iPhone 17e Pre-order in the UK: Release Date, Price, and First Impressions

The wait is finally over for Apple faithful. Just a few hours ago, Apple wrapped up its first event of the year, and we now have the newest member of the family: the iPhone 17e. The most exciting part is that the iPhone 17e pre-order in the UK kicks off at virtually the same time as in the US, so if you're keen to be among the first to get it, you can get your card ready now. I've been putting the initial units that arrived in press centres through their paces, and I can tell you this: this phone comes with a few surprises that set it apart from the traditional "entry-level model".

A battery designed to put battery anxiety to bed

The first thing that struck me when I held it was how light it feels, but the real gem is inside. Apple has finally listened to the feedback and equipped the iPhone 17e with a long-lasting battery that, in my initial tests, holds up for a day and a half with heavy use. No more scrambling for a charger by midday. And yes, they've also brought back MagSafe – that magnetic system we missed so much in previous generations – which works a treat here for wireless charging, so you don't have to faff about finding the exact spot.

A price that stings… but less than expected

Let's talk money, because that's what really hurts. At the event, they made it clear they want to compete fiercely in the high-end range, but without reaching Pro levels. According to initial reports from authorised resellers (and what we could verify from recent launches), the iPhone 17e will sit in a very similar bracket to the iPhone 16e when it launched, though with improvements that justify every penny. If we compare it to the Samsung S25, it's a close race: the Koreans win on customisation, but Apple counters with software smoothness and an ecosystem that really resonates here in the UK.

iPhone 17e vs iPhone 16e: Is it worth the upgrade?

If you already have a 16e, you might not need to switch, but for those coming from older models, the difference is night and day. The new chip (which we'll call the A18 for now, although Apple hasn't given an official name) flies compared to the previous one. Plus, the night camera is a substantial improvement: photos in Shoreditch at 2 a.m. come out without that annoying grain. And get this – the 17e includes the customisable Action button, which used to be exclusive to the Pros. It's a detail that power users will really appreciate.

The good, the bad, and what you need to know before buying

To help you make an informed decision, here's what I've gathered from these hours of testing:

• Battery: This is its strong suit. You'll easily make it to the end of the day with 30% left.
• MagSafe: It's back, and that means magnetic accessories (wallets, power banks) that work brilliantly.
• Price: It's expected to be around £699 for the base model, although early pre-orders often come with bank discounts.
• Availability: Major retailers (John Lewis, Apple Store, Currys) already have their pre-order pages live, with delivery estimated within a week.
• New colour: The Midnight Blue looks classy, though the classic Starlight White remains a favourite.

And what about the Samsung S25?

The direct rival, the Samsung Galaxy S25, is also fresh on the market. On paper, the Samsung's screen is brighter and the 120Hz refresh rate feels buttery smooth. But the iPhone 17 (because it's ultimately part of the whole family) wins out on battery optimisation and the durability that iOS provides. Plus, here in the UK, Apple's after-sales service is among the best: if you have an issue, any Apple Store will sort it out for you without any hassle.

Verdict: Should I take advantage of the pre-order or wait?

Look, if you're someone who upgrades their phone every two or three years, now's the time. The iPhone 17e pre-order is off to a strong start, and the first batches usually arrive even earlier than promised. If you can hold on for a couple of months, you'll likely find some Black Friday deals, but you'll miss out on the thrill of being the first among your mates to get it. I've already bagged mine. What are you waiting for?