Comparative Review of iPhone 17e and iPhone 17: Major Distinctions Clarified

Comparative Review of iPhone 17e and iPhone 17: Major Distinctions Clarified

4 Min Read


Apple has recently introduced the iPhone 17e, the newest addition to the iPhone 17 lineup. Here’s a comparison of what is similar and what differs between the iPhone 17e and the iPhone 17.

## iPhone 17e and iPhone 17: Shared Features

The iPhone 17e and iPhone 17 share several features, such as:

– Both are equipped with the **A19 chip**, Apple’s most recent processor—though the iPhone 17e has one fewer GPU core.
– Each features **Ceramic Shield 2** on the display for superior scratch resistance in iPhones.
– The base storage is **256GB** in both variants.
– **MagSafe** technology is present in both models.

However, this is where the similarities largely conclude. The iPhone 17e utilizes the same fundamental chip as the iPhone 17, minus one GPU core, suggesting comparable performance levels.

Otherwise, it is quite a distinct model. Notably, two of the primary differences are regarding the cameras and displays.

## Main Differences between iPhone 17e and iPhone 17: Cameras and Displays

The key distinctions between the iPhone 17e and iPhone 17 primarily relate to:

– Cameras
– Displays

Regarding cameras, the iPhone 17 boasts an 18MP Center Stage camera that enables selfies with auto-adjusting frames regardless of how the iPhone is held. Despite speculation that this feature would be included in the iPhone 17e, that turned out to be inaccurate. The iPhone 17e maintains the standard 12MP TrueDepth camera seen in several past iPhone models.

On the rear, the iPhone 17e features only one rear camera compared to two on the iPhone 17—lacking an Ultra Wide lens. The 48MP Fusion Main camera of the iPhone 17e is similar in various ways to that of the iPhone 17 but presents some limitations. For instance, its optical image stabilization isn’t as sophisticated, and it doesn’t support the latest Photographic Styles. Additionally, the Dual Capture feature present in the iPhone 17 is absent in the iPhone 17e.

The display represents another significant area of contrast. The iPhone 17e doesn’t support the 120Hz ProMotion with Always-On display found in the iPhone 17. It also has a slightly smaller screen at 6.1 inches compared to 6.3 inches on the iPhone 17. The notch on the iPhone 17e signifies it is the only current iPhone devoid of a Dynamic Island. The Dynamic Island feature on the iPhone 17 lends it a more upscale appearance. Furthermore, the iPhone 17’s display can achieve brightness levels approximately 25% greater than those of the iPhone 17e.

Are these considerable differences? That depends on individual priorities. However, there are additional feature variations in the iPhone 17e that are noteworthy.

## iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17: Additional Differences and Omissions

Some additional differences between the iPhone 17e and iPhone 17 are as follows:

– **Battery**: The iPhone 17e provides 26 hours of video playback while the iPhone 17 offers 30 hours.
– **Cellular**: The iPhone 17e is equipped with Apple’s proprietary C1X modem, whereas the iPhone 17 uses a Qualcomm modem.
– **Wireless**: The iPhone 17e does not include the new N1 wireless chip that is present in the iPhone 17.
– **Buttons**: The Camera Control button found on the iPhone 17 is absent on the iPhone 17e.
– **Charging**: The iPhone 17 provides slightly faster fast charging capabilities compared to the iPhone 17e.
– **Colors**: The iPhone 17e is available in Soft Pink, Black, and White, while the iPhone 17 is offered in Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, Black, and White.

**Pricing** stands out as a significant difference: the iPhone 17e starts at $599, in contrast to the iPhone 17 priced at $799.

The iPhone 17e introduces some favorable upgrades from last year’s iPhone 16e, particularly with the inclusion of MagSafe and the C1X modem. However, the iPhone 17 is so compelling that it proves challenging for Apple’s more affordable model to compete.

My suggestion: if feasible, consider splurging on the iPhone 17 instead of the iPhone 17e, as it likely offers better value for your investment.

You might also like