Just like last year's iPhone 16E, Apple's newly announced iPhone 17E is poised as an entry-level addition to the iPhone lineup.
Starting at $599, the 17E has quite a few upgrades over the 16E: double the base storage at 256GB, an upgraded A19 processor and MagSafe compatibility.
Watch this: iPhone 17E Packs More Features for the Same $599 Price 02:32
Apple isn't the only mobile company to offer entry-level handsets. Samsung and Google have their own budget handhelds.
Samsung's Galaxy S25 FE (starts at $650 for 128GB) and Google's brand-new Pixel 10A (starts at $499 for 128GB). With appealing designs and solid features, all three handsets are compelling, affordable alternatives to their more expensive siblings.
Here's how the iPhone 17E compares against the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE and the Google Pixel 10A.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE. Mike Sorrentino/CNET
Display and design
Apple's iPhone 17E has the smallest screen of the trio with a 6.1-inch OLED display. Google's Pixel 10A isn't much bigger with its 6.3-inch screen. The 6.7-inch AMOLED on the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE makes it the largest of the lot.
The iPhone 17E also doesn't earn points for its 60Hz refresh rate, especially compared to the 120Hz displays on the Pixel 10A and the Galaxy S25 FE, which offer smoother scrolling and more responsive gameplay. However, it will be less noticeable if you're coming from a non-Pro iPhone 16 or earlier.
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