iPhone 17e review

iPhone 17e is the entry point to Apple's current lineup. Apple's March 2026 release lists the A19 chip with a 4-core GPU, a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display behind Ceramic Shield 2, and a single 48MP Fusion camera with an optical-quality 2x Telephoto option. Storage starts at 256GB, and the phone keeps IP68 water and dust resistance, MagSafe and Qi2 charging up to 15W, and satellite features for Messages, Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance and Find My. Apple's C1X modem replaces the C1 from iPhone 16e. The cuts are visible next to iPhone 17: no ProMotion, no Always-On display, no Dynamic Island, no ultra wide camera and up to 26 hours of video playback against 30. Apple launched it at $599, but its store listed it from $699 when we checked. At $200 less than iPhone 17, it suits buyers who mainly message, browse and take casual photos.

Who it is for

iPhone buyers on a tighter budget

Price

From $699 at Apple at check (launched at $599).

Feature stacked. Value packed. From $699
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield 2
• A19 chip with a 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU
• 48MP Fusion camera with an optical-quality 2x Telephoto
• MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W
• 256GB or 512GB of storage, IP68, and Apple's C1X modem

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Cheapest current iPhone, with 256GB of storage as standard
• Strength: Satellite features for Messages, Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance and Find My
• Strength: Same A19 chip family as iPhone 17
• Weakness: No ProMotion, Always-On display or Dynamic Island
• Weakness: Single rear camera, with no ultra wide
• Weakness: Up to 26 hours of video playback, the lowest of the iPhones here

Key facts

• Price at check: From $699
• Display: 6.1-inch, no ProMotion
• Chip: Apple A19 (4-core GPU)
• Battery: Up to 26 hours video playback
• Storage: 256GB or 512GB

Where it ranks

iPhone 17e is No. 7 in our Best Smartphones verdict.