New Apple Mobile Devices: Interesting Details on iPhone 17e and iPad Air M4
At first glance, Apple's iPhone 17e and iPad Air M4 seem like pure spec bumps. But that's only partially true. A look at the data sheet.
iPad Air M4 and iPhone 17e: The innovations are under the hood.
(Image: Apple)
At first glance, Apple's new devices released on Monday seem unsurprising: With the iPhone 17e and the iPad Air M4 in 11 and 13-inch variants, the Cupertino manufacturer has simply continued existing product lines. However, a closer look at the fine print reveals some noteworthy innovations. Apple has changed some annoying aspects of previous versions, but unfortunately remains user-unfriendly in other areas. Mac & i summarizes the most important information.
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iPhone 17e: Now probably annually
At first glance, the 17e is a slightly pimped-up iPhone 16e. The renaming of the SE to a series number last year already made it clear that Apple will update its entry-level model more regularly than just every few years. An annual cycle is to be expected. The smartphone comes with a current A19 chip from the iPhone 17, which, as expected, is "binne"d, meaning it runs slower. In practice, this means: Instead of five graphics cores (GPU cores), users have to make do with four. This is likely to slightly slow down graphically demanding applications like gaming – benchmarks will have to show how this plays out in practice. Apple already used only four GPU cores in the iPhone 16e. The battery size has not changed – according to Apple, it remains 4005 mAh.
Camera and non-dynamic Notch
The camera system is said to enable better portraits, in the form of the next (or current) generation of the well-known Portrait mode. This provides more bokeh. Little has changed with the selfie sensor: The front camera remains the old one and therefore cannot use the practical Center Stage mode. MagSafe is finally included, but Apple has decided to continue using the (ancient) Notch instead of giving the 17e a Dynamic Island. RAM is likely 8 GB, which is enough for Apple Intelligence. Pure eSIM models are available in more countries, including Japan, Mexico, and several Arab states. The EU version still has a physical SIM slot. The C1X modem chip replaces the C1 and is said to be faster, standard flash size is now 256 GB. Apple is selling new silicone and clear cases for the 17e. Annoyingly, the price is high: 700 Euros are to be paid in Germany, the standard iPhone 17 (starting from 849,98 €) is only about 150 Euros more expensive in stores.
iPad Air M4: It communicates better
With the iPad Air M4, buyers can look forward to 4 GB more RAM, Apple's N1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, and the C1X modem from the same company. These promise higher throughput (C1X) and faster connection establishment (e.g., with AirDrop). The M4 is said to be "30 percent faster" at least in multi-core operation, Apple claims, and memory bandwidth has also been increased by 20 GB/s, as can be seen from the specs. All of this still needs to be proven in benchmarks and tests. Annoying: Apple starts with only 128 GB of storage – one would have expected more here. Nothing has changed with the screen and cameras either.
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