It's Still Overpriced, but Apple's iPhone 17e Is a Better Entry-Level iPhone

"The iPhone 17e can do all of this fairly well for $599. Heck, truth be told, the iPhone 16e could too. But there are a few upgrades on the latest model that help make it worth the $599 price. If cost were the only factor, Google's Pixel 10a is $100 cheaper with extra niceties-it should absolutely be at the top of your list. But no. You want an iPhone."

"The worst omission from last year's iPhone 16e was MagSafe. For more than five years, the iPhone has built an ecosystem of excellent MagSafe accessories that let you magnetically attach various items, like wireless power banks and magnetic wallets, to the back of your iPhone. Yes, it means faster and more efficient wireless charging, but MagSafe even makes it far simpler to mount the iPhone to anything."

The iPhone 17e represents a meaningful upgrade over the iPhone 16e, primarily through the addition of MagSafe compatibility and increased storage capacity. At $599, the device delivers reliable performance with all-day battery life, solid camera capabilities, and Emergency SOS via Satellite functionality. While the 60Hz screen refresh rate remains unchanged and the single rear camera limits versatility, MagSafe integration significantly enhances the user experience by enabling access to a five-year ecosystem of magnetic accessories for charging, mounting, and wallet functionality. The device handles essential smartphone tasks effectively, including GPS navigation, NFC mobile payments, and video calling, making it a respectable option for users committed to the Apple ecosystem.

Read at WIRED