I’ve tested the iPhone 17e, Pixel 10a, and Galaxy A57 — here’s the sub-$700 mid-range phone worth buying

In a recent comparison of three sub-$700 mid-range smartphones, the iPhone 17e, Pixel 10a, and Galaxy A57 were tested for their cameras, charging capabilities, battery life, and software features. All three phones were personally tested over the past six months, allowing for an in-depth evaluation of their performance.

The iPhone 17e, priced at $699, comes with a 6.1-inch OLED display, a 48MP main camera, and a 4,005 mAh battery. It features the Apple A19 Tensor G4 chipset, offers a 20W wired and 15W MagSafe wireless charging, and supports IP68 water/dust resistance. In terms of camera performance, the iPhone 17e excels in low light conditions and produces sharp details during bright scenes, making it the best camera phone among the three.

The Pixel 10a, available for $599, boasts a 6.3-inch Actua pOLED display, a 50MP main camera with a 12MP ultrawide and a 12MP macro, and a 5,100 mAh battery. It runs on the Exynos 1680 chipset and provides 30W wired charging, 10W wireless charging, and IP68 water/dust resistance. Although it has a dual-camera setup, the Pixel 10a's 50MP main camera performs well, delivering good performance in different lighting conditions and providing solid overall quality.

Lastly, the Galaxy A57, also priced at $599, features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, a 50MP main camera with a 12MP ultrawide and a 5MP macro, and a 5,000 mAh battery. Powered by the Exynos 1680 chipset, it offers 45W wired charging and IP68 water/dust resistance. The Galaxy A57's camera performance is satisfactory, capable of handling various lighting scenarios but falls short when compared to the iPhone 17e's camera prowess.

Considering the specifications, camera performance, and pricing, the iPhone 17e emerges as the best value for money in this comparison, making it the recommended choice for those seeking a well-rounded experience within their $700 budget.