Apple iPhone 17e review: Big upgrade for a | Tech News

It’s been a stellar few months for the iPhone. Back in September final yr, Apple launched its new iPhone 17 model, which is straightforward to suggest due to an improved ProMovement screen, additional storage and an spectacular A19 chip that breezes via duties like a scorching knife in butter. A new, ludicrously skinny iPhone Air and an eye-catching 17 Pro – with standout Cosmic Orange design – additionally grabbed headlines and created one of the best Apple lineups we’ve seen in a whereas.

Now the US firm is back with an extra replace to its iPhone, and it’s one other belter.

I’ve been testing out the iPhone 17e because it was unveiled earlier in March, and it fixes many of the gripes I had with its iPhone 16e predecessor, which arrived final February.

For a fairly cheap price of £599, you now get a telephone with a sooner and more succesful A19 processor,, a vibrant 6.1-inch screen with more sturdy Ceramic Shield Glass 2 and double the storage – meaning there’s a beneficiant 256GB as normal.

Perhaps the factor that’s happy me most is the inclusion of MagSafe technology, which is now constructed into the iPhone 17e.

It was a unusual omission from the 16e, and it’s good to see it function on this new machine. With MagSafe inside, the 17e just isn’t solely more handy to charge wirelessly, but additionally allows you to snap equipment, equivalent to wallets, to the rear of the case.

MagSafe is one thing I exploit each single day, and it by no means made any sense that Apple left it off the 16e.

Another increase inside the 17e is the inclusion of Apple’s newest C1X modem, which makes cell obtain speeds round twice as fast while utilizing much less energy. That’s excellent news when streaming films and downloading recordsdata away from fixed-line Wi-Fi.

Just just like the 16e, the iPhone 17e can ship textual content messages when you have got no signal through space satellite tv for pc connectivity, and it contains life-saving Crash Detection, which calls emergency providers after an accident.

On the rear case, there’s a single Fusion digital camera that snaps first rate images and even affords extras equivalent to 2X zoom, portrait mode and low mild settings.

If video is what you’re looking for, then the 17e data in full 4K and affords extras equivalent to Spatial Audio – to make issues sound more immersive – auto Noise Reduction, and Apple’s intelligent Audio Mix operate for a more Hollywood really feel to your home films.

This digital camera can’t match the would possibly of the iPhone 17 Pro, however, as you possibly can see from my take a look at photographs beneath, it nonetheless snaps first rate Instagram-ready photographs with loads of color and element.

It’s additionally good to see the customisable Action Button back, letting you entry options just like the torch and digital camera or switching on settings equivalent to Focus or Silent modes with out digging into countless menus.

Although the 17e misses out on Apple’s Dynamic Island technology, Face ID is tucked inside the traditional notch on the prime of the screen, which helps you to unlock issues rapidly and securely, and you may make contactless Apple Pay funds with out a password.

Battery life is first rate, with it simply lasting a day plus there’s fairly fast charging ought to it run low on energy.

Despite the decrease price, it will get Apple’s traditional premium really feel due to lashings of aerospace-grade aluminium and frosted glass.

There’s clearly loads to love concerning the iPhone 17e, however a few issues are lacking.

It solely will get a 60Hz show, which isn’t as slick to make use of because the screen now discovered on the iPhone 17.

Although the only digital camera is nice, there’s no wide-angle option, zoom is restricted to only 2X “optical quality”, and also you received’t discover a devoted shutter button on the facet of the machine.

Apple has added a tender pink shade this yr, however in order for you additional color choices, you’ll need to spend more and buy the £799 iPhone 17.

It’s price noting that the earlier 16e is now £100 much less than when it launched, which implies you possibly can grab one for £499.

I personally don’t suppose it’s price shopping for that older call maker – even at that discounted price – because it’s lacking these substantial upgrades now discovered on the iPhone 17e.

Of course, £599 for a telephone nonetheless isn’t that low-cost, and a few Android followers will boast their units function related (and even higher) options at a decrease price.

For instance, Nothing’s new Phone 4a will get triple cameras, a fast Snapdragon chip, fast charging and a vibrant 6.7-inch screen for simply £349.

That stated, Apple units have a tendency to carry their worth higher and can at all times command a larger price when traded in for one thing new.

I’d nonetheless suggest the iPhone 17 over the 17e, because it’s the best non-Pro smartphone Apple has ever made.

However, in case your price range merely received’t stretch that far, then the 17e is now a stable alternative.

It’s fast, will get MagSafe technology, more storage, first rate battery life and a harder design that ought to final years in your pocket.

Apple’s iPhone lineup is now even higher, and followers have some very powerful selections to make when strolling into the firm’s well-known shops.