iPhone 12 vs iPhone 17e
Quick answer
The iPhone 17e is the same size as the iPhone 12, 5 grams0.18 ounces heavier.
The iPhone 17e on Amazon (paid link) feels like the same phone in the hand, but the battery lasts noticeably longer through the day. You get the latest silicon and Apple Intelligence, though Apple sells it new for significantly more than a renewed 12 (paid link). If your current phone still gets you through the day, hold tight; otherwise, this is the sensible pick.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: Same
Pocket: Same
Weight difference: Not noticeable
iPhone 12
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 17e
from $599 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.5 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.3 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 12: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.4 millimetres, 164 grams. iPhone 17e: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.8 millimetres, 169 grams.
12, 17e shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 12
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 17e
from $599 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 12 146.7 millimetres, 17e 146.7 millimetres.Height: 12 5.78 inches, 17e 5.78 inches.Width: 12 71.5 millimetres, 17e 71.5 millimetres.Width: 12 2.81 inches, 17e 2.81 inches.Depth: 12 7.40 millimetres, 17e 7.80 millimetres.Depth: 12 0.29 inches, 17e 0.31 inches.Weight: 12 164 grams, 17e 169 grams.Weight: 12 5.78 ounces, 17e 5.96 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 12 | 17e |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 146.7 millimetres5.78 inches | 146.7 millimetres, the same5.78 inches, the same |
| Width | 71.5 millimetres2.81 inches | 71.5 millimetres, the same2.81 inches, the same |
| Depth | 7.40 millimetres0.29 inches | 7.80 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres more0.31 inches, 0.02 inches more |
| Weight | 164 grams5.78 ounces | 169 grams, 5 grams more5.96 ounces, 0.18 ounces more |
| Volume | 77.6 cubic centimetres4.74 cubic inches | 81.8 cubic centimetres, 4.2 cubic centimetres more4.99 cubic inches, 0.26 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 86 percent | 86 percent, the same |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches, the same |
| Resolution | 1170 × 2532 | 1170 × 2532 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, the same |
| Cutout | Notch | Notch |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A19 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 17 hrs | 26 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 256 GB | 256 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 799 dollars | 599 dollars, 200 dollars less |
| Released | Oct 2020 | Mar 2026 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 17e is 0.40 mm (0.02 in) thicker and 5 g (0.18 oz) heavier than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.40 mm (5.78 × 2.81 × 0.29 in) and weighs 164 g (5.78 oz). The iPhone 17e measures 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.80 mm (5.78 × 2.81 × 0.31 in) and weighs 169 g (5.96 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 12
Questions about these phones
How does the size of iPhone 17e compare to iPhone 12?
iPhone 17e has the same height and width as iPhone 12. iPhone 17e is 0.40 mm thicker and 5 g heavier.
Is iPhone 17e heavier than iPhone 12?
iPhone 17e weighs 5 g more than iPhone 12. The weight difference is not noticeable in daily use.
Are the screen sizes of iPhone 17e and iPhone 12 the same?
Yes, both phones have a 6.1 inch display with identical resolution. There is no change in screen dimensions between the two models.
Which phone is easier to use one handed?
Both iPhone 12 and iPhone 17e offer the same one handed ease. The verdict notes neither model is distinctly better for small hands.
Does iPhone 17e fit in a jeans pocket like iPhone 12?
Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket but not a median women's jeans pocket. Their pocketability is rated the same.
Is upgrading from iPhone 12 to iPhone 17e worth it for size alone?
No, upgrading from iPhone 12 to iPhone 17e for size alone is not worth it. The shell remains the same with only minor internal changes.