Following the initial launch of the Apple iPhone 17 series phones, including the top-of-the-line iPhone 17 Pro that I reviewed, Apple has introduced its pared down, more affordable iPhone 17e.
This value device (relative to Apple pricing, of course), boasts the latest-generation A19 chip, the latest generation C1X cellular modem designed by Apple, large screen, durable design, and advanced cameras.
It comes with a 48MP Fusion camera that can capture both photos and 4K Dolby Vision video. It also enables an optical quality 2x telephoto. Equipped with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display that features Ceramic Shield 2, you get three times better scratch resistance than the previous generation and reduced glare. It alos boasts up to 1,200 nits peak HDR brightness. With MagSafe, you can enjoy fast wireless charging and access to wireless accessories like chargers and cases. When outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, Apple’s satellite features like Emergency SOS, Messages, and Find My via satellite help you stay connected.
Along with features like Face ID, you get the Action button to access favourite features like the flashlight, visual intelligence, and more. With Apple Intelligence features, you can do most everything you’re able to do with the other devices in the series.
iPhone 17e delivers all-day battery life and fast wired charging using USB-C, able to charge up to 50 percent in around 30 minutes. It supports MagSafe and Qi2 for fast wireless charging up to 15W compared to 7.5W Qi wireless charging on iPhone 16e. MagSafe chargers, stands, cases, wallets, camera accessories, and more snap easily to the back of iPhone 17e.
The 48MP Fusion camera enables optical quality two-times telephoto, giving you two cameras in one to get closer to the subject and easily frame a shot. Capture photos at up to 48MP resolution, or in the 24MP default for smaller file sizes. Portrait mode improves thanks to an advanced image pipeline, delivering natural depth and smooth bokeh that blurs the background while keeping subjects sharp, says Apple. The iPhone 17e recognizes people, dogs, and cats, and automatically saves depth information. The latest generation of HDR captures subjects with true-to-life renderings of skin tones and ensures bright highlights, rich midtones, and deep shadows across the image while preserving fine details.
Record videos 4K with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps and in Spatial Audio for immersive listening with AirPods or Apple Vision Pro. With wind noise reduction, powerful machine learning algorithms automatically reduce unwanted noise for better audio quality.
iPhone 17e comes with iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence, the new Liquid Glass design, Visual intelligence, Call Screening, Hold Assist, and more.
What’s different compared to the iPhone 17? The iPhone 17e has a smaller screen with a single versus dual cameras. It taps out at 60Hz refresh rate and 1,200 nits brightness versus 120Hz ProMotion and 3,000 nits. Screen resolution is also slightly lower. You get Ceramic Shield versus Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 and it’s missing the ambient light and proximity sensors. The front camera sensor is also smaller at 12MP versus the 18MP Center Stage camera in the iPhone 17. Wireless charging is also slower at 15W versus 25W.
The Apple iPhone 17e will be available in Black, White, and Soft Pink in 256GB and 512GB storage capacities, starting at $899 in Canada. With Apple Trade In, you can get up to $155 in credit when trading in iPhone 11, or up to $300 in credit when trading in iPhone 13. The The iPhone 17e will be available for pre-order beginning Wednesday, March 4, with availability starting Wednesday, March 11.
An iPhone 17e Silicone Case with MagSafe will be available in Black, Anchor Blue, Light Moss, Vanilla, Bright Guava, and Soft Pink for $69 and is compatible with the Crossbody Strap. iPhone 17e Clear Case with MagSafe will also be available for $69.
Customers who purchase iPhone 17e may receive three free months of Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV with a new subscription. Offer and services availability varies by region.