” for iPhone SE and iPhone 11 users, especially thanks to the storage bump and MagSafe.
• TechRadar: Praises the Soft Pink color and the A19 chip, but notes the lack of an always‑on display and 120 Hz refresh rate as negatives.
• The Verge: Describes the device as “good, but you probably shouldn’t buy it” because the $200 price jump to the standard iPhone 17 is “well worth it.”
• CNET: Calls the iPhone 17e’s appeal “magnetic” thanks to MagSafe, framing the $200 compromise as acceptable for most people.
• Engadget: Summarises the iPhone 17e as “the economical choice,” an entry‑level smartphone that “checks the boxes for the basics.”

Comparison with Other Models

• iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 16e: Five key upgrades (see iPhone 17e vs iPhone 16e).
• iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 16: Evaluation of whether the newer chip is worth the older design (link).
• iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 17: Detailed differences (link).

The main point is that the iPhone 17 costs $200 more (or about $9 extra per month on a two‑year plan) and offers a long list of upgrades, including a Dynamic Island, higher refresh rate, and always‑on display.

Pricing and Availability

• iPhone 17e: $599 / £599 / AU$999, available for pre‑order now, with official release on Wednesday, March 11.
• Standard iPhone 17: Approximately $200 more than the 17e, offering premium features such as a Dynamic Island and 120 Hz display.

Accessories

Apple announced three new MagSafe‑compatible accessories for the iPhone 17e:

• iPhone 17e Silicone Case with MagSafe – $49
• iPhone 17e Clear Case with MagSafe – $49
• Beats iPhone 17e Case with MagSafe – $45

Additional Reviews

• The Telegraph
• MobileSyrup
• PCMag
• Tom’s Guide
• Wired

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