The iPhone 17e still won’t be good enough to lure Android users
The iPhone 17e still won’t be good enough to lure Android users
Publish Date: 2026-02-17 07:15:00
Source Domain: www.macworld.com
Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld analyzes the upcoming iPhone 17e versus Google Pixel 10a, highlighting Apple’s struggle to compete in the budget smartphone market.
- The $599 iPhone 17e appears to offer less value than the $499 Pixel 10a, which features dual cameras, 120Hz display, and superior AI photography capabilities.
- Apple’s device retains outdated elements like a single rear camera, 60Hz refresh rate, and notch design while lacking competitive features that Android users expect.
Apple and Google are preparing the latest versions of their entry-level smartphones. On February 18, the Pixel 10a will debut with a reworked Tensor G4 processor and support for a full year of OS updates. At around the same time, Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17e, featuring MagSafe compatibility and upgraded chips.
On the surface, both refreshes appear to be incremental. But a closer look at the rumored specifications suggests the Pixel 10a will still offer the stronger overall value for budget-conscious smartphone buyers. Not only will the iPhone 17e likely cost $100 more, but according to rumors, it’ll still miss out on several essential upgrades that have been standard on the budget Pixel line for a while.
Camera: Two is better than one
Photographers and content creators have long praised flagship iPhones for the exceptional camera systems they pack. Pro users get to pick between the ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses, letting them shoot nearby and distant subjects alike. However, despite Apple’s undeniable interest in mobile photography, its efforts don’t translate as vividly beyond the flagship line.
When Apple introduced the iPhone SE with a single rear lens in 2020, the decision was arguably justified at the time due to the phone’s low cost. That’s no longer the case, however. The company now charges mid-range prices for its “e” iPhones, while still giving their cameras the budget phone treatment. The iPhone…
