Apple iPhone 17 vs Apple iPhone 17e

Our Verdict: The iPhone 17e is the cheaper and more pocketable choice, shaving weight down to 169g and keeping the same 256GB and 512GB storage options. The regular iPhone 17 earns its higher price with a larger 6.3-inch LTPO display, Apple A19 Pro chipset, 18MP front camera, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0. Camera resolution and storage look similar at a glance, so the upgrade is mostly about screen tech, chipset and refinement. Choose the 17e for value inside the Apple ecosystem; choose the iPhone 17 if those everyday upgrades are worth the extra.

Over a full contract, the 17e works out around £656 all-in, about £145 less than the 17.

Expert Rating
4.5
12 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.1"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch
458 457
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro Apple A19 (3 nm)
Battery
3,692 mAh 4,005 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight
177 grams 169 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£29.99/mo (£59.00 upfront) £25.99/mo (£0.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£599.00 £549.99

Prices updated 17 July 2026

Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17e Apple iPhone 17e
Expert Rating 4.5
12 reviews
3.9
11 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.1"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1170 x 2532
Pixels Per Inch 458 457
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 48 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro Apple A19 (3 nm)
Battery 3,692 mAh 4,005 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
Weight 177 grams 169 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins)
Contracts £29.99/mo
£59.00 upfront
£25.99/mo
£0.00 upfront
SIM-free £599.00 £549.99
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 17
Apple iPhone 17

24 Months

256GB

White

Refurbished

50GB

Data

£29.99 per month, £59 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

Apple iPhone 17e
Apple iPhone 17e

24 Months

256GB

Soft Pink

25GB

Data

Exclusive Deal Details

£25.99 per month, with FREE phone.

Deal not available directly from Carphone Warehouse's website

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17 or Apple iPhone 17e cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 17e is cheaper on contract at £656.16 over the life of the deal from £25.99 per month with £0.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 or Apple iPhone 17e?

The Apple iPhone 17 has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone 17e's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 458 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 17 uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 17e has a Super Retina XDR OLED.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 or Apple iPhone 17e?

The Apple iPhone 17 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 17e has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 17 or Apple iPhone 17e?

The Apple iPhone 17e is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £549.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 and Apple iPhone 17e?

The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 17e comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Apple iPhone 17e use?

The Apple iPhone 17 is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Apple iPhone 17e uses the Apple A19 (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 or Apple iPhone 17e?

The Apple iPhone 17e is the more portable of the two: it's 8g lighter at 169 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 or Apple iPhone 17e?

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17 and Apple iPhone 17e run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.