I’ll be the first to admit that I was harsh on the iPhone 16e last year, especially as a longtime fan of the iPhone SE series. That’s why I noted in my iPhone 17e review how thrilled I was that Apple finally released a worthier successor.
In today’s market, the best cheap phones require more than just an attractive price tag to prove they’re worth buying — and after spending over a week testing it, the iPhone 17e has more than proven its value. Whether you’re looking to stay in the Apple ecosystem or upgrading from a much older model, the iPhone 17e remains a logical choice.
Here’s what I really think about Apple’s new budget phone now that I’ve spent more time with it.
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MagSafe support was long overdue
Honestly, it’s crazy how much I rely on MagSafe nowadays — so much so that I’d gladly sacrifice a bit of battery life to have native magnetic wireless charging. While an easy fix for most phones is to buy any of the best iPhone 17e cases with a magnetic connection, it’s simply more convenient to have it built-in without any additional spending.
Now that Apple has finally brought MagSafe support to the iPhone 17e, I can use all of my favorite accessories with it. I’m not just referring to the 3-in-1 MagSafe chargers or battery packs I frequently test — I’m talking about niche essentials like my MagSafe Wallet and other peripherals like my Satechi USB-C hub.
Satisfying gaming performance
Powered by the same A19 chip as the more expensive iPhone 17, the 17e feels super snappy. This is a big deal for me, as it easily handles games like Diablo Immortal without any performance issues. While the benchmark scores I ran prove it’s more than capable of running graphically intensive titles, seeing it in action is what really matters.
While the device would certainly benefit from a 120Hz refresh rate, the iPhone 17e’s 6.1-inch OLED display still makes every enemy encounter look stunning. The A19 chip effortlessly manages complex environmental lighting and accurate reflections that typically strain other budget phones. I’ve tried playing Diablo Immortal on handsets like the Moto G Play (2026), and the experience simply doesn’t compare.
A camera that just works
I’m still critical of Apple’s decision to stick with a single camera, but hear me out: it might be enough for what most people actually need. Above all, a phone needs a reliable main sensor, and the iPhone 17e certainly doesn’t disappoint — even though the hardware is practically identical to the previous model.
The single 48MP camera might not match the utility of budget phones with dual-camera systems, but the images it captures are excellent. I’m talking about landscapes with sharp detail and definition, along with portrait photos that better replicate the soft, natural look of traditional glass. Even in low light, it continues to outshine rivals like the Pixel 10a. In fact, Apple’s device proved more than capable in my iPhone 17e vs. Pixel 10a face-off.
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Bottom Line
I didn’t think I was going to like the iPhone 17e, especially given how close it is in price to the iPhone 17, but it has grown on me. I still favor the latter as the better value, particularly since it offers upgrades the 17e lacks — like a 120Hz refresh rate, longer battery life, and that secondary rear camera.
Nevertheless, it’s important to consider the target audience. This phone certainly isn’t for someone coming from a flagship or even last year’s iPhone 16e. Instead, the iPhone 17e best serves those rocking older models who want a modern experience without spending a fortune on a new iPhone.
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