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iPhone 17E Debuts: Big Upgrades, But Is It Worth It?
25 Mar
Summary
- iPhone 17E offers 256GB storage and MagSafe for $599.
- iPhone 16 retains advantages in display brightness and camera versatility.
- iPhone 17E is recommended for those upgrading from iPhone 14 or older.
Apple has launched the iPhone 17E, incorporating several premium features previously exclusive to its more expensive models. This new $599 device now starts with 256GB of storage and includes MagSafe technology. It also features an A19 chip with a four-core GPU and a 48-megapixel camera, improvements over its predecessor, the iPhone 16E.
Despite these enhancements, the iPhone 16, released in 2025, maintains an edge. It offers a brighter OLED screen with higher peak brightness levels and slimmer bezels for a more immersive viewing experience. Furthermore, the iPhone 16's camera system is more versatile, featuring sensor-shift optical image stabilization and an additional ultrawide lens, alongside support for Macro, Cinematic, and Action modes.
The iPhone 17E presents a compelling upgrade for users of older iPhones, such as the iPhone 14, offering a stronger Ceramic Shield 2 front, a USB-C port, and a performance boost with its A19 chip. Apple claims up to 6 hours more video playback than the iPhone 14. However, for those considering an upgrade from the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16, the $799 iPhone 17 is recommended to avoid losing camera versatility and gain features like a 120Hz display.
