Apple has already released the Pro models of its iPhone 18 lineup, the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and now all eyes are on their smaller siblings, the iPhone 18 and the iPhone 18e. No major information has surfaced about the base variant other than its expected design. However, some important details about the upcoming budget iPhone are out, and they suggest that the device will continue to disappoint in one particular area.
The iPhone 18e leaked details
A highly trusted tipster, Digital Chat Station, has shared some important details about the upcoming iPhone 18e. The device is reportedly going to feature a 6.12-inch LTPS OLED screen that will offer a 60 Hz refresh rate. The Apple A20 processor built on a 2 nm process is likely going to power the smartphone.
In the back, you will get a single 48 MP rear camera, whereas the leakster believes that the front shooter may be upgraded to 24 MP from the 12 MP lens you get in the iPhone 17e. A few months ago, Ming-Chu Kuo, a well-known analyst, mentioned in one of their posts on X that the upcoming budget iPhone is going to offer 9 GB RAM.
iPhone 18e, Galaxy S26 FE, or the Pixel 11a: which of these will you pick based on their specs?
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Expect a big jump in performance
As mentioned above, the iPhone 18e is reported to feature Apple's A20 SoC, which is going to use a 2 nm manufacturing process. It's the same node on which the A20 Pro chipset of the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and the iPhone Duo is built. It will surely be a big upgrade from the iPhone 17e's A19 chip, which uses a 3 nm manufacturing process.
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The performance was among the many things that impressed us about the iPhone 17e. It was not only better than its predecessor, the iPhone 16e, but also miles ahead of its competitors like the Pixel 10a. The iPhone 18e will most likely wow us too because of its new processor. I'm expecting a significant boost in overall performance and efficiency.
A 60 Hz display is no longer enough
On one hand, there are brands like OnePlus that are offering 185 Hz on their smartphones. On the other hand, Apple is still stuck with 60 Hz on some of its phones. Apple fans are apparently frustrated hearing this rumor, and their frustration can clearly be observed in the comments on a relevant Reddit post.
Comments about iPhone 18e refresh rate. | Image by Reddit
One user commented that a 60 Hz panel in today's time is really shameful. Another user mentioned that Apple should really move on from its approach of gatekeeping 60 Hz as a Pro feature. A Redditor by the name of shinndigg notes that such a low refresh rate doesn't feel premium on Apple smartphones.
The iPhone 18e looks ancient next to even last year's phones
It's alright if you believe that I should not compare the OnePlus 16 with the upcoming iPhone 18e in terms of their respective refresh rates, as the former is a flagship, whereas the latter is a budget iPhone. How about putting the device next to last year's mid-range phones, the Galaxy S25 FE and the Pixel 9a? Both of these smartphones support a 120 Hz refresh rate, whereas the iPhone 18e is reportedly going to offer only 60 Hz.
What's more frustrating to know is that even the entry-level Galaxy A17, which costs only $269, offers a 90 Hz refresh rate. It's really high time that the Cupertino giant should understand that providing a 60 Hz display is really shameful in a device that's going to cost $599 (in case the iPhone 18e launches at the same price as the iPhone 17e). I'm not demanding a major jump, but please make at least 90 Hz a standard on your budget phones now.
All that said, the iPhone 18e will most likely come out in spring 2027, along with its bigger sibling, the iPhone 18, and the iPhone Air 2.
Don't forget to check out these Apple stories as well:
Aman Kumar is a news writer at PhoneArena covering Google Pixel phones, Android features, AI-powered smartphone tools, and mobile tech news. Before joining PhoneArena, he spent over five years writing about consumer technology for publications like MakeUseOf, How-To Geek, and Guiding Tech. His current daily drivers are the Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus, while his red iPhone SE (2nd gen) remains a personal favorite. Aman also appreciates bold smartphone experiments and still considers the Nokia N-Gage one of the industry’s most iconic designs.
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