iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Quick answer
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 7.4 millimetres0.29 inches narrower and 17.8 millimetres0.70 inches shorter than the iPhone 17 Air.
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) on Amazon (paid link) is much smaller and available renewed for very little money, but the iPhone 17 Air (paid link) delivers a radically larger, brighter display, significantly better battery life, and modern performance that feels worlds apart. If you prefer a tiny phone for one-handed reach, stick with the older design. Otherwise, the iPhone 17 Air is a vastly superior daily driver.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
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 (3rd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 144 grams.
17 Air, SE (3rd 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 (3rd gen)
from $429 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 (3rd gen) 138.4 millimetres.Height: 17 Air 6.15 inches, SE (3rd gen) 5.45 inches.Width: 17 Air 74.7 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 67.3 millimetres.Width: 17 Air 2.94 inches, SE (3rd gen) 2.65 inches.Depth: 17 Air 5.64 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 7.30 millimetres.Depth: 17 Air 0.22 inches, SE (3rd gen) 0.29 inches.Weight: 17 Air 165 grams, SE (3rd gen) 144 grams.Weight: 17 Air 5.82 ounces, SE (3rd gen) 5.08 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 17 Air | SE (3rd 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 | 144 grams, 21 grams less5.08 ounces, 0.74 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 | A15 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 27 hrs | 15 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| 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 | 429 dollars, 570 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2025 | Mar 2022 |
| Status | Current | Discontinued |
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Questions about these phones
How do the physical dimensions of the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone SE (3rd gen) compare?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 17.8 mm shorter and 7.4 mm narrower than the iPhone 17 Air. However, the iPhone 17 Air is thinner at 5.64 mm compared to the 7.3 mm depth of the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
Which phone is lighter between the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) weighs 144 grams, making it 21 grams lighter than the 165 gram iPhone 17 Air.
Is the iPhone SE (3rd gen) easier to use with one hand than the iPhone 17 Air?
Yes, the iPhone SE (3rd gen) provides easier one-handed use and is better suited for small hands due to its smaller form factor.
Which of these devices is more pocketable?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is more pocketable than the iPhone 17 Air. Both devices fit comfortably in a typical men's jeans pocket.
What is the screen size difference between the iPhone 17 Air and the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone 17 Air features a 6.5-inch display, which is significantly larger than the 4.7-inch screen on the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
Is upgrading from the iPhone SE (3rd gen) to the iPhone 17 Air worth it for the size alone?
Whether moving from the iPhone SE (3rd gen) to the larger iPhone 17 Air is worth it depends on your preference for a massive modern display versus a classic compact body.