apple is attacking the mid-range smartphone market with iPhone 17eand the second-generation “iPhone e” model includes several major improvements. The smartphone now starts with 128GB to 256GB of storage and features a faster Apple A19 processor. The company corrected a big mistake by adding up to 15W MagSafe charging to the iPhone 17e. All around, it’s a solid smartphone, even if some corners are cut.
However, there are some iPhone 17e features that will confuse Android users. The iPhone 17e still has more of a notch than a punch-hole or pill-shaped front-facing camera cutout. Speaking of the screen, it’s only 60Hz. There’s also only one rear camera, and while it’s a capable 48-megapixel sensor, it can’t replace a dedicated ultra-wide or telephoto lens.
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Google Pixel 10a
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Any conversation about budget Android phones should start with it Google Pixel 10a. It’s the gold standard in value proposition with decent specifications, a no-nonsense approach and a long software support guarantee. The Pixel 10a may actually be supported longer than the iPhone 17e, as Apple typically only guarantees updates for five years, while Google confirms seven years of support. Google’s midranger is priced at $499, which is $100 less than the iPhone 17e.
The iPhone 17e beats the Pixel 10a in several significant ways. It has a faster Apple A19 processor, double the main memory and MagSafe compatibility. However, the Pixel 10a betters the iPhone 17e in several ways, with a larger 6.3-inch display, dual camera system, larger battery, and completely flat back. Not only is the display bigger, it also offers a 120Hz refresh rate and a smaller camera notch.
The Android vs. iOS debate usually comes down to personal preference, but Google AI and Twins It clearly outperforms Apple Intelligence, which is why the Pixel 10a beats the iPhone 17e there. For less than the iPhone 17e, the Pixel 10a offers more than what really matters in everyday smartphone use.
OnePlus 13R
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The OnePlus 13R it has the best chance of beating the iPhone 17e in terms of performance. The two phones are priced the same at $599 each, and the OnePlus 13R is similarly capable. It is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 it has an advanced performance processor and a huge 6000 mAh battery. If you want the biggest mid-range display, the OnePlus 13R offers a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel that can handle a 120Hz refresh rate.
The camera system is also better than the iPhone 17e. It uses a triple-camera rear system that includes a 50MP Sony LYT-700 primary shooter, a 50MP Samsung JN5 telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP Sony IMX355 wide-angle lens. The OnePlus 13R’s cameras have ways to improve—the optical zoom length is still poor and the ultra-wide quality is poor—but it’s more versatile than the iPhone 17e’s single 48MP rear camera.
You might wonder why we haven’t talked about it OnePlus 15Rand there is a simple reason. That’s $100 more than both the iPhone 17e and OnePlus 13R, and it includes upgrades like the missing telephoto camera. It would be better to buy the older and cheaper OnePlus 13R instead.
Moto G Stylus 2025
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The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2025 It’s not as premium as some of the other phones on this list, including the iPhone 17e, but it’s also the cheapest. At just $400 and often less, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2025 is distinctive and affordable enough to give the iPhone 17e a run for its money. Standout features include a built-in pen for writing and drawing and PANTONE-style color schemes that set the Moto G Stylus 5G 2025 apart.
As far as specs go, the Moto G Stylus 5G 2025 has a 6.7-inch AMOLED panel that’s bigger and has a higher refresh rate than the iPhone 17e. Inside, there is a weaker Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and 128 GB of memory. However, you do get expandable storage via a microSD card slot and a headphone jack. These are two features you won’t find anywhere else on the iPhone 17e.
Motorola’s midranger also offers a dual camera system with a 50MP wide lens and a 13MP ultra-wide lens, giving you an extra rear camera compared to the iPhone 17e. One area where the iPhone 17e is a better choice is software support, as Motorola only guarantees two years of full Android OS upgrades.
Nothing Phone 4a Pro
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If you want a smartphone that really stands out, buy it Nothing phone 4a Pro. It’s a brand new mid-range phone priced at $500, making it $100 cheaper than the iPhone 17e. In addition, this is the first Nothing phone with an aluminum chassis that looks somewhat normal. There’s nothing flair and a flashy camera bump with a Glyph Matrix display, but it’s sleeker than previous models and gives the Phone 4a Pro more character than the iPhone 17e.
In terms of specifications, the base model gets a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. You can upgrade the Phone 4a Pro to a 12GB/256GB configuration to match the iPhone 17e. Make no mistake, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor won’t quite match the A19 in the iPhone 17e, but it should be good enough for the price.
You also get a larger 5,080mAh battery, faster 50W wireless charging, and the largest 6.83-inch display in the category. One notable omission is wireless charging, but otherwise the Nothing Phone 4a Pro covers all the bases.
