iphonesize

iPhone 17e vs iPhone 12

Quick answer

The iPhone 12 is the same size as the iPhone 17e, 5 grams0.18 ounces lighter.

The iPhone 12 on Amazon (paid link) still gets updates, but the iPhone 17e (paid link) lasts far longer in daily use. Apple sells the new model for $699, while the older 12 can be found renewed around $200; choose the 17e if endurance defines your day, or stay with the cheaper model.

Paid link.

Easier one-handedSame

PocketSame

Weight differenceNot noticeable

Paid link.

Paid link.

HeightWidthDepthWeight17e146.7 millimetres5.78 inches71.5 millimetres2.81 inches7.80 millimetres0.31 inches169 grams5.96 ounces12146.7 millimetres, the same5.78 inches, the same71.5 millimetres, the same2.81 inches, the same7.40 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.02 inches less164 grams, 5 grams less5.78 ounces, 0.18 ounces less

Height: 17e 146.7 millimetres, 12 146.7 millimetres.Height: 17e 5.78 inches, 12 5.78 inches.Width: 17e 71.5 millimetres, 12 71.5 millimetres.Width: 17e 2.81 inches, 12 2.81 inches.Depth: 17e 7.80 millimetres, 12 7.40 millimetres.Depth: 17e 0.31 inches, 12 0.29 inches.Weight: 17e 169 grams, 12 164 grams.Weight: 17e 5.96 ounces, 12 5.78 ounces.

Specifications

Specifications for iPhone 17e, iPhone 12. Differences are given against iPhone 17e.
Specification17e12
Height146.7 millimetres5.78 inches146.7 millimetres, the same5.78 inches, the same
Width71.5 millimetres2.81 inches71.5 millimetres, the same2.81 inches, the same
Depth7.80 millimetres0.31 inches7.40 millimetres, 0.40 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.02 inches less
Weight169 grams5.96 ounces164 grams, 5 grams less5.78 ounces, 0.18 ounces less
Volume81.8 cubic centimetres4.99 cubic inches77.6 cubic centimetres, 4.2 cubic centimetres less4.74 cubic inches, 0.26 cubic inches less
Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure.86 percent86 percent, the same
Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches.6.1 inches6.1 inches, the same
Resolution1170 × 25321170 × 2532
Pixel density460 pixels per inch460 pixels per inch, the same
CutoutNotchNotch
Rear main48MP48MP
Rear ultra-wide——
Rear telephoto——
Front camera12MP12MP
ChipA19A14 Bionic
Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity.26 hrs17 hrs
PortUSB-CLightning
Wireless5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0
Water resistanceIP68 (6m for 30 min)IP68 (6m for 30 min)
Storage256 – 512 GB64 – 256 GB
Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars.599 dollars799 dollars, 200 dollars more
ReleasedMar 2026Oct 2020
StatusCurrentLegacy

Dimensions

The iPhone 12 is 0.40 mm (0.02 in) thinner and 5 g (0.18 oz) lighter than the iPhone 17e. 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). 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).

Also compared with iPhone 17e

Questions about these phones

How do the iPhone 17e and iPhone 12 sizes compare?

The iPhone 17e and iPhone 12 have identical height and width measurements. The iPhone 12 is 0.40 mm thinner than the iPhone 17e.

Which phone is lighter between the iPhone 17e and iPhone 12?

The iPhone 12 weighs 5 grams less than the iPhone 17e. This difference is generally not noticeable in daily use.

Are the screen sizes the same on the iPhone 17e and iPhone 12?

Both the iPhone 17e and iPhone 12 feature a 6.1-inch display. The screen-to-body ratio is also identical on both models.

Is one of these phones easier to use one-handed?

Both phones are considered equally easy to use with one hand. An average adult hand can comfortably reach all corners on either device.

Will the iPhone 17e or iPhone 12 fit in my pocket?

Both the iPhone 17e and iPhone 12 fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. Neither model fits comfortably in a typical women's jeans pocket.

Is upgrading from the iPhone 12 to the iPhone 17e worth it for size alone?

The physical size difference is minimal between these models. Whether an upgrade is worth it depends on other factors like battery life and performance.