iPhone 17e Thinking of making the switch

[Tune]

Ive not used an iphone since the 5c. I usually am pretty Samsung loyal, but during their last keynote, the latest "innovation" they had was higher prices and said "AI" so many times that if you took a shot everytime you would have blacked out during the show within the first 5 minutes.

Ive been seriously thinking of making the switch back to an iphone. I have tradionally been a "flagship" sort of guy, but if im being honest, phones have gotten pretty boring in the last 2-3 years to me. So ive been eyeing a 17e.

I guess my question is, for those of you who have the 17e or 16e, how is it? Ive tried to look up youtube reviews, but like every youtuber, unless its a flagship, they generally trash every product.

My other question is, how is ios these days? Any former switchers have anything tips on things/annoyances to look out for or that I will to adjust and get used to?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Slix]

I have an iPhone 16e, and I love it. Great battery life, it's fast, it has pretty much every feature I wanted in an iPhone when I got it last year. The 17e has a few more nice additions that the 16e left out. I'd say for most people the only major difference you'll notice is the lack of a second (or third) camera on the back. They have a 2x zoom which is handy, but no 0.5x zoom or anything higher. If that doesn't matter to you, I'd say the 16e or 17e would be a great purchase! I haven't updated to iOS 26, but from what I hear, 27 fixes a lot of things I was hesitant about from 26, so things seem to be looking up in that regard. If you haven't used iOS in 10+ years you would probably not notice the small things I was wary of, but there are some really nice software features that have come out in recent years too!

Best of luck deciding and welcome back to the iPhone club if you decide to make the jump back. 🙂

 

[eyoungren]

Ive not used an iphone since the 5c. I usually am pretty Samsung loyal, but during their last keynote, the latest "innovation" they had was higher prices and said "AI" so many times that if you took a shot everytime you would have blacked out during the show within the first 5 minutes.

Ive been seriously thinking of making the switch back to an iphone. I have tradionally been a "flagship" sort of guy, but if im being honest, phones have gotten pretty boring in the last 2-3 years to me. So ive been eyeing a 17e.

I guess my question is, for those of you who have the 17e or 16e, how is it? Ive tried to look up youtube reviews, but like every youtuber, unless its a flagship, they generally trash every product.

My other question is, how is ios these days? Any former switchers have anything tips on things/annoyances to look out for or that I will to adjust and get used to?

Thanks in advance.

I was on a Pixel for about 9 months in 2020. Mainly it was to see how Android had progressed since the last time I'd messed with it (around 2010 or so). It clarified for me that it's iOS I prefer, so I came back. It's just a smoother, consistent and more polished experience. Google is still trying to figure out how Android is going to work so things tend to change between major releases.

What enabled me to switch back and forth is the fact that the majority of my ecosystem services are Google (and others). These are all cross platform and thus allow me this freedom. There's a fallacy out there that says that when you switch to Apple you have to use Apple's services. I wanted to point out that this is untrue. You can use any of your Google services on iOS.

As to the model of iPhone you're looking at, I can't really help. I'm still using an 11 Pro Max.

 

[ElPaso]

Hi @Tune ! iPhone 16e user here. The transition from Android to iOS will be relatively easy, although the UI on iOS is a bit different now than it was on your old 5c. The 16e is in every way an awesome phone - with its A18 processor it keeps up with its more expensive brethren. It's designed to skip a lot of the "AI" and "Innovation" that turned you off to Android, although it is still speedy and strong. You can't beat the price either - mine was $599 - I definitely recommend it.

 

[James6s]

The 16e is well regarded by its users, unless you watch some tech reviewers on YouTube etc who slate every phone that isn’t a flagship with all bells and whistles!

Personally I’d go for the 17e as it has a few things that the 16e didn’t like MagSafe, the ability to take portrait photos of any object and not just people & it also has the A19 processor.

 

[iscat]

I only ever used Galaxy devices until I switched to iPhone a little over two weeks ago. I've loved it. I used to be a total Android power user but for the past year or so I haven't used any sideloaded apps or really taken advantage of Android's versatility. Over time, I've just tended to prioritize stability and security over customizability. So, I decided to switch. My experience with switching wasn't bad. Navigation was the hardest thing. I used 3 button navigation on Android since that's just what I was used to but learning iOS navigation isn't bad. I'd imagine its easier if you use gesture navigation on Android. It only took two or three days for me to stop doing OneUI things and start doing the iOS equivalent instead. By the end of the first week, everything felt natural. The only things that bug me anymore are pretty minor nitpicks and nothing that makes me want to switch back. Apple software just feels better to use.

 

[bingeciren]

I use both an iPhone 17Pro and a Samsung S24 Ultra. As much as I really like the hardware and the OS of the Samsung, just because I exclusively use Mac computers, I'm practically locked in the Apple ecosystem. Also, I like my Apple Watch Ultra better than my Galaxy Watch Ultra. However, I think Samsung is ahead of Apple for hardware.

