iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Quick answer
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 7.4 millimetres0.29 inches narrower and 17.8 millimetres0.70 inches shorter than the iPhone 17 Air.
The SE on Amazon (paid link) is the only choice if you insist on a true pocket phone, but its chip is the oldest still supported and is likely next to lose updates. The 17 Air (paid link) offers a massive screen and real battery endurance at a premium price. You either want size and value, or a modern all-rounder.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 17 Air
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone SE (2nd gen)
from $399 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.4 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.1 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 17 Air: 156.2 by 74.7 by 5.64 millimetres, 165 grams. iPhone SE (2nd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 148 grams.
17 Air, SE (2nd gen) shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 17 Air
from $999 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone SE (2nd gen)
from $399 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 17 Air 156.2 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 138.4 millimetres.Height: 17 Air 6.15 inches, SE (2nd gen) 5.45 inches.Width: 17 Air 74.7 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 67.3 millimetres.Width: 17 Air 2.94 inches, SE (2nd gen) 2.65 inches.Depth: 17 Air 5.64 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 7.30 millimetres.Depth: 17 Air 0.22 inches, SE (2nd gen) 0.29 inches.Weight: 17 Air 165 grams, SE (2nd gen) 148 grams.Weight: 17 Air 5.82 ounces, SE (2nd gen) 5.22 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 17 Air | SE (2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 156.2 millimetres6.15 inches | 138.4 millimetres, 17.8 millimetres less5.45 inches, 0.70 inches less |
| Width | 74.7 millimetres2.94 inches | 67.3 millimetres, 7.4 millimetres less2.65 inches, 0.29 inches less |
| Depth | 5.64 millimetres0.22 inches | 7.30 millimetres, 1.66 millimetres more0.29 inches, 0.07 inches more |
| Weight | 165 grams5.82 ounces | 148 grams, 17 grams less5.22 ounces, 0.60 ounces less |
| Volume | 65.8 cubic centimetres4.02 cubic inches | 68.0 cubic centimetres, 2.2 cubic centimetres more4.15 cubic inches, 0.13 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 90 percent | 65 percent, 25 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.5 inches | 4.7 inches, 1.8 inches less |
| Resolution | 1260 × 2736 | 750 × 1334 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 326 pixels per inch, 134 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Dynamic Island | None |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A19 Pro | A13 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 27 hrs | 13 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 256 GB – 1 TB | 64 – 256 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 999 dollars | 399 dollars, 600 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2025 | Apr 2020 |
| Status | Current | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 17.8 mm (0.70 in) shorter, 7.4 mm (0.29 in) narrower, 1.66 mm (0.07 in) thicker and 17 g (0.60 oz) lighter than the iPhone 17 Air. The iPhone 17 Air measures 156.2 × 74.7 × 5.64 mm (6.15 × 2.94 × 0.22 in) and weighs 165 g (5.82 oz). The iPhone SE (2nd gen) measures 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.30 mm (5.45 × 2.65 × 0.29 in) and weighs 148 g (5.22 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 17 Air
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Questions about these phones
How much smaller is the iPhone SE (2nd gen) compared to the iPhone 17 Air?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 17.8 mm shorter and 7.4 mm narrower than the iPhone 17 Air. The iPhone SE (2nd gen) also features a 4.7 inch screen versus the 6.5 inch display on the iPhone 17 Air.
Is the iPhone 17 Air lighter than the iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) weighs 148 grams while the iPhone 17 Air weighs 165 grams. The weight difference is noticeable to many users who switch between these phones.
Is the iPhone SE (2nd gen) easier to use with one hand?
Yes, the iPhone SE (2nd gen) is rated easier for one-handed use than the iPhone 17 Air. The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is also generally considered better for small hands.
Will the iPhone SE (2nd gen) and iPhone 17 Air fit in a pocket?
Both models fit in a typical men's jeans pocket but neither fits a typical women's jeans pocket. The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is rated more pocketable overall.
Which phone has a larger screen?
The iPhone 17 Air has a 6.5 inch screen while the iPhone SE (2nd gen) has a 4.7 inch screen. The iPhone 17 Air display is nearly 2 inches larger.
Is upgrading from the iPhone SE (2nd gen) to the iPhone 17 Air worth it for size?
Whether upgrading is worth it depends on if you prefer a compact classic or modern slim design. You gain a larger screen and thinner body with the iPhone 17 Air.