The newly released iPhone 17e has been heavily criticized.

Last night, March 2nd, Apple unexpectedly launched the iPhone 17e – the newest and lowest-priced iPhone in its lineup, starting at $599. According to MacRumors, this price is $100 lower than the iPhone 16 and $200 cheaper than the standard iPhone 17.

Despite being in a lower price segment, the iPhone 17e shares the same hardware platform as the iPhone 17 series, notably the new A19 chip. However, it has one fewer GPU core than the standard version, only features a single 48MP rear camera, and lacks an ultra-wide-angle lens.

The iPhone 17e also lacks a 120Hz ProMotion display or Dynamic Island design, instead continuing with the "notch." The front camera retains the same specifications as the previous generation and lacks advanced recording features like Cinematic Mode or Action Mode.

In terms of appearance, the iPhone 17e is almost unchanged from the iPhone 16e and quite different from the designs users had hoped for. It still uses an aluminum frame, a glass back, and a 6.1-inch OLED screen.

Apple upgraded the protective layer to Ceramic Shield 2 to increase scratch resistance, and also added MagSafe, a feature previously absent from the e series but not enough to meet user expectations.

The device supports 15W wireless charging via MagSafe and can charge 50% of its battery in about 30 minutes with a 20W or higher power adapter.

Inside, the A19 chip comes with 8GB of RAM and a starting storage of 256GB, higher than the previous generation. This configuration handles demanding tasks as well as all Apple Intelligence features. Battery life is advertised to be up to 26 hours of video playback, the same as the previous generation.

The iPhone 17e comes in three colors: pink, black, and white. In Vietnam, users can pre-order from the evening of March 4th, and the device will be available in stores from March 11th. The expected price starts from 18 million VND for the 256GB version and 24.5 million VND for the 512GB version.

Some retail chains like Minh Tuan Mobile and CellphoneS have opened registrations to receive information. However, a representative from one system stated that the product is unlikely to create a "sell-out" situation like the Pro or Pro Max versions because Vietnamese users usually prioritize high-end models when upgrading.

The iPhone 17e will be available from March 11th.

On Reddit, many expressed disappointment that the device didn't have major changes, especially since it still uses a 60Hz screen and a "notch" design.

Some people believe that at this price point, they would consider the standard iPhone 17 or iPhone Air for a better experience, rather than choosing a new model that lacks significant upgrades.

The user TP wrote, "Apple has released yet another disappointing product as the iPhone 17e still retains the 'notch' design and a 60Hz screen."

This person stated that they had been waiting for the product to complete their Apple ecosystem, which already included a MacBook and iPad Pro, but were dissatisfied because the 2026 device still used a 60Hz refresh rate, had thick bezels, and lacked significant improvements.

"I'd rather buy a regular iPhone 17, or even choose the latest Xiaomi model," this user expressed their opinion.

Besides, compared to rumors that the iPhone 17e wouldn't be a phone with too many features cut, Apple actually did significantly reduce features upon release.