iPhone 17e review: Apple's high-end entry-level phone improves and becomes more appealing, as long as photography isn't too important.

They're taking the same formula and… improving what they can to avoid fundamentally changing the recipe. With the iPhone 16e last year, Apple modernized its old iPhone SE concept by aligning the model with its latest numbered lineup, removing some features in the process to focus on the essentials and lower the price.

The iPhone 17e is back again with the 17 series, launching on March 11th at the same price (€719), with the same look, but with some significant new features that make it appealing. A foundation that remains unchanged, but improves. First, some things haven't changed: the iPhone 17e is virtually indistinguishable from its predecessor. It retains the same 6.1-inch OLED screen size and is still locked at a 60Hz refresh rate (while the entire range has moved to up to 120Hz, and Android competitors have been offering 120Hz on smartphones for half the price for years). That said, the screen remains pleasant and well-calibrated, usable in all circumstances thanks to its brightness. It's a shame the iPhone 17e is sticking with the notch, considering what Dynamic Island brings to the table as a secondary interface (timer, app shortcuts, etc.), but at least it offers the enhanced security and smoother performance of Face ID. The iPhone 17e also retains the Action button on the left for activating shortcuts (photo, voice recorder, flashlight, etc.), but still lacks the Camera button on the right, a feature reserved for the high-end models. The device's design remains the same, made primarily from recycled materials, with the only minor difference being that it's now available in pink, in addition to the traditional black and white. This will be the only color variation of the year, with the smartphone's aluminum frame matching the new Powder Pink MacBook Neo. The overall design is nonetheless slightly more durable thanks to the Ceramic Shield 2 glass front. Regarding the camera, Apple sticks to its entry-level formula of a single 48MP sensor (and a selfie camera on the front). In 2026, this remains limited, despite the versatility of the Fusion camera. You'll have to forgo the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, although the 2x zoom, achieved by reducing the size of the main sensor, is undeniably effective. Improved Photography: Ultimately, Apple has focused its efforts on the software side to enhance image quality. The photos have very natural colors, fairly decent sharpness in daylight, and effective HDR. Exposure is well managed, even with different light sources. But above all, the iPhone 17e handles low-light photography quite well, even at night, especially when light sources are added. However, the photo may lack a bit of detail in certain circumstances, and the software processing tries to compensate without becoming artificial. The iPhone 17e is a good photography companion for budding photographers or those who want to capture moments with friends and family, rather than for those seeking high-end photography, which its hardware limitations don't allow. Note that Portrait mode has been improved. The iPhone 17e can differentiate between subjects (person, animal, object) and you can adjust the focus after taking a picture. While the basic design remains the same and the feel in hand is identical to that of a less bulky and lighter smartphone, the iPhone 17e also brings its share of new features. There's obviously the updated chip (A19) which gives it significant power and allows for performance in all categories, more than sufficient for the target user base who want to be able to do everything without unnecessary demands.For browsing, streaming, even demanding mobile gaming (ray tracing compatibility for more visually appealing games), or for Apple Intelligence features, the newest addition to the lineup can handle everything flawlessly. Nothing can stop it. Compared to the iPhone 16e, it will do everything faster, a little more efficiently, with the addition of features like Emergency SOS or Satellite Messages (coming soon).

Magsafe finally for better charging

Another change that isn't visible, but will be important: Apple is finally correcting an anomaly in its lineup, which was the absence of Magsafe technology. This technology allows the wireless charger to be magnetically attached (now Qi2 compatible up to 15W), but more importantly, it allows the use of a plethora of compatible accessories previously reserved for other Apple smartphones (except the iPhone 16e), such as the Apple Card Holder, the Apple Wireless Charger, etc. You'll charge faster and better, without the risk of misaligning the iPhone, which is a real plus. You'll also connect to 5G faster and better. Last year's iPhone 16e featured Apple's first C1 modem. Its successor inherits the newer version, the C1X chip, which is faster and more efficient, like the iPhone Air. Our iPhone 17e sometimes connected to 5G better than our usual iPhone 17 Pro in certain areas. This also has an impact on battery life, which is almost identical to the previous model, but which generally seemed slightly better (more than a day). More storage, more power at the same price. At the same price, the iPhone 17e doesn't seem like a replacement for your iPhone 16e. They still have so much in common that switching isn't necessary. On the other hand, if you were hesitating between the two models, one argument of the newcomer might tip the scales in its favor: for the same price, it offers double the starting storage capacity (256 GB versus 128 GB). Unless you find the iPhone 16e at a very attractive price, if this is your first iPhone or a long-standing upgrade (iPhone 11), the iPhone 17e is an excellent choice for those who want an iPhone that focuses on the essentials (power, design, ease of use, AI…), as long as you're not demanding when it comes to photography, where it simply delivers the bare minimum, but with good quality. A well-balanced model and a sensible choice if you don't want to break the bank on a high-end phone that offers too much for your needs.

iPhone 17e: available March 11 in black, white, or pink, starting at €719.