iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Quick answer
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 11.2 millimetres0.44 inches shorter and 29 grams1.02 ounces lighter than the iPhone 17.
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) on Amazon (paid link) is small and light enough to hide in any pocket, but its chip is the oldest still supported so it is probably next to go. The iPhone 17 (paid link) feels newer and faster, with a bigger screen and battery that lasts through the day without worry. Pick the SE for compact affordability, or the 17 for staying power.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 17
from $799 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 · 2.2 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 17: 149.6 by 71.5 by 7.95 millimetres, 177 grams. iPhone SE (2nd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 148 grams.
17, SE (2nd gen) shown at 2.2 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 17
from $799 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: 17 149.6 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 138.4 millimetres.Height: 17 5.89 inches, SE (2nd gen) 5.45 inches.Width: 17 71.5 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 67.3 millimetres.Width: 17 2.81 inches, SE (2nd gen) 2.65 inches.Depth: 17 7.95 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 7.30 millimetres.Depth: 17 0.31 inches, SE (2nd gen) 0.29 inches.Weight: 17 177 grams, SE (2nd gen) 148 grams.Weight: 17 6.24 ounces, SE (2nd gen) 5.22 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 17 | SE (2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 149.6 millimetres5.89 inches | 138.4 millimetres, 11.2 millimetres less5.45 inches, 0.44 inches less |
| Width | 71.5 millimetres2.81 inches | 67.3 millimetres, 4.2 millimetres less2.65 inches, 0.17 inches less |
| Depth | 7.95 millimetres0.31 inches | 7.30 millimetres, 0.65 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.03 inches less |
| Weight | 177 grams6.24 ounces | 148 grams, 29 grams less5.22 ounces, 1.02 ounces less |
| Volume | 85.0 cubic centimetres5.19 cubic inches | 68.0 cubic centimetres, 17.0 cubic centimetres less4.15 cubic inches, 1.04 cubic inches less |
| 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. | 6.3 inches | 4.7 inches, 1.6 inches less |
| Resolution | 1206 × 2622 | 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 | A13 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 30 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 – 512 GB | 64 – 256 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 799 dollars | 399 dollars, 400 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2025 | Apr 2020 |
| Status | Current | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 11.2 mm (0.44 in) shorter, 4.2 mm (0.17 in) narrower, 0.65 mm (0.03 in) thinner and 29 g (1.02 oz) lighter than the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 measures 149.6 × 71.5 × 7.95 mm (5.89 × 2.81 × 0.31 in) and weighs 177 g (6.24 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
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- iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17e
- iPhone 17 vs iPhone 15
- iPhone 17 vs iPhone Duo
- iPhone 17 vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone 17 vs iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16e
- iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Questions about these phones
How much bigger is iPhone 17 than iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
iPhone 17 is 11.2 mm taller and 4.2 mm wider than iPhone SE (2nd gen). iPhone 17 has a 6.3 inch screen compared to the 4.7 inch display on iPhone SE (2nd gen).
Is iPhone 17 heavier than iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
iPhone 17 weighs 29 grams more than iPhone SE (2nd gen). The verdicts note this weight difference is noticeable.
What is the screen size difference between these phones?
iPhone 17 has a 6.3 inch screen while iPhone SE (2nd gen) has a 4.7 inch screen. This makes the iPhone 17 display about 1.6 inches larger.
Which phone is easier to use one-handed?
iPhone SE (2nd gen) is easier to use one-handed than iPhone 17. iPhone SE (2nd gen) is also better suited for small hands.
Do both phones fit in jeans pockets?
Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. Neither fits in a typical women's jeans pocket according to measured median sizes.
Is upgrading to iPhone 17 worth it for size alone?
The verdicts say the size only upgrade is worth it depends on your needs. iPhone SE (2nd gen) remains more pocketable and lighter.