The new iPhone 17e, here’s what you need to know!

Apple has released another new “affordable” iPhone: the iPhone 17e. And as you might suspect, that lowercase “e” really just means it’s the simpler version of the iPhone 17. No extreme camera setups, no overdose of new features, just a modern iPhone that is simply good enough for most people.

The iPhone 17th succeeds the iPhone 16th, and Apple is trying to portray this device as a powerful but accessible iPhone. Yet here again you see the familiar Apple strategy: some nice upgrades, some deliberate limitations and just enough difference from the more expensive models to make you hesitate.

In this blog, we explain exactly what the iPhone 17th is, what’s new and whether this device is actually a smart choice.

In this blog, we discuss:

• What are the specifications and features of the iPhone 17e?
• Camera and other features of the iPhone 17e
• Is the iPhone 17e a good choice for me?
• How durable is the iPhone 17th really?
• Software updates and lifespan of the iPhone 17e
• Where can I buy and sell a refurbished iPhone?

What are the specifications and features of the iPhone 17e?

Speed and performance

Although the iPhone 17e is the entry-level model of the iPhone 17 series, that does not mean it is slow. Apple has equipped the device with a new chip, the A19. That may sound technical, but in practice it mainly means that your phone is responsive. Apps open smoothly, photos load quickly and even using multiple apps at once goes without a hitch. In addition, the iPhone 17e has 8 GB of working memory. That helps your phone do multiple tasks at once without everything starting to lag. You especially notice this when you quickly switch between apps.

Display

The iPhone 17e has a 6.1-inch OLED screen. This ensures sharp text, beautiful colors and a clear image when you watch videos or scroll through your photos. The screen has a refresh rate of 60Hz. That simply means that the screen refreshes 60 times per second. For normal use, that’s totally fine. The more expensive iPhones do it 120 times per second, which makes scrolling feel a little smoother. Many people, by the way, don’t notice that difference until someone points it out to them.

Another thing missing is Dynamic Island. That is the cutout at the top of the screen where notifications, music and other apps move visually around it. On the more expensive iPhones, you’ll see timers, navigation or music controls appear there, for example. Without Dynamic Island, the top of the screen remains just … a piece of screen with a camera in it. Simple, but functional.

Camera and other features of the iPhone 17e

The iPhone 17e has a single rear camera with a 48 megapixel sensor. That means the camera can capture a lot of detail. In practice, this ensures sharp pictures and good performance in normal daylight. What is missing are additional lenses. So you don’t get an ultrawide camera for very wide shots and no separate zoom lens. This makes the iPhone 17e a little less flexible for people who like to experiment a lot with photography.

For most people, this is not a big problem. If you just want to take a quick, good picture of a moment, this camera does exactly what you expect.

Furthermore, Apple has added a number of features that make the device more modern. For example, the iPhone 17e once again supports MagSafe. That means there are magnets in the back of the phone that allow chargers and accessories to automatically snap into place. That makes wireless charging a lot easier. It also has Face ID to unlock your phone with your face, a USB-C connection for charging and data and the familiar action button that allows you to quickly open the camera or flashlight, for example.

Is the iPhone 17e a good choice for me?

The iPhone 17e is mainly for people who want a fast and reliable iPhone without immediately buying the most expensive model. You get a modern device that works smoothly, takes good pictures and probably gets updates for years. At the same time, it is good to take a moment to consider the price difference with the regular iPhone 17. That difference is big enough to be interesting, but often also small enough to make you doubt whether you wouldn’t be better off spending just a little more for additional features.

Above all, if you’re looking for a phone that just works well and isn’t full of features you never use anyway, the iPhone 17e is a great choice!

How durable is the iPhone 17th really?

In recent years, Apple has been increasingly emphasizing that their products are becoming more sustainable. The iPhone 17e, for example, contains recycled materials and manufacturing is said to emit less CO₂ than previous generations.

These are good steps, but it is still important to remain realistic. Apple is and always will be a company that makes money by selling new devices. Therefore, the most durable smartphone is often not the newest one, but the one you will continue to use for as long as possible. Repairing a device, replacing a battery or buying a refurbished iPhone can therefore often be a more sustainable choice than buying a new phone every year.

Software updates and longevity

A major advantage of iPhones is that Apple continues to provide software updates for a relatively long time. It usually involves about five to six years of new iOS versions and security updates. That means the iPhone 17e will remain supported for years to come. Thanks to its powerful chip, the device can still handle future updates well. At least if Apple stops getting involved in update scandals like batterygate of course.

Still, after a few years, the battery will usually wear out first. Fortunately, that is also exactly the part that can be replaced relatively easily.

Want to know how to get the most out of your iPhone 17th battery? Then read; Improve your iPhone battery, here’s how to do it!