Sign in
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.

₹5,000 price jump! 6 iPhone 17e upgrades over 16e that justify it

Phone 17e brings meaningful upgrades over the iPhone 16e, which it replaces. Check the details here.

Published on: Mar 02, 2026 10:02 PM IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

Our Picks

Our Picks

ProductRatingPrice

OnePlus 15R | 12GB+512GB | Mint Breeze | World's First Snapdragon® 8 Gen 5 | 7400mAh Battery | Personalised AI | Game-Changing 165Hz Display | IP68 IP69 IP66 & IP69K | 4K 120fps VideoView Details...

₹52,998

...

vivo X300 5G (Mist Blue, 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage) with No Cost EMI/Additional Exchange OffersView Details...

₹75,998

...

OnePlus 13s | Snapdragon® 8 Elite | Smarter with OnePlus AI | Lifetime Display Warranty | 12GB+256GB | Black VelvetView Details...

₹50,999

...

iQOO 15 (Legend, 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage) | Fastest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Processor* | Origin OS 6 - Out of The Box* | Samsung 2K M14 Lead OLED DisplayView Details...

₹72,999

...

iQOO 15R (Triumph Silver, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage) | Snapdragon® 8 Gen 5 Processor | India’s Slimmest Smartphone in 7600mAh Battery* | Segment's Most Stable 144FPS Gaming*View Details...

₹44,999

...
research icon

Research-Backed Choices

Every product we recommend is chosen through a combination of Primary Research and Secondary Research.

iPhone 17e has launched globally, including in India, and it comes with a price hike compared to the iPhone 16e it has replaced. It is now priced at 64,900, which is 5,000 more than the iPhone 16e. However, I feel with the higher price, Apple is also offering more. You get additional storage, faster performance, and key features that were missing on the iPhone 16e, but that's just me. Here is everything the iPhone 17e offers over the iPhone 16e, and whether those upgrades justify the price increase depends on how you look at it.

iPhone 17e brings MagSafe which was notable missing on 16e. (Apple)
iPhone 17e brings MagSafe which was notable missing on 16e. (Apple)
Shaurya Sharma

Shaurya Sharma is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, covering consumer, gaming, and AI technology. He has previously worked for reputed media houses, including CNN-News18 and Guiding Tech, and has nearly half a decade of experience in tech journalism. He enjoys cinematography, reading sci-fi, and camping. Instagram and X: @barelysure

iPhone 17e: What’s new compared to the iPhone 16e

1.iPhone 17e now comes with 256GB of base storage instead of 128GB. Yes, Apple may be charging 5,000 more, but the base variant now offers 256GB rather than 128GB. Previously, if you wanted the 256GB version of the iPhone 16e, you had to pay significantly more. So there is a clear value advantage here.

iPhone 17e Price in India: 64,900 (256GB), 84,900 (512GB).

2. iPhone 17e is powered by the A19 chip, the same chipset found in the iPhone 17. It is a 3nm chip capable of handling Apple Intelligence, high-end gaming, and other Apple mainstays, such as editing high-end video.

3. There are now more colour options compared to the iPhone 16e. The iPhone 16e was launched only in white and black, whereas the 17e also comes in a new colourway called soft pink. It adds a subtle splash of colour for those who prefer something different. Notably, it is a pastel shade rather than a bright one, which is worth keeping in mind.

4. You also now get MagSafe. The iPhone 17e officially supports MagSafe, a feature that many users, including me, felt was missing on the iPhone 16e.

5. In addition to MagSafe, the iPhone 17e can charge up to 50% in about 30 minutes and supports MagSafe and Qi2 fast wireless charging of up to 15W. In comparison, the iPhone 16e supported 7.5W Qi wireless charging. iPhone 17e covers also support MagSafe, with the silicone case retailing at 4,900 and the clear case also priced at 4,900.

6. iPhone 17e features an improved Portrait mode. Apple says it recognises people, dogs, and cats, and saves depth information, allowing you to adjust the focus points later in the Photos app. You can also record 4K video at up to 60fps. For someone like me, who takes portrait shots of pets all the time, this seems like a great addition.

In case iPhone 17e hasn't captured your attention, here are some alternatives you can consider:

Loading Suggestions...
Loading Suggestions...
Loading Suggestions...
Loading Suggestions...

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

  • Shaurya Sharma
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shaurya Sharma

    Shaurya Sharma is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, covering consumer, gaming, and AI technology. He has previously worked for reputed media houses, including CNN-News18 and Guiding Tech, and has nearly half a decade of experience in tech journalism. He enjoys cinematography, reading sci-fi, and camping. Instagram and X: @barelysureRead More