The New Budget King? Everything to Expect from the iPhone 17e
The talk about Apple’s cheaper iPhones has really heated up recently. After they moved away from the ageing SE look
Not going to lie; I will be hovering over my computer at 1 pm on Friday, September 12th, to be the first in line to pre-order my new iPhone – the only problem is deciding which one I want. Apple has just announced the new iPhone 17 range, and the upgrades this year are big enough that I’m seriously torn between the four new models. Normally, I am a Pro Max girl all the way, but the standard iPhone 17 is a seriously upgraded phone and a great value for money.
Like many of us, I have been counting the days until I can replace my battered iPhone 15 Pro Max. I’ve been guilty of swiping my boyfriend’s iPhone 16 whenever he’s within range of a good photo op because his camera feels so much better than mine. Last September, the iPhone 16’s improvements in camera, chip performance, and the addition of Apple Intelligence felt like a step forward, but not a giant leap.
This year, Apple has taken things much further. With the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, there’s something new for everyone – whether you want a phone that lasts all day, are into serious photography, or simply want the lightest iPhone you can slip into your pocket.
In this blog, I’ll break down what’s new, explain the differences from last year’s iPhone 16 models, and, most importantly, show you how these upgrades actually matter in everyday life.
For years, Apple’s base iPhone models have been great phones, but the big perks, like always-on displays, ProMotion, or advanced cameras, were reserved for the Pro versions. That changes with the iPhone 17 series. If you love your iPhone, you’re in for an upgrade treat.
The iPhone 17 base model gets an upgraded 6.3-inch screen, slightly larger than the 6.1-inch screen on the iPhone 16, and the same size as last year’s iPhone 16 Pro model. That extra size makes text, photos, and videos easier to enjoy – especially if you’re my age! Plus, ProMotion (once reserved only for Pro models) is here, making scrolling and video smooth at up to 120Hz.
The display is also brighter than ever, with 3,000 nits peak brightness. This makes it much easier to see outdoors compared to the iPhone 16’s 2,000 nits.
The new Ceramic Shield 2 is three times more scratch-resistant than the iPhone 16’s glass and includes a seven-layer anti-reflective coating, cutting glare and smudges. I’ll still be buying a case for protection, but I am hoping that I might get through this iPhone without a single insurance claim.
Inside, the A19 chip makes apps faster and supports Apple Intelligence seamlessly.
Our customers’ biggest question is always about battery life, and this year, the base model gets an impressive 8-hour boost in video playback, going from 22 hours on the iPhone 16 to 30 hours on the iPhone 17.
The camera is also getting significant upgrades. Last year, the iPhone 16 offered a 12MP ultra-wide camera. This year, prepare to be dazzled with a 48MP ultra-wide camera – giving you 4x more detail.
A huge upgrade, in my opinion, is the new 18MP front camera (up from 12MP) with Center Stage, which automatically adjusts framing for selfies and calls. You simply tap to expand the field of view and rotate from portrait to landscape without even moving your iPhone. When others suddenly photo bomb your selfie, the field of view will automatically expand.
Ultra-stabilisation, once upon a time a feature reserved for Pro models, is also now standard across all models on the front camera. This was a surprise gift from Apple.
Dual Capture is a feature I have been waiting for since I first used “Director’s view” on a Samsung in 2020. Dual Capture allows you to film using both the front and rear cameras simultaneously, leaving you looking like a professional YouTuber! I have often used the ‘handsfree’ feature on Instagram Stories to replicate this, but having it on board natively is a thousand times better.
Altogether, the iPhone 17 delivers a Pro-like experience at the same price point as last year’s iPhone 16. And, as if Apple knew we’d all be taking more photos and videos with all these improvements, they have doubled the starting storage on the base model, going from 128GB last year to 256GB this year.
OK, but my absolute favourite, favourite, favourite new feature this year: You can now get 50% charge in 20 minutes if you have a 40W adapter! I often get caught out on charge, so I really love this upgrade.
The iPhone Air is just 5.6mm thin, the slimmest iPhone ever. It’s a work of art. It feels incredibly light in hand but still durable, thanks to a titanium frame and Ceramic Shield 2 on both the front and back.
Compared to the aluminium-and-glass iPhone 16, the Air is four times more crack-resistant and far easier to carry.
Despite its thinness, it runs on the A19 Pro chip – the same power as the Pro line. This means you get top-level performance in a phone that slips easily into a pocket.
The Air could be considered a replacement for the Plus model. It measures 6.5 inches, slightly bigger than the standard iPhone 17 but slightly smaller than last year’s Plus (6.7 inches). At 165g, it’s 34g lighter than the iPhone 16 Plus and 12g lighter than the iPhone 17 base model.
