Apple’s budget-friendly smartphone, the iPhone 17e, priced at 990,000 KRW (approximatly 683 USD), is set to make its debut soon. With the device scheduled to launch on February 19, just a day after Google unveils its own budget model, the Pixel 10a, industry experts anticipate a head-to-head battle between Apple and Google in the value-for-money smartphone market.
On February 6, IT industry insiders and foreign media outlets reported that Apple plans to officially unveil the iPhone 17e on the 19th, exactly one year after the release of its predecessor, the iPhone 16e.
Industry analysts expect the iPhone 17e to maintain its predecessor’s price point at around 990,000 KRW (approximately 683 USD). This positions it 300,000 KRW (approximately 207 USD) below the flagship iPhone 17 base model (256GB), which retails at 1,290,000 KRW (approximately 890 USD), while still promising flagship-level performance.
Among the iPhone 17e’s specifications, the mobile application processor (AP) – often referred to as the smartphone’s brain – is drawing the most attention.
The device is expected to feature the next-generation A19 chip, a notable upgrade from the previous generation’s A18. Equipped with this chip, the smartphone is anticipated to deliver flagship-level performance in demanding tasks such as high-end gaming and artificial intelligence (AI) processing.
Beyond performance and pricing, the front design has also captured attention. Industry insiders predict that the iPhone 17e will incorporate the interactive Dynamic Island design, moving away from the traditional notch.
