Main points
- The iPhone 17e has doubled the amount of base memory to 256 GB and the new Apple A19 chip with improved performance and support for artificial intelligence.
- The smartphone has improved durability thanks to the new Ceramic Shield 2 glass, MagSafe support, twice as fast wireless charging, and updated software processing for the camera.
iPhone 16e / Collage of Channel 24/Apple
Apple has updated its cheapest smartphone model a year after the release of the previous generation. The new iPhone 17e appeared on the market as a direct response to criticism and user requests, offering significant improvements in those areas where the previous model seemed to compromise. Despite significant internal changes, the device externally retained many of the familiar features of its predecessor.
What improvements did the iPhone 17e receive?
One of the most important changes in the iPhone 17e was the transition to a doubled amount of base memory. If earlier the starting model of the iPhone 16e offered only 128 gigabytes, now users get 256 gigabytes for the same starting price of $ 599. This significantly increases the value of the device, because the cost of the 512 gigabyte version has also decreased from $ 899 to $ 799. Such a move makes the new product a serious competitor for many mid-range Android smartphones, writes 24 Channel .
The device's performance has been boosted by the use of the latest Apple A19 chip, manufactured using a 3-nanometer process, as Apple notes on the device's page. This is the same processor installed in the more expensive iPhone 17, although in the “e” version it has a 4-core graphics processor instead of a 5-core one. The iPhone 16e is equipped with the Apple A18 chip.
An important feature of the A19 in the iPhone 17e is the presence of special neural accelerators in the GPU cores, which ensures better performance of artificial intelligence functions.
In addition, the smartphone received a new C1X modem, which, according to the manufacturer, works twice as fast as the original C1 modem installed in the previous model.
iPhone 17e received one new color / Photo Apple
Screen
The iPhone 17e's display remains 6.1 inches diagonally and is made using OLED technology. It still only supports a refresh rate of 60 Hz and has a notch at the top of the screen instead of the modern Dynamic Island, notes 9to5mac.
Typical brightness is 800 nits, and peak brightness reaches 1200 nits, which may seem insufficient when used in direct sunlight, considering that some modern flagships offer around 3000 nits of brightness.
However, durability has been significantly improved: the new Ceramic Shield 2 glass is three times more scratch-resistant than the first generation and has an improved anti-glare coating. This will allow many users to do without additional protective films or glass.
Battery and charging
One of the major missing features of its predecessor – MagSafe support – has finally been fixed. The iPhone 17e now features a magnetic ring on the back, allowing for the use of a wide range of accessories, from holders and wallets to external batteries.
At the same time, the wireless charging speed has doubled – from 7.5 watts to 15 watts. The smartphone also received support for the Qi2 standard. At the same time, the battery with a capacity of 4005 mAh provides up to 26 hours of video playback, which is identical to the previous model, which had 3961 mAh.
Cell
The iPhone 17e camera remains single with a resolution of 48 megapixels and an aperture of f/1.6, writes PhoneArena.
Despite the lack of additional lenses, the software processing has been improved. Now the next-generation portrait mode with focus and depth control works not only for people, but also for pets – dogs and cats. The device automatically saves information about the depth of field, allowing you to change the focus point after taking a picture in the Photos app.
The 12-megapixel selfie camera remained unchanged and, unfortunately, did not receive support for the Center Stage feature, which is available in more expensive models.
iPhone 16e / Photo Apple
Design
Visually, the iPhone 17e is almost identical to the iPhone 16e, as you can see on the latter's own page. The smartphone has an aluminum frame, a glass back panel with a matte finish, and IP68 water protection. The dimensions remain unchanged: 146.7 by 71.5 millimeters with a thickness of 7.8 millimeters.
The weight of the device has only slightly increased – to 169 grams versus 167 grams for its predecessor.
In addition to the classic black and white colors, the iPhone 16e has a new option – soft pink.