 

[ab2c4]

I switched a little over 6 years ago. Iphones are ok but they definitely aren't better. I hope you like the gesture system because that's all you get for navigation. Everything is pretty locked down. The keyboard is horrible. Don't take my word for it, you will hear about it from other iphone users on here and reddit.

I left Android as I said about 6 years ago. Apple filled the void for something different for awhile. I honestly feel flagship Android phones are better overall. For my next phone I am going back to Android and probably going Samsung.

Trying an iphone can be a nice change of pace, I don't regret it as I was getting burned out with Android at the time, but I am soooooo ready to go back to Android. Android never irritated me and always worked well for me I just got bored with it after awhile, I can't say the same about iphones. Android just works, sadly ios doesn't.

Lastly, everybody is being bombarded right now with "ai this" and "ai that" even with iphones so its no different.

 

[Ahiqar]

Ive not used an iphone since the 5c. I usually am pretty Samsung loyal, but during their last keynote, the latest "innovation" they had was higher prices and said "AI" so many times that if you took a shot everytime you would have blacked out during the show within the first 5 minutes.

I mean, they did introduce a new foldable design. To be fair. Not that they were the first to design it, but the first I know of to offer it for sale. Unless you want to count the first google pixel fold.

 

[TomFromAndroid]

I've had the 16e for about 3 months, coming from a 1st gen SE. I love the 16e: It's fast, the call quality is excellent (people tell me I sound like I'm calling from the room next door) and the battery life is pretty good (much better than the SE, though still not terrific). I have to charge it about twice a week, and that's mostly because I use a lot of Spotify and CarPlay. As for the additional features of the 17e -- the larger storage capacity, the MagSafe, the three lens camera and the A19 chip -- those things are nice but not essential, for me.

If you can find a never-activated, out-of-box one with the original Apple warranty (as I did), go for it.

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

Ive not used an iphone since the 5c. I usually am pretty Samsung loyal, but during their last keynote, the latest "innovation" they had was higher prices and said "AI" so many times that if you took a shot everytime you would have blacked out during the show within the first 5 minutes.

Ive been seriously thinking of making the switch back to an iphone. I have tradionally been a "flagship" sort of guy, but if im being honest, phones have gotten pretty boring in the last 2-3 years to me. So ive been eyeing a 17e.

I guess my question is, for those of you who have the 17e or 16e, how is it? Ive tried to look up youtube reviews, but like every youtuber, unless its a flagship, they generally trash every product.

My other question is, how is ios these days? Any former switchers have anything tips on things/annoyances to look out for or that I will to adjust and get used to?

Thanks in advance.

I owned the 16e from when it came out until a few weeks ago when I traded it in for the 17e. I am in the opposite boat as you, as I am in thinking of going to Android eventually. I just want a new experience but the ease of iMessage is the only thing that makes me iffy about switching. For me I really have iPhone fatigue. IPhone simply works but it isn't particularly exciting by any means for me. Though this is coming from someone who has never owned a flagship iPhone.

 

[ab2c4]

I owned the 16e from when it came out until a few weeks ago when I traded it in for the 17e. I am in the opposite boat as you, as I am in thinking of going to Android eventually. I just want a new experience but the ease of iMessage is the only thing that makes me iffy about switching. For me I really have iPhone fatigue. IPhone simply works but it isn't particularly exciting by any means for me. Though this is coming from someone who has never owned a flagship iPhone.

Trust me, your "isn't particularly exciting" experience with the 17e is the same exact experience you would have if you had the 17 Pro.

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

Trust me, your "isn't particularly exciting" experience with the 17e is the same exact experience you would have if you had the 17 Pro.

Which is the thing that is propelling me to consider Android in the future.

 

[ab2c4]

Which is the thing that is propelling me to consider Android in the future.

I am going Samsung for my next phone, I just can't deal with iphones anymore at this point. I should have switched back to Android last fall but decided to give iphones one more chance, I wish I hadn't. I would get another Pixel but I'm not liking how heavy they are compared to the Samsung phones.

 

[ClaraStahlbaum]

I am going Samsung for my next phone, I just can't deal with iphones anymore at this point. I should have switched back to Android last fall but decided to give iphones one more chance, I wish I hadn't. I would get another Pixel but I'm not liking how heavy they are compared to the Samsung phones.

For me the only thing that holds me back is the concerns I have about RCS messaging and group chats between android and iphone users. The rest of my family are all iphone users, so I would be the only android user in the group chats.

And no, I'm not interested in Whatsapp, Signal, etc, I would be using Google Messages in that case.

 

[svendobbelaere]

I have a specific use case: I’ve been sick unfortunately degrading for 2 years now, and now unfortunately quite stuck at home 🙁.

