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

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, increasing the starting storage option to 256GB, and adding MagSafe, all while maintaining the same starting price of AU$999.

While our iPhone 17e review praised its faster performance, smarter camera, and extra storage, it would be difficult to fully recommend it to most people as it does have some limitations.

Most people turn to their smartphones these days for most, if not all, of their photography needs, and the 17e's single 48MP camera could do with more.

Then there's its display, still only at 60Hz, which will be a surprising change for those used to phones with higher refresh rates. It also doesn't help that other phones in the same price range, like the Google Pixel 10a and Nothing Phone 4(a), have 120Hz displays.

So if I had to recommend an iPhone, I'd go for the base iPhone 17, especially with Amazon Australia discounting its 256GB variant for a small amount during the retailer's ongoing Big Smiles Sale.

In addition to the smoother 120Hz display and second 48MP rear ultra-wide camera, the iPhone 17 features an always-on display (which was also not present on the iPhone 16) and a new Center Stage front camera that can capture a wider selfie.

That the iPhone 17e got MagSafe was a welcome addition, but the iPhone 17 has faster charging speeds: 40W wired charging and 25W wireless charging, compared to the 17e's 20W and 15W charging speeds, respectively.

I can see the value of the iPhone 17e for certain users, such as those who don't take many photos, who want a lighter and slightly more compact phone (it weighs 169g vs. the 17's 177g, and also a few millimeters thinner and shorter), or even those who are trying to cut down on their phone's screen time.

But the phone's 60Hz display is something of a bottleneck, which can make the 17e feel slower 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 now that the cheaper 17e moves a little closer to its more expensive sibling. But given this small deal from Amazon and the iPhone 17e is unlikely to receive discounts anytime soon, the iPhone 17 is the clear winner.