Apple has announced the iPhone 17e, updating the lowest-end new model in its lineup. While it has several key updates, including a newer chip and double the base storage, Apple hasn’t made any updates to the cameras, which were one of the original 16e’s biggest weaknesses.

Like its predecessor, the 17e has a single 48MP Type 1/2.55 (23.5mm²) rear camera with a 26mm equiv. F1.6 lens, which also has a “2x” mode that crops in on the center quarter of the sensor. Apple has, however, updated its branding, now referring to it as a “Fusion camera system” rather than a “2-in-1 camera system.”

The iPhone 17e’s camera has no higher aspirations than to be “good enough.” Image: Apple

The 12MP selfie camera has also been untouched; the 17e doesn’t get the larger 18MP square model found on the standard iPhone 17, which lets you take horizontal and vertical crops no matter which orientation you’re holding the phone at. The 17 also includes a 48MP, Type 1/2.55 (23.5mm²) ultra-wide camera, which offers the ever-popular “0.5x” mode, and its main camera uses a much larger Type 1/1.28 (71.5mm²) sensor.

Related: Which iPhone is best for photography?

Also unchanged is the display. While the iPhone 17 prompted many “finally!”s by switching to a 120Hz model, the 17e’s 6.1” OLED screen is still stuck at a 60Hz refresh rate (and still has a large notch taken out of the top to house the FaceID camera and sensors). It is, however, now protected by Apple’s second-gen “Ceramic Shield” glass, which testing has shown to be quite a bit more scratch resistant than the first-gen one found on the 16e. It can reach 1200 nits which, while not as impressive as the brightness that some flagship phones are capable of, is still typically plenty for all but the harshest sunlight.

As for what else Apple has changed, the 17e’s processor and cellular modem are a generation newer than its predecessor’s, though Apple isn’t making any strong claims about the A19’s performance or efficiency compared to the A18; both “e” models are rated for up to 26 hours video playback. However, the company does say the Apple-designed C1X modem is “up to 2x faster” than the C1 used by the 16e.

Lots of people complained when the 16e launched without MagSafe, and for good reason: it’s wonderfully convenient, and there are a lot of accessories available for it now that it’s been around for a few years. Image: Apple

Perhaps most importantly, though, is that Apple has upgraded the 16e’s standard Qi wireless charging. The 17e now has the company’s “MagSafe” tech. While some will appreciate that the guaranteed alignment means it can charge twice as fast (up to 15W vs. 7.5), most are likely to be more excited about gaining access to the wide accessory ecosystem surrounding it, making it easy to attach the phone to tripods, stands, and basically anything else. The 17e also has double the base storage as its predecessor, with the standard model coming with 256GB. It does, however, still max out at 512GB.

When the 16e launched last year, replacing the almost decade-old “SE” line, it was an open question as to whether we could expect Apple to update it every year, as it does with its main phones. With the SE, that wasn’t the case; the company only made three models between 2016 and 2022. With this news, it appears we have an answer: yes, Apple will continue to add its latest chips, and some new features, to its more budget-oriented lineup.

Other budget competitors don’t make you give up a high refresh-rate display or secondary camera

While the changes it’s made to the 17e are important quality-of-life upgrades, I think the phone still sits in a somewhat uncomfortable place. The standard iPhone 17 has been lauded as one of the best all-round options available, and for many people it’ll be worth paying the $200 more to get its faster, larger screen and better camera system. Likewise, many other budget competitors like the Pixel 10a don’t make you give up a high refresh-rate display or secondary camera option. However, if you really don’t care about any of that, and prefer your phones to be Apple-flavored, it’s nice that you have the option to save some money, and that you’ll be getting a phone with fewer compromises than you would’ve before.

The phone has the same $599 starting MSRP as its predecessor, and is available in black, white and, now, “soft pink.” It will be available for pre-order on March 4th, and is set to launch on March 11th.

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