Budget smartphones finally hit premium vibe under $600

You can finally get a capable iPhone for under $600.

The Verge’s roundup of budget smartphones argues that “roughly $600 or under” no longer means a gut-check compromise. The centerpiece is the new iPhone 17E, priced at $599 with a base 256GB of storage, a 6.1-inch OLED panel at 1170p, and a familiar A-series engine billed as the same processor family as the flagship iPhone model. In other words: you’re not getting a stripped-down iPhone, you’re getting an iPhone that trades a few bells and whistles for a much more palatable price tag. The configuration also brings a 48-megapixel primary camera with optical image stabilization and a 12-megapixel selfie cam, along with a respectable 4,005 mAh battery and 20W wired charging plus 15W MagSafe wireless. The catch, as the fine print suggests, is that it’s not all flagship-level polish.

For starters, the compromises are real but more tolerable than they used to be. The Verge notes a 60Hz screen, which means scrolling and animation won’t feel as silky as the 120Hz panels common on pricier devices. There’s also talk of camera tradeoffs, including the lack of an ultrawide camera or an upgraded selfie setup on some budget configurations—capabilities you might take for granted on a more expensive model. And while water resistance is mentioned as less robust on budget options, the iPhone 17E still delivers Apple’s generally solid build, just without the premium edge in durability you’d expect from a flagship.

From a consumer perspective, the dollars-and-cents story is compelling. A 256GB baseline storage footprint is a meaningful move away from the cramped 64GB or 128GB options that used to plague budget phones, reducing the need for constant cloud shuffles or microSD workarounds (not every ecosystem supports microSD anymore). The intent here is clear: you can buy today with the confidence that your critical apps, photos, and video projects won’t instantly cry for more space in a matter of weeks. And the price—$599 for the iPhone 17E—puts this device in reach for many who previously felt flagship vibes required flagship prices.

Still, there are realities buyers should anchor to. First, screen smoothness matters in day-to-day use, especially if you spend long hours scrolling, gaming, or streaming. A 60Hz panel is not fatal, but it is noticeable if you’re comparing side-by-side with higher-refresh contenders. Second, while the 48MP main camera is strong on paper, real-world results—especially in tricky lighting—will hinge on image processing and ISP capabilities that don’t always match top-tier flagships. Third, while Apple’s hardware and software alignment often translates to longer OS support than many Android rivals, buyers should still temper expectations about the pace of future updates versus a midrange Android device.

Two concrete practitioner insights for shoppers navigating this tier:

Tradeoffs are real but predictable. If you want the best camera under $600, test a few shots in your typical lighting and compare against a higher-end model you’re considering. The 48MP sensor will surprise, but the overall photo quality will still depend on processing and lens collaboration, not just megapixels.

Storage strategy matters more than you think. With a generous 256GB base on the iPhone 17E, you’ll save on frequent cloud-saving churn and maintain faster access to large media libraries. But if your workflow continually shifts large media between devices, confirm that your preferred cloud plan and local backups align with price and convenience.

Verdict: Buy—it's the closest thing to flagship vibes at a mainstream price, with the practical benefits of strong storage, good battery life, and a familiar, polished OS. Skip if your must-haves include a high-refresh-rate screen, a broader camera system, or extreme ruggedness.

Sources

The best budget smartphones you can buy