The iPhone 17e is compact, powerful, and gets the basics right

Not every iPhone needs to be flashy and packed with specs. Because no matter how capable the top-of-the-line iPhone 17 Pro Max may be, many people still end up not using everything it offers. For those users, there is the Apple iPhone 17. It gets two cameras, solid performance, and most things right for everyday use.

But there is another group of people. Those who want a compact iPhone that is just as powerful as the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup, but one that focuses on the basics while still letting you into Apple’s ecosystem without spending a lot. Enter the iPhone 17e.

It is a device that feels modest on paper, but surprisingly likeable for what it offers. We spent some time fiddling with the iPhone 17e, and here is our iPhone 17e review.

iPhone 17e review: Design

Right off the bat, the Apple iPhone 17e feels premium. It almost feels like a nepo kid. One who is not as powerful or feature-packed as their older siblings, but still very much part of the same family.

The design is unmistakably Apple. In fact, it is largely unchanged from the previous generation, but the new Soft Pink colour stood out for us.

When we held the phone in our hands for the first time, we instantly realised how compact it is. Yes, even smaller than the iPhone 17! That makes it easier to grip and far more comfortable for one-handed usage.

It is slim, has the usual buttons, and even includes the Action Button. But it skips the Camera Control key. Honestly, that feels like the right move, and you’ll know why in the camera segment.

Although it uses an aluminium frame and a glass back, the iPhone weighs just 170 grams, which feels refreshingly light. For comparison, the Apple iPhone 17 weighs 177 grams, while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro is noticeably heavier at around 204 grams.

iPhone 17e review: Display

Apple has clearly trimmed a few features to keep the phone distinct and the price relatively accessible. You do not get the fancy Dynamic Island here. Instead, Apple sticks with the classic notch. For users who have never used Dynamic Island before, this will not feel like a big loss.

The screen itself is 6.1 inches, making the iPhone 17e the smallest phone in the 17 series. However, the refresh rate remains at 60Hz, which means scrolling will not feel as smooth as it does on 120Hz displays. But frankly, on a screen this small, the lower refresh rate isn’t noticeable.

Not to forget, this is still an OLED panel. It is crisp, bright, and great for watching movies or consuming YouTube content. We had a great time watching Rooster, starring Steve Carell.

iPhone 17e review: Cameras

The camera setup on the Apple iPhone 17e is about as simple as it gets. There is just a single rear camera. No ultra-wide lens and no telephoto lens. Just one main sensor that works great.

The phone behaves exactly like a good point-and-shoot camera. You take it out of your pocket, tap the shutter, and you get a photo that looks very much like an iPhone photo should. Colours are natural, the exposure balanced, and the processing does a great job in most lighting conditions.

Sure, you miss the flexibility of multiple lenses and fancy zoom options. But for people who simply want to capture moments without worrying about which lens to use, this setup works perfectly fine.

iPhone 17e review: Performance

This is where the iPhone 17e stands proudly. Although it’s the base iPhone, it still packs serious power thanks to the A19 chipset, the same chip found in the Apple iPhone 17. Apps open quickly, switching between them is smooth, and everyday tasks feel effortless.

Both the A19 chip and the iOS flavour ensure that the iPhone 17e will age well over the next few years. Like the rest of the iPhone 17s, this also has all the AI features, including Clean Up in Photos.

Battery life is similar to the previous generation, with Apple claiming up to 26 hours of usage. In moderate usage, which involved browsing, social media scrolling, and messaging, the phone comfortably lasted a full working day for us.

One notable upgrade is the support for MagSafe, which last year’s iPhone 16e lacked. This means you can finally use magnetic chargers, wallets, and other accessories. You can also dock it on a Starbucks wireless charger or in your car.

Unboxed Take: Who should buy the iPhone 17e?

The Apple iPhone 17e looks good, feels solid, and is surprisingly powerful, yet tries to stay a little understated. If you are someone who wants a compact yet powerful iPhone, and one that gets the basics right, the iPhone 17e is for you.

Yes, you miss out on things like Dynamic Island, higher refresh rate displays, and extra camera lenses. But for some, these are not deal breakers. And at around Rs 60,000 with offers, the iPhone 17e is a great value iPhone for those on a tighter budget. For all these reasons, we rate the iPhone 17e 4.5/5.

ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 17 first impressions

For the rest, who can stretch their budget, there’s the iPhone 17, which unlocks an extra camera lens, a faster screen, and better battery life.

Stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for more such in-depth reviews, and everything tech.