Apple
Apple iPhone 17
Best for: Smoother screen and extra camera
Maker's list price $929 (256GB, unlocked; $899 with carrier activation) · source
Check price at Apple 3 more stores belowfirst productApple iPhone 17 vs Apple iPhone 17ePhones compared: specs, who each suits, and where to buy
Updated 15 October 2026 · Specs from Apple's official pages
Pick the iPhone 17 if you want the 120Hz ProMotion screen, an ultra wide camera and longer battery life; pick the iPhone 17e if you want the same A19 chip family and 256GB starting storage for $230 less.
Apple
Apple iPhone 17e
Best for: Lowest-cost current iPhone
Maker's list price $699 (256GB) · source
Check price at Apple 3 more stores belowsecond productStore links may earn us a commission. It never changes your price or the order stores appear in.
Specs side by side
Only the specs that matter for this decision, read from each manufacturer's spec page.
SpecApple iPhone 17Apple iPhone 17e
Display6.3" OLED, ProMotion up to 120Hz6.1" OLED (no ProMotion listed)
Peak brightness3000 nits outdoor, 1600 nits HDR1200 nits HDR, 800 nits typical
ChipA19 (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU)A19 (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU)
Rear cameras48MP Fusion Main + 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide48MP Fusion Main
Front camera18MP Center Stage12MP TrueDepth
Video playbackUp to 30 hoursUp to 26 hours
Wireless chargingMagSafe / Qi2 up to 25WMagSafe / Qi2 up to 15W
Storage256GB, 512GB256GB, 512GB
Weight177 g (6.24 oz)169 g (5.96 oz)
Water resistanceIP68 (6 m, 30 min)IP68 (6 m, 30 min)
Sources: Apple iPhone 17 · Apple iPhone 17e
Where to buy
Stores that sell each one. Prices move daily, so each button opens the store's own page.
StoreiPhone 17iPhone 17e
Store links may earn us a commission. It never changes your price or the order stores appear in.
Strengths and trade-offs
Apple iPhone 17
- 6.3-inch display with ProMotion up to 120Hz and 3000-nit outdoor peak brightness
- Second rear camera: 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide alongside the 48MP Fusion Main
- Up to 30 hours video playback and 25W MagSafe/Qi2 wireless charging
- Costs $230 more than the 17e at Apple's unlocked price
- Slightly heavier at 177 g
Apple iPhone 17e
- A19 chip with 256GB base storage at $699
- Lighter (169 g) with a smaller 6.1-inch screen
- Same IP68 rating, Action button and satellite features as the iPhone 17
- Single 48MP rear camera, no ultra wide
- No ProMotion listed, 15W wireless charging and 4-core GPU (vs 5-core)
How to choose
The questions that decide it, in the order most people should ask them.
Screen smoothness
The iPhone 17 lists ProMotion with refresh rates up to 120Hz; Apple's 17e spec page does not. If scrolling smoothness matters to you, that is the clearest on-paper difference.
Camera range
The 17 adds a 48MP Ultra Wide camera for wide scenes and close-ups. The 17e has one 48MP main camera that also produces a 2x crop.
Battery and charging
Apple rates the 17 at up to 30 hours of video playback versus 26 hours for the 17e, and the 17 charges wirelessly at up to 25W instead of 15W.
Budget
Both start at 256GB. The gap at Apple is $230 unlocked, so decide whether the screen, camera and battery upgrades are worth that to you.
Apple iPhone 17 vs Apple iPhone 17e — common questions
Do the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e use the same chip?
Both use Apple's A19 with a 6-core CPU. The iPhone 17 has a 5-core GPU, while the 17e has a 4-core GPU, according to Apple's spec pages.
Does the iPhone 17e have a 120Hz display?
Apple's iPhone 17e spec page does not list ProMotion or a high refresh rate. The iPhone 17 page lists ProMotion with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz.
Which has better battery life?
Apple quotes up to 30 hours of video playback for the iPhone 17 and up to 26 hours for the iPhone 17e. Real-world results depend on usage and settings.
Are both water resistant?
Yes. Both are rated IP68 under IEC 60529, to a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.