Apple has updated its entry-level model faster than expected. Just one year after the iPhone 16e, the iPhone 17e has already arrived. This isn't just a minor refresh, but a targeted upgrade in several key areas. The focus is on increased performance, an improved camera system, more durable materials, the introduction of MagSafe, and significantly larger storage capacity. Despite these improvements, the starting price remains unchanged.
When Apple replaced the long-standing iPhone SE with the iPhone 16e, the starting price rose from €529 to €699. At the same time, the base storage was doubled from 64 GB to 128 GB. With the iPhone 17e, the starting price remains at €699, but Apple has doubled the base storage once again and added several technical improvements.
The iPhone 17e continues to position itself as an entry-level model, but functionally it comes closer to the regular iPhone 17 series.
Increased performance thanks to the A19 chip and new C1X modem
The iPhone 16e used the A18 chip. The iPhone 17e now uses the newer A19 chip, which is technically identical to the processor in the iPhone 17. While both chips have a quad-core GPU, the GPU cores in the iPhone 17e are additionally equipped with Neural Accelerators. This enhancement improves AI-based tasks in particular and provides higher computing performance for everyday use.
There's also a change in the mobile network technology. The previous C1 modem is being replaced by the new C1X modem. Apple states that this is up to twice as fast as the C1 in the iPhone 16e. Despite this change, the other wireless standards remain the same. Support continues to include 5G in the sub-6 GHz range with 4x4 MIMO, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3.
The battery life remains unchanged. Apple promises up to 26 hours of video playback, just like its predecessor. The fast charging function also stays the same: with a 20W adapter or higher, a charge of up to 50 percent is possible in about 30 minutes, still via USB-C.
More advanced camera system with new portrait function
The iPhone 17e introduces an enhanced Portrait system. It supports next-generation portraits with focus and depth control. The key difference from the iPhone 16e is that the new model automatically recognizes people, dogs, and cats, and saves depth information.
This allows photos to be converted into portraits with background blur after the fact, directly in the Photos app. Additionally, the focus point in the image can be adjusted retrospectively. This feature significantly expands creative flexibility without visibly altering the basic camera configuration.
More robust front thanks to Ceramic Shield 2
The iPhone 17e is the first to use the new Ceramic Shield 2 front glass. According to Apple, it offers three times better scratch resistance compared to the glass of the iPhone 16e. Additionally, the anti-reflective coating has been improved to reduce glare.
The display size remains unchanged at 6.1 inches. The design with the classic notch, as seen on the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, also remains. Dynamic Island is still not included.
Visually, the two models differ only minimally. Both the iPhone 16e and the iPhone 17e feature a high-quality matte finish in black or white. The iPhone 17e is now also available in the color "Soft Pink." There is also only a slight change in weight: the iPhone 17e weighs 169 grams, while the iPhone 16e weighs 167 grams.
MagSafe returns and doubles the charging speed
One of the biggest criticisms of the iPhone 16e was the lack of MagSafe. The iPhone 17e now fully integrates this feature. This enables the use of magnetic accessories such as chargers, stands, wallets, or power banks.
At the same time, wireless charging speed doubles. While the iPhone 16e could only be charged wirelessly at 7.5 watts, the iPhone 17e reaches 15 watts when using a 20-watt adapter or more. Additionally, the new model supports Qi2, whereas the iPhone 16e only offered the conventional Qi standard.
Twice the base memory for the same price
The storage structure has changed significantly. The iPhone 16e was available in three variants: 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. The smaller 128 GB option has been completely dropped for the iPhone 17e. The new model starts directly with 256 GB for €699. The 512 GB version costs €949.
For comparison: The iPhone 16e was priced at €699 for the 256GB version and €1,079 for the 512GB version. This means the price for the larger storage options drops by €130, while the entry-level price remains unchanged.
Apple also points out that the 256GB of initial storage is four times that of the iPhone 12. For many users, this means significantly more space for apps, photos, and videos at no extra cost. However, 512GB remains the maximum storage option.
What remains unchanged?
Despite the clear improvements, several key aspects remain the same. The display size is still 6.1 inches, and the design still uses the classic notch instead of Dynamic Island. The wireless standards remain unchanged, with 5G (under 6 GHz), Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3. The maximum storage capacity also remains at 512 GB.
The battery life of up to 26 hours of video playback and the fast charging function, which can reach up to 50 percent in 30 minutes when using a 20W adapter or stronger, remain unchanged.
iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 16e: The key differences
The iPhone 17e is not a fundamental redesign, but rather a targeted evolution of the iPhone 16e. With the A19 chip including Neural Accelerators, the faster C1X modem, the enhanced Portrait system, the more robust Ceramic Shield 2, the integration of MagSafe, and double the base storage, it offers noticeable improvements at the same starting price.
Display size, battery life, wireless standards, and maximum storage capacity remain unchanged. Overall, however, the price-performance ratio is significantly improved. At the same time, the market value of the iPhone 16e is likely to drop by at least €100 while it remains available. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Apple / Apfelpatient)
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FAQ about the iPhone 17e: The most important questions and answers
The biggest difference lies in the combination of the A19 chip with Neural Accelerators, the new C1X modem, MagSafe support, and doubled base storage to 256 GB. At the same time, the starting price remains at €699.
The iPhone 17e starts at €699 with 256GB of storage. Alternatively, there's a 512GB version for €949. A 128GB variant is no longer offered; 512GB remains the maximum storage option.
Yes. The iPhone 17e uses the A19 chip, which is technically identical to the processor in the iPhone 17. Integrated Neural Accelerators in the GPU significantly improve AI performance. Additionally, according to Apple, the new C1X modem is up to twice as fast as the C1 in the iPhone 16e.
Yes. MagSafe is fully integrated into the iPhone 17e. This allows the use of magnetic chargers and accessories such as wallets or power banks. Additionally, the wireless charging speed doubles from 7.5 watts to 15 watts.
The iPhone 17e continues to support 5G at 6 GHz with 4×4 MIMO, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3. Despite the new modem, these standards remain unchanged.
The iPhone 17e supports next-generation portrait mode with focus and depth control. It automatically recognizes people, dogs, and cats and saves depth information, allowing portraits and the focus point to be adjusted after the fact.
No. The display size remains at 6.1 inches. The classic notch is also retained. A Dynamic Island is not integrated.
The iPhone 17e features Ceramic Shield 2. According to Apple, it offers three times better scratch resistance compared to the glass of the iPhone 16e, as well as an improved anti-reflective coating.
The battery life is the same as its predecessor. Apple states up to 26 hours of video playback. With a 20W adapter or more powerful, a charge of up to 50 percent is possible in about 30 minutes.
The iPhone 17e offers more power, MagSafe, faster wireless charging, and twice the base storage for the same price. Those who want to take advantage of these improvements get a more powerful overall package at no extra cost.
