Apple has introduced the second iteration of its budget “e”-series iPhone: the iPhone 17e. While the inaugural iPhone 16e — which replaced the SE line — faced criticism for coming at a significantly higher price point than the SE and still having shortfalls, Apple is being lauded for making notable enhancements in the current-generation budget iPhone. These not only make the iPhone 17e more powerful and capable but also offer more value to users at the same or similar — in some markets — price point.
For instance, the iPhone 17e starts at $599 in the U.S. for the 256GB model, matching the iPhone 16e. Apple has largely avoided price increases in most regions around the globe. For the same price point, here are seven upgrades in the iPhone 17e.
1. A19 Processor
The iPhone 17e is powered by the latest-generation A19 chipset, aligning its performance with the standard iPhone 17. The A19 features a CPU with two performance cores and four efficiency cores, plus a four-core GPU — one fewer than the iPhone 17's five-core GPU. However, enhanced neural accelerators on each GPU core deliver a boost for machine learning and AI tasks.
2. Telephoto Capabilities In Camera
The camera retains the 48MP Fusion sensor from the iPhone 16e but now adds optical-quality 2x telephoto capabilities using the same lens, moving beyond mere digital zoom for better zoomed-in pictures.
3. MagSafe Support
MagSafe support has been added, a notable omission in the iPhone 16e, allowing compatibility with the same fast chargers and magnetic accessories as the rest of Apple's current lineup.
4. Faster Wireless Charging
Wireless charging is faster thanks to Qi2 compatibility, enabling up to 15W speeds compared to the 7.5W Qi limit on the iPhone 16e.
5. Double The Storage
Base storage has doubled to 256GB at the entry price in most markets, with a 512GB option available for users needing extra capacity. This eliminates the need to pay more for what was previously the mid-tier storage.
6. Better Scratch Resistance
The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display now features Ceramic Shield 2, providing three times better scratch resistance than the previous version.
7. C1X Cellular Modem
Finally, Apple has equipped the iPhone 17e with its latest C1X cellular modem, which is up to twice as fast as the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e. As per Apple, it matches speeds seen in models like the iPhone Air and offers improved energy efficiency as well.
Also Read: Apple iPhone 17e Price In US, UK, India, Canda, Europe, Australia
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