Like the standard iPhone 17 model, the Air includes the 48MP fusion camera system with 2x telephoto zoom, plus Dual Capture video and Center Stage on the front camera.
To save space, the Air is eSIM-only. Honestly, this isn’t a bad thing – who really needs the plastic SIM card anymore? Even better, the Air can store up to 8 eSIMs, making it perfect for travel or separating business and personal lines.
And just like the standard model, the Air starts at 256GB of storage but adds an impressive 1TB option – incredible given its thinness!
The accessories designed for the Air are a big part of its charm and will no doubt be on my Christmas list if I end up with the Air. The ultra-slim MagSafe battery pack attaches to the Air and extends video playback up to 40 hours. I also love the translucent cases and the crossbody strap, which I suspect will be a big upgrade from the budget straps I usually buy online from Temu.
The Pro gets many of the same upgrades as the Air and standard models: the aerospace aluminium body, Ceramic Shield 2 front and back, the A19 Pro chip, the 18MP front camera with Center Stage, Tap to Zoom and Rotate, and Dual Capture.
The aluminium body not only makes the Pro lighter, but also better at managing heat. Overheating was a common complaint with the iPhone 16 Pro series. The iPhone 17 Pro focuses on power and longevity, with a new vapor chamber cooling system that moves heat away from the A19 chip.
This results in up to 40% better sustained performance compared to the iPhone 16 Pro. For gaming, photo editing, or heavy multitasking, this is a huge improvement.
Both the Pro and Pro Max also offer around 4 hours more video playback than their predecessors.
The Pro’s camera system includes three 48MP rear cameras, including a new 100mm telephoto lens for natural portraits. Low-light photography has also taken a big step forward.
With the A19 Pro chip, the iPhone 17 Pro is Apple’s most powerful phone yet – up to 40% faster on both CPU and GPU than the iPhone 16 Pro. It’s ideal for gaming and complex tasks such as running large AI models.
“The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers the best battery life ever in an iPhone.”
The Pro Max is the biggest and longest-lasting model in the lineup.
It offers the largest screen and up to 39 hours of video playback – the best battery life ever in an iPhone. If you’re upgrading from a 15 Pro Max, the additional 8 hours will be noticeable.
While there aren’t many differences between the Pro and Pro Max beyond size, the Pro Max does have one exclusive: a 200mm 8x telephoto zoom not available on the smaller Pro.
Both Pro models start at 256GB of storage, but the Pro Max goes all the way up to 2TB.
A great all-rounder with ProMotion, better durability, and upgraded cameras. Perfect for most people.
Ideal if you want a slim, light, stylish phone that still packs Pro-level performance.
Built for gamers, creators, and power users who want the best performance and cameras.
The ultimate choice for those who want the largest screen, longest battery life, and exclusive zoom lens.
Since we love our business customers, let’s focus in a little on the new features we loves specifically for business.
Firstly, the battery is longer, and the 50% charge in 20 minutes means that this really is an all-day battery life; ideal for business people on the move. Many of our customers are out all day and wearing down their batteries even faster with a laptop tethering off their phone. I absolutely love the fast recharge feature.
Secondly, many people have been asking us about using the pro models to film professional content for their social media. I would say that the “pro” models really are focused on professional camera usage for business in a big way this year. One of my clients, for example, wants to use one iPhone to film himself and one to film the person he is interviewing. Genlock is new to the iPhone 17 Pro models and allows multiple filming devices to sync up in just this way.
My next big business benefit has to be the enormous storage solution offered in the 17 series. The iPhone Pro Max in particular offers 2TB of storage!
Finally, for those who travel for businesses, the iPhone Air has the ability to carry 8 active eSims! This is great for those who regularly utilise local eSims when they travel.
[Updated on 12 September 2025]
I opted for the Pro Max! Why? Because the 48MP telescopic lens will definitely be used in my adventures, and I need all the help I can get to take a decent photo.
Last year, the iPhone 16 series was a refinement. This year, the iPhone 17 lineup feels like a revolution.
Every model has meaningful upgrades: the base iPhone 17 now feels like a Pro, the Air redefines slimness, the Pro is a true powerhouse, and the Pro Max is the most complete iPhone ever.
That’s why I’ll be credit card in hand on September 12th to pre-order mine. The only hard part is choosing between the Air’s elegance and the Pro Max’s powerhouse features.
BusinessMobiles.com is offering exclusive pre-order offers until 18.09 Midnight. Browse all our Business iPhone Deals.
Want to learn more? Read our post on the 10+ Best Mobile Phones for Business of 2025 now.
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