Apple has just launched iPhone 17e, the latest member of the iPhone 17 family. Here’s what’s the same and different between the iPhone 17e and the iPhone 17.
iPhone 17e and iPhone 17: Features that are the same
The iPhone 17e and iPhone 17 have several features in common, including:
- Both have A19 chipApple’s latest-generation processor—though the iPhone 17e has one less GPU core
- Both have Ceramic shield 2 on their screen for the best scratch resistance on the iPhone
- Maintaining the base is 256 GB in both models
- MagSafe is included in both
But that’s where the similarities mostly end.
The iPhone 17e has the same basic chip as the iPhone 17 minus a single GPU core, so performance-wise it should be about the same.
Otherwise, it’s a very different model. And two of the biggest changes involve cameras and displays.
Biggest Differences iPhone 17e and iPhone 17: Cameras and Displays
When it comes to the differences between the iPhone 17e and the iPhone 17, the most important ones fall into two buckets:
For cameras, the iPhone 17 has a center stage 18MP camera that lets you take selfies with frames that automatically adjust no matter how you hold your iPhone.
Despite rumors that this feature would come to the iPhone 17e, it turned out not to be the case. The iPhone 17e has the same 12 MP TrueDepth camera that was standard on many previous iPhone models.
And on the back of the device, the iPhone 17e only has a single rear camera versus two on the iPhone 17—no Ultra Wide lens.
The iPhone 17e’s 48 MP Fusion primary camera is comparable in many respects to that of the iPhone 17, but with some drawbacks. For example, its optical image stabilization feature isn’t that advanced and it doesn’t support the latest generation of photo styles.
If you’re interested in the iPhone 17’s Dual Capture feature, it’s also missing from the iPhone 17e.
The screen is another big area of disparity.
The iPhone 17e doesn’t offer the 120Hz ProMotion support with the Always-On display that the iPhone 17 has. It also has a slightly smaller display at 6.1 inches versus the iPhone 17’s 6.3 inches.
The notch on the iPhone 17e also means it’s the only modern iPhone without a dynamic island. The iPhone 17’s Dynamic Island gives it a more premium look.
The iPhone 17’s display also gets brighter than the iPhone 17e’s by about 25%.
Are these big differences after all? It depends on your priorities. But there are even more feature differences in the iPhone 17e worth noting.
iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17: What else is missing or different?
Some of the various differences between the iPhone 17e and the iPhone 17 include the following:
- The battery: iPhone 17e has 26 hours of video playback compared to 30 hours on iPhone 17
- cell: The iPhone 17e uses Apple’s internal C1X modem, while the iPhone 17 has a Qualcomm modem
- Wireless: The iPhone 17e lacks the new N1 wireless chip that the iPhone 17 has
- bUTTONS: The iPhone 17 camera control button is not included in the iPhone 17e
- uploading: The iPhone 17 has slightly faster fast charging capabilities compared to the iPhone 17e
- Colors: iPhone 17e comes in soft pink, black and white; iPhone 17 comes in Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, Black and White colors
Prices is the big difference: the iPhone 17e starts at $599, while the iPhone 17 is $799.
The iPhone 17e has some nice changes compared to last year’s iPhone 16e, notably the addition of MagSafe and the C1X modem. But otherwise, the iPhone 17 is so strong that it’s hard for Apple’s budget model to stack up.
My recommendation: if you can find a way to splurge and buy the iPhone 17 over the iPhone 17e, I think you’ll get your money’s worth.
Interested in buying the iPhone 17e? What motivates your decision? Tell us in the comments.
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