iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16e — Is the 16e Still Worth It?

The iPhone 17 makes the iPhone 16e look increasingly hard to justify. For $200 more, you get several meaningful upgrades that change the everyday experience:

• Display: ProMotion 120Hz for much smoother scrolling and more vivid visuals.
• Cameras: Dual 48MP system (including an improved ultrawide) and a new 18MP Center Stage front camera with a square sensor for easier portrait/selfie framing.
• MagSafe & Charging: Full MagSafe support for magnetic accessories and wireless charging.
• Storage & Value: Base storage doubled (starts at 256GB) and a zippier processor for better longevity — all at a $799 starting price.

Bottom line: unless you only want the absolute cheapest iPhone, the iPhone 17 is the smarter buy over the 16e due to screen, camera, and storage upgrades. If budget is tight, consider a refurbished 16 or wait for a true budget model (an “iPhone 17e” could fill that slot).

Learn more: Official iPhone 17 page • GSMArena review • Search/buy on Amazon

What would you choose — spend the extra $200 for year(s)-long benefits, or keep it cheap? Tell us below.