"While last year's iPhone 16e was widely criticized for its questionable value-it replaced the iPhone "SE" models from yesteryear and jacked the price up from $429 to $599-the newer model in the series has some notable features that were missing in its predecessor, like Apple's MagSafe technology and the Dynamic Island."
"Apple did not upgrade the screen with its ProMotion refresh rate tech, as it's stuck at 60 Hz. This capability is the number of times the screen refreshes with images-the higher the better, as your display will appear smoother, with interactions feeling more fluid. It's something the company has offered in the iPhone Pro models, and finally enabled in 2025 with its entire iPhone 17 range, but you'll have to upgrade for the luxury."
"Apple has stuck with the same 6.1-inch OLED display as the iPhone 16e, down to the same old-school notch design. That means you won't get the sleek look of the Dynamic Island, which also doubles as a live notifications display. Thankfully, if you're worried about durability, this iPhone has the same Ceramic Shield 2 front glass protecting the display as its pricier siblings."
Apple introduced the iPhone 17e, its budget-friendly smartphone launching March 11, 2026. The device costs $599, matching its predecessor despite economic pressures. Key improvements include MagSafe technology and Dynamic Island compatibility, addressing criticisms of the iPhone 16e's limited features. The phone retains a 6.1-inch OLED display with a notch design and Ceramic Shield 2 protection. However, it lacks ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate technology available in other iPhone 17 models and budget Android competitors. The iPhone 17e represents Apple's effort to balance affordability with modern features, though display technology remains a limitation compared to premium offerings.
Read at WIRED
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