Apple's iPhone 17E is here.
Apple's budget-friendly iPhone 17 model is $599, comes in three colors and supports MagSafe so you can charge your phone wirelessly faster. And it's powered by Apple's A19 chip. The preorders for Apple's newest iPhone 17 model begin on Wednesday, but rumors suggest that the iPhone 18 is coming this year, too. We could hear about more iPhones as soon as Wednesday at the "special Apple Experience" at 9 a.m. ET.
So which one should you get? Here's what we think.
iPhone 17E vs. iPhone 18
Like previous budget-friendly iPhone models, the iPhone 17E lacks some of the iPhone 17 base model features, such as the Dynamic Island or an always-on button. However, the pricing is on par with other value iPhone models. The iPhone 16E also started at $599, but flagship models are usually more costly, so if you're looking ahead to the possible iPhone 18, plan to spend more. The iPhone 17 starts at $829, and the iPhone 16 starts at $799.
However, some features make the iPhone 17E just as promising as the iPhone 17, like the 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield 2 front cover glass, the A19 chip and the C1X -- Apple's latest cellular modem. Apple says the C1X is faster than the C1 modem in the iPhone 16E. There are a few other big differences worth noting. Take a look at the comparison below with all the features and specifications.
Watch this: iPhone 17E Packs More Features for the Same $599 Price 02:32
If you're looking to compare the iPhone 17E with the iPhone 18, there are only rumors of the possible iPhone 18 for now. The 18 could have deeper colors, like dark red for the Pro model, a smaller Dynamic Island and an even bigger battery. And it's not a phone you should expect right away. Apple usually announces a new iPhone at its September event, but there's still a chance we could hear more at the special experience. If a phone is announced this year, you could see some models starting in September and others between February and March of 2027.
iPhone 17E or iPhone 18: Don't rush to buy either
If you're debating whether to get the budget iPhone 17 or wait for the rumored iPhone 18, which could come later this year, here's our advice: Wait.
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