iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Quick answer
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 11.2 millimetres0.44 inches shorter and 33 grams1.16 ounces lighter than the iPhone 17.
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) on Amazon (paid link) is much smaller and lighter, but the iPhone 17 (paid link) is faster in a way you will notice in the first minute. You will also feel the battery: the iPhone 17 simply lasts longer. This is the year to move if you want modern display tech and endurance.
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 · 2.2 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 (3rd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 144 grams.
17, SE (3rd 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 (3rd gen)
from $429 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 17 149.6 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 138.4 millimetres.Height: 17 5.89 inches, SE (3rd gen) 5.45 inches.Width: 17 71.5 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 67.3 millimetres.Width: 17 2.81 inches, SE (3rd gen) 2.65 inches.Depth: 17 7.95 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 7.30 millimetres.Depth: 17 0.31 inches, SE (3rd gen) 0.29 inches.Weight: 17 177 grams, SE (3rd gen) 144 grams.Weight: 17 6.24 ounces, SE (3rd gen) 5.08 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 17 | SE (3rd 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 | 144 grams, 33 grams less5.08 ounces, 1.16 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 | A15 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 30 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 – 512 GB | 64 – 256 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 799 dollars | 429 dollars, 370 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2025 | Mar 2022 |
| Status | Current | Discontinued |
Also compared with iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16
- iPhone 17 vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
- 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 do the physical dimensions of the iPhone 17 and the iPhone SE (3rd gen) compare?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 11.2 mm shorter, 4.2 mm narrower, and 0.65 mm thinner than the iPhone 17.
Which phone is lighter between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 33 g lighter than the iPhone 17, and this weight difference is noticeable in daily use.
Is the iPhone SE (3rd gen) easier for one-handed use than the iPhone 17?
Yes, the iPhone SE (3rd gen) is easier to use with one hand and is better suited for small hands than the iPhone 17.
Which device has the smaller screen size, the iPhone 17 or the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) features a 4.7-inch display, which is 1.6 inches smaller than the 6.3-inch screen on the iPhone 17.
Do both the iPhone 17 and the iPhone SE (3rd gen) fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Yes, both the iPhone 17 and the iPhone SE (3rd gen) fit comfortably inside a typical men's jeans pocket.
Which model is more pocketable between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is more pocketable due to its smaller overall footprint and lighter weight.