iPhone 17e Reviews: Why This Is Apple’s Most Practical Upgrade in Years

Besides lifting the review embargo for the new M4 iPad Air today, Apple also pushed testers to publish its iPhone 17e reviews as well.

Early hand-picked media testers are saying Apple’s ‘budget’ iPhone is finally losing the compromises that made previous versions hard to recommend. While it still looks like a blast from the past with its classic notch and single rear camera (in 2026!), the internal upgrades are making it a serious contender for a value iPhone.

Check out the iPhone 17e reviews roundup below:

• CNET: My iPhone 17E Review in Progress: The Appeal Is Magnetic (and Pink)
• Engadget: iPhone 17e review: The economical choice
• TechRadar: I tested the iPhone 17e, and it’s an even better budget iPhone thanks to more storage, faster performance, and a smarter camera
• Gizmodo: iPhone 17e Review: So Much More Bang for Your Buck
• Telegraph: I reviewed Apple’s cheaper iPhone – there’s a lot to love, if you can forgive the compromises
• PCMag: Apple iPhone 17e Review: Entry-Level Price, Premium Feel
• The Sun: iPhone 17e review: I secretly try CHEAPEST Apple phone that’s £200 less than iPhone 17 & two must-have perks won me over
• Wired: Review: Apple iPhone 17e
• CNN: Is the $599 iPhone 17e truly a good value? I used it for nearly a week to find out
• Tom’s Guide: I just reviewed the iPhone 17e — ask me anything and I’ll answer your questions LIVE
• Mashable: Apple iPhone 17e hands-on: New chip, more storage memory, and yes, MagSafe
• Stuff: I’ve used the brand new budget iPhone 17e – should you make it your next buy over the iPhone 17?

Pre-orders are open for the iPhone 17e from $899 CAD, now with doubled starting storage compared to before, while retaining the same price, which is a good thing. This sounds like a good value phone if you don’t need the latest and greatest from Apple, now with MagSafe and good performance and battery life.