Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17e is generating buzz, but not for the right reasons. Building on the missteps that plagued the previous “e” model, the new release seems poised to disappoint many fans and potential buyers.
When Apple revived the iPhone SE series last February with the launch of the iPhone 16e, excitement was high. The refreshed entry-level line promised a more accessible iPhone experience with some modern improvements. However, the reality didn’t quite measure up.
What Went Wrong with the iPhone 16e?
The original iPhone SE was a standout success | Image by PhoneArena
The iPhone 16e lost many of the qualities that made the original SE so popular. While priced at $599 as the most affordable iPhone at launch, it edged too close to the specs and price of the standard iPhone 16, thus losing its budget appeal. For similar money, you could get a Pixel 10 or a Galaxy S25 FE, both of which offer arguably better overall features as Android competitors.
With a screen borrowed from the iPhone 14 featuring a 60Hz refresh rate and moderate brightness, just one rear camera, a slightly underpowered GPU, and a less efficient modem, the iPhone 16e struggled to find its place. It didn’t satisfy budget buyers nor entice fans looking for a true iPhone bargain.
Rumors Cast a Shadow on the iPhone 17e
The iPhone 17e may retain the outdated 60Hz iPhone 14 display | Image by PhoneArena
Unfortunately, the iPhone 17e is expected to repeat the shortcomings of its predecessor by persisting with the same display technology—60Hz refresh rate and modest brightness levels, exactly like the iPhone 14. For context, the iPhone 14 only reached 841 nits at 100% APL in display tests, which is underwhelming by 2025 standards. In comparison, affordable phones like the Galaxy A16 already feature 120Hz refresh rates.
Why the iPhone 17e Appears Set to Underperform
One camera and a 60Hz screen aren’t enough to impress in 2025 | Image by PhoneArena
The iPhone 17 itself has stepped up with a ProMotion 120Hz display, a 48MP ultrawide camera (matching the Pro models), and a premium aluminum build. These upgrades justify its $799 price and offer strong value. However, the iPhone 17e will reportedly keep the same single rear camera and 60Hz display as the iPhone 16e, despite featuring the newer Apple A19 chipset, all while launching at the unchanged $599 price point.
This creates a significant performance and experience gap between the entry-level iPhone 17e and the regular iPhone 17, making it harder to justify the cheaper model’s appeal.
Is There Any Reason to Consider the iPhone 17e?
Details remain scarce about the iPhone 17e | Image by PhoneArena
There is still uncertainty about all the final specifications and features of the iPhone 17e. It does benefit from the latest A19 chip, which should boost processing power compared to its predecessor. But will that be enough to offset the dated display and limited camera setup? Doubtful.
Would You Choose the iPhone 17e?
Apple needs to rethink affordability if it wants to regain trust | Image by PhoneArena
The iPhone 17e will remain Apple's most affordable option, but given the rumored specs and pricing, many may opt to spend the additional $200 to get the more capable iPhone 17. Would you invest in the iPhone 17e if it sticks with a 60Hz display and minimal upgrades? Share your thoughts in our poll and join the discussion below.
In summary, the iPhone 17e looks poised to be Apple’s most underwhelming launch in years, failing to deliver meaningful improvements where it counts. Trying to justify a $599 price tag on a phone with a 60Hz screen in 2025 simply doesn’t add up.
