A tiny discount makes the iPhone 17 the better buy compared to the more affordable iPhone 17e here's why

Date:
Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:23:09 +0000

Description:
The iPhone 17e may be the exciting new sub-AU$1,000 iPhone, but snagging the iPhone 17 for even just AU$50 is still the better buy for a fair few reasons, and I've broken them down for you.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Tech Radar Get the TechRadar Newsletter Sign up for
breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. You are
now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter As far as budget iPhones go, the iPhone 17e is a much better value proposition than its predecessor, the iPhone 16e , thanks to Apple upgrading the
processor and modem, bumping the starting storage option to 256GB, and adding MagSafe all while keeping the same AU$999 starting price.

While our iPhone 17e review heaped praise for its faster performance, smarter camera and extra storage, Id be hard pressed to fully recommend it to most people as it has some limitations. Most people turn to their smartphones
these days for most, if not all, of their photography needs, and the single 48MP camera on the 17e could some people wanting more. Then there's its display still only at 60Hz that will be a jarring change for those who have been used to phones with higher refresh rates. It also doesnt help that other phones in the same price range, like the Google Pixel 10a and the Nothing Phone 4(a) have 120Hz displays. So, if I had to recommend an iPhone, I'd opt for the base iPhone 17 instead, especially with Amazon Australia discounting its 256GB variant by a tiny amount during the retailer's ongoing Big Smile Sale . Save 4% (AU$49.63) Apple iPhone 17 (256GB): was AU$1,399 now AU$1,349.37 at Amazon Yes, I know that's less than AU$50 off, but hear me
out! We said in September that the iPhone 17 was the best-value iPhone ever , and I still think that claim holds up even if the iPhone 17e is AU$400 cheaper. With a 120Hz ProMotion display and a second ultrawide camera, the iPhone 17 would suit more peoples needs without feeling like theyre missing too much. And while I understand some of you won't even call this a discount, this price is an all-time low on Amazon for this coveted handset. View Deal Aside from the smoother 120Hz display and second rear 48MP ultrawide camera, the iPhone 17 features an always-on display (which was also not present in
the iPhone 16), and a new front-facing Center Stage camera that can capture a wider selfie.

The iPhone 17e getting MagSafe was a welcome addition, but the iPhone 17 has faster charging speeds 40W wired and 25W wireless charging, compared to the 17es 20W and 15W charging speeds respectively.

I can see the value of the iPhone 17e for certain users, like those who dont take a lot of photos, who want a more lightweight and slightly more compact phone (it weighs 169g vs the 17s 177g, and also a few millimetres thinner and shorter), or even those who are trying to cut down their phone screen time.

But the handsets 60Hz screen is like a bottleneck, which can make the 17e
feel more sluggish compared to the 17, despite having the same A19 processor.

Ultimately, the decision between the two iPhones comes down to what your
needs are, especially with the cheaper 17e getting ever so slightly closer to its more expensive sibling. But with this small offer from Amazon and the iPhone 17e unlikely to receive any discounts anytime soon, the iPhone 17 is the clear winner. Price comparison: Find the best deal for your next phone Contract Deals Sim Free Recommended Data (high to low) Data (low to high) Monthly cost (high to low) Monthly cost (low to high) Price (high to low) Price (low to high) Contract Deals Sim Free See all prices (3127 found)
Filter Recommended Data (high to low) Data (low to high) Monthly cost (high
to low) Monthly cost (low to high) Price (high to low) Price (low to high) gift Apple iPhone 17 (256GB Black) 24 months data 10GB 19 upfront Monthly 34.99 /mth 19 upfront 34.99 /mth View Deal at Mobiles.co.uk gift Apple iPhone 17 (256GB White) 24 months data 200GB 19 upfront Monthly 35.99 /mth 19
upfront 35.99 /mth View Deal at Mobiles.co.uk Apple iPhone 17 (256GB White)
24 months data 10GB 19 upfront Monthly 34.99 /mth 19 upfront 34.99 /mth View Deal at Carphone Warehouse Show more



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/a-tiny-discount-makes-the-iphone-17-th e-better-buy-compared-to-the-more-affordable-iphone-17e-heres-why


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