Apple’s iPhone 17e Brings MagSafe and Enhanced Performance to the Budget Market

Apple has launched the iPhone 17e, priced at $599, aiming to compete with the Google Pixel 10a and offering a compelling blend of flagship features at a more accessible price point. The iPhone 17e introduces MagSafe and 15W Qi2 wireless charging, alongside significant internal upgrades, whereas maintaining a budget-friendly approach.

MagSafe and Qi2 Wireless Charging Finally Arrive

A key addition to the iPhone 17e is the inclusion of MagSafe technology, enabling magnetic attachment for chargers and accessories. This feature, first introduced on the iPhone 12 in 2020 and standardized within the Qi2 specification in 2023, allows for up to 15W wireless charging – double the 7.5W offered on the iPhone 16e. The first Android phone with magnetic Qi2 support, the HMD Skyline, debuted in 2024, and Google followed suit with the Pixel 10 series.

Performance Boost with the A19 Chip

The iPhone 17e is powered by the recent 3nm Apple A19 SoC, a step up from the A18 SoC found in the iPhone 16e. The modem has also been upgraded to the C1X, offering twice the speed of its predecessor. This processor delivers enhanced performance, capable of handling demanding applications and AI tasks, aided by integrated neural accelerators.

Storage and Battery Life Improvements

Apple has doubled the base storage of the iPhone 17e to 256GB, matching the Pixel 10a in storage capacity, though the Pixel remains slightly more affordable at $499. The iPhone 17e also boasts excellent battery life, further enhanced by Apple’s efficient 5G modem.

Display and Design Considerations

Despite the upgrades, the iPhone 17e retains a 6.1-inch notched display with a 60Hz refresh rate. It does feature Ceramic Shield 2 and an anti-reflection coating for improved durability and visibility. The absence of features like the Dynamic Island and an always-on display are concessions made to maintain the lower price point.

Key Specifications

• Dimensions and Weight: 147 × 72 × 7.8 mm, 170 g
• Display: 6.1″, capacitive OLED, 1170 × 2532, 457 PPI
• Networks: 2G, 4G, 5G
• Connectivity: USB Type-C, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS
• Memory: 256 GB, 8 GB RAM
• Battery: Capacity not specified
• Processor: Apple A19 (6x Tupai P, 4.0 GHz, 3nm)
• Operating System: Apple iOS 26
• Camera: 48MPx, video (3840 × 2160), autofocus

Availability

The iPhone 17e is available for preorder now and will be available in stores on March 11. It comes in soft pink, black, and white color options.

Sources:

MakeUseOf, Android Authority, CNET