Apple’s latest smartphone offering, the iPhone 17e, has officially arrived, positioned as a more affordable alternative to the standard iPhone 17. Despite its recent unveiling alongside the iPad Air M4 and MacBook Pro M5 Pro and M5 Max, the iPhone 17e is already available at a reduced price. Rakuten is currently offering the device for €659.99, down from its list price of €719, for a limited time this Sunday.
The iPhone 17e replaces the iPhone 16e in Apple’s lineup, becoming the most accessible iPhone model in the company’s current catalog. Even as maintaining a familiar design language, the 17e boasts improved performance, a faster modem, and—finally—MagSafe compatibility, alongside increased base storage at no extra cost. This launch comes as Apple continues to refine its product strategy, balancing innovation with affordability.
iPhone 17e: Key Specifications
The iPhone 17e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina OLED display protected by Ceramic Shield 2. Powering the device is the A19 chip, paired with a C1X modem for enhanced 5G connectivity. A significant addition is the inclusion of MagSafe, enabling wireless charging up to 15W, a feature previously unavailable on the iPhone 16e. Apple confirms the device will ship with 256GB of storage as standard.
Currently, Rakuten is offering the iPhone 17e for €659.99 with the promo code RAKUTEN20, a reduction from its initial price of €719.
The iPhone 17e’s design echoes previous iPhone models, specifically those from the iPhone 14 series and earlier, featuring a more prominent bezel at the top of the screen. It lacks the Dynamic Island found on more premium models. However, Apple maintains its commitment to build quality, and the iPhone 17e is IP68 certified, offering water resistance up to 6 meters for 30 minutes and protection against dust.
Performance and Connectivity
Inside, the iPhone 17e is equipped with the A19 chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 17, though with one fewer GPU core. The chip is coupled with 8GB of RAM, designed to efficiently handle Apple’s on-device artificial intelligence models. The device also incorporates the Apple C1X 5G modem, introduced with the iPhone Air, promising improved performance and 30% better energy efficiency compared to the Qualcomm Snapdragon X75.
The iPhone 17e’s camera system mirrors that of the iPhone 16e, featuring a 48MP main sensor and an 18MP front-facing camera. Apple highlights the “new generation” portrait mode with an improved bokeh effect, though independent testing will be needed to assess its performance. Battery life is estimated at up to 26 hours of video playback, and the device supports Qi2 wireless charging up to 15W.
Rakuten’s current offer for the iPhone 17e at €659.99, using the code RAKUTEN20, is available only this Sunday.
As Apple continues to innovate, the iPhone 17e represents a strategic move to capture a broader segment of the smartphone market. The combination of a familiar design, powerful performance, and enhanced features like MagSafe, coupled with a competitive price point, positions the iPhone 17e as a compelling option for consumers seeking a balance between affordability and functionality. The integration of the A19 chip and the new C1X modem suggests a focus on both speed and efficiency, while the increased base storage addresses a common consumer need.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how Apple further refines its product segmentation and continues to integrate its latest technologies into more accessible devices. The success of the iPhone 17e will likely influence future product development and pricing strategies.
What are your thoughts on Apple’s new, more affordable iPhone? Share your opinions in the comments below.