And I have to admit that my iPhone 14 Pro Max is just too heavy on my joints. Believe me, mentally it is hard to admit at 48 years old that yes, the 14 pro max is too heavy 🙁

I relie on magsafe stands a lot, so the 16e was out. Then when the air was released I thought that would be the goldilocks phone, but in the end I settled on a new iPhone 17e with a 90 euro discount during the sales here. I love it, it’s just like my pro max with regards to apps and layout, but a lot lighter.

I kept the 14 pro max for video on a magsafe stand next to my bed (mainly for sports… it relaxes me). But I can use the 17e around the house luckily.

I charge it once during the day to 80%, haven’t been below 20% anyway.

For me personally it works out wel, and my wife is at peace because I can carry my phone with me and call her in case of emergency.

I really really do not wish this condition on anyone!

Stay healthy out there!

 

[ab2c4]

For me the only thing that holds me back is the concerns I have about RCS messaging and group chats between android and iphone users. The rest of my family are all iphone users, so I would be the only android user in the group chats.

And no, I'm not interested in Whatsapp, Signal, etc, I would be using Google Messages in that case.

I can understand that. In my case my entire family are Android users, so is my son. My wife is the only iPhone user.

 

[ElPaso]

I owned the 16e from when it came out until a few weeks ago when I traded it in for the 17e. I am in the opposite boat as you, as I am in thinking of going to Android eventually. I just want a new experience but the ease of iMessage is the only thing that makes me iffy about switching. For me I really have iPhone fatigue. IPhone simply works but it isn't particularly exciting by any means for me. Though this is coming from someone who has never owned a flagship iPhone.

I use a 16e now - it's "excitement level" is about the same as the two flagships I've used (13 and 8 Plus), which is ok by me. Going to a flagship device wouldn't be the cure for Eyefoan fatigue - so I understand if you went to Android. For me, however, I'm going to stay with Apple - which may not be exciting, but sure as heck works!

 

[Sami13496]

A phone doesn’t need to be exciting. It just needs to be convenient and enjoyable to use.

 

[Harddrive]

Keep in mind the novelty of a lot of thins wears off quite early and the grass is not greener on the other side get what will get the job done the easiest and quickest for you.

 

[aespana]

You need to be sure that you like Liquid Glass UI. I sold to my brother a 13 Mini and moved to Android because Liquid Glass.

If you can go to an Apple Store and test it, it would be the best

 

[Ctrlos]

Ive not used an iphone since the 5c. I usually am pretty Samsung loyal, but during their last keynote, the latest "innovation" they had was higher prices and said "AI" so many times that if you took a shot everytime you would have blacked out during the show within the first 5 minutes.

Ive been seriously thinking of making the switch back to an iphone. I have tradionally been a "flagship" sort of guy, but if im being honest, phones have gotten pretty boring in the last 2-3 years to me. So ive been eyeing a 17e.

I guess my question is, for those of you who have the 17e or 16e, how is it? Ive tried to look up youtube reviews, but like every youtuber, unless its a flagship, they generally trash every product.

My other question is, how is ios these days? Any former switchers have anything tips on things/annoyances to look out for or that I will to adjust and get used to?

Thanks in advance.

That’s everything you need to know and whether its for you.

As a 16e owner myself the only thing I ever miss on occasion is the ultra wide camera but then if I want to take ‘proper’ photos I’ll just bring an actual camera. I like using the bottom-end sort of device because it reminds me that a phone is just a tool. Hammers and screwdrivers aren’t exciting and I’ll just replace them when they wear out. Phones should be the same.

If you’re coming from an S23 Ultra or similar it will feel like quite a step down. You’ve no telephoto range at all really and only a 60hz screen. This is less of an issue on iOS where the animations are smooth enough to make up for it but it is something to be aware of.

As Mark Ellis says in his video, you might be better off buying a refurb 16 Pro for the same price which has all mod-cons.

 

[eyoungren]

You need to be sure that you like Liquid Glass UI. I sold to my brother a 13 Mini and moved to Android because Liquid Glass.

If you can go to an Apple Store and test it, it would be the best

Liquid glass just means that Apple has finally gotten to the territory I existed in with jailbroken iPhones from Christmas 2011 to November 2020.

We are finally getting somewhere with being able to customize the look of the iPhone. Sooner or later I hope they get to the dock so I can finally get rid of its background.

 

[DaveS86]

Liquid glass just means that Apple has finally gotten to the territory I existed in with jailbroken iPhones from Christmas 2011 to November 2020.

We are finally getting somewhere with being able to customize the look of the iPhone. Sooner or later I hope they get to the dock so I can finally get rid of its background.

A major dock update would be amazing, ability to totally remove it, make the rectangle completely disappear etc

 

[eyoungren]

A major dock update would be amazing, ability to totally remove it, make the rectangle completely disappear etc

See, that's where I hope we are headed. And there is hope. You can now place your apps anywhere you like on your homescreen. For ages, that took a jailbreak tweak to do. But now it's stock.

We aren't there yet, but Apple is getting better in this sense.