Apple iPhone 17e review

Design and hardware

Even though it's marketed as a "budget iPhone", there's nothing budget about the iPhone 17e build. It adopts a classic sandwich design with the two glass panels snuggled together in an aluminum frame.

There are no design changes with this year's model and no changes in dimensions either. We have a completely flat front, back and side frame, which is in line with most other iPhones.

However, the new iPhone 17e comes with Ceramic Shield 2 glass upgrade. The back remains with classic frosted glass that's very nice to the touch, providing a relatively good grip, which is also smudge-resistant. Ingress protection remains IP68.

In addition to the well-known Black and White colors, the iPhone 17e comes in Soft Pink. And that's the color we have at the office.

Going around the sides, we find the power button residing on the right, while the volume keys and the Action button are placed on the left.

Alongside them is the SIM card tray that holds up to one physical SIM card for the wide market and two for the Chinese market. You can also use an eSIM.

iPhone 17e

For security, we have the usual Face ID unlock, with all the hardware residing in the big viser-style notch at the top of the display. It works well, albeit a bit slow at times.

Measuring 7.1mm in thickness and weighing approximately 170 grams, the iPhone 17e is a pleasure to use. It's not too slippery either.

One of the iPhone 17e's main appeals is the size and weight. It's an extremely light, easy-to-handle smartphone without any complications or protrusions. Of course, gone are the times when you could get an extremely compact iPhone like the iPhone 13 mini. But these days, the iPhone 17e passes as a compact device just fine.