iPhone 17e vs iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Quick answer
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 4.2 millimetres0.17 inches narrower and 25 grams0.88 ounces lighter than the iPhone 17e.
The iPhone 17e on Amazon (paid link) offers modern performance and endurance in a standard frame, while the SE (3rd gen) (paid link) is a compact choice now sold only as renewed stock. Both receive current software, but the SE is clearly older hardware. If you need all-day battery and latest features, pick the 17e; if small size and savings matter more, the SE still works.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 17e
from $599 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.
TRUE SCALE · 1.5 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.3 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 17e: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.8 millimetres, 169 grams. iPhone SE (3rd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 144 grams.
17e, SE (3rd gen) shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 17e
from $599 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: 17e 146.7 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 138.4 millimetres.Height: 17e 5.78 inches, SE (3rd gen) 5.45 inches.Width: 17e 71.5 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 67.3 millimetres.Width: 17e 2.81 inches, SE (3rd gen) 2.65 inches.Depth: 17e 7.80 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 7.30 millimetres.Depth: 17e 0.31 inches, SE (3rd gen) 0.29 inches.Weight: 17e 169 grams, SE (3rd gen) 144 grams.Weight: 17e 5.96 ounces, SE (3rd gen) 5.08 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 17e | SE (3rd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 146.7 millimetres5.78 inches | 138.4 millimetres, 8.3 millimetres less5.45 inches, 0.33 inches less |
| Width | 71.5 millimetres2.81 inches | 67.3 millimetres, 4.2 millimetres less2.65 inches, 0.17 inches less |
| Depth | 7.80 millimetres0.31 inches | 7.30 millimetres, 0.50 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.02 inches less |
| Weight | 169 grams5.96 ounces | 144 grams, 25 grams less5.08 ounces, 0.88 ounces less |
| Volume | 81.8 cubic centimetres4.99 cubic inches | 68.0 cubic centimetres, 13.8 cubic centimetres less4.15 cubic inches, 0.84 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 86 percent | 65 percent, 21 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 4.7 inches, 1.4 inches less |
| Resolution | 1170 × 2532 | 750 × 1334 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 326 pixels per inch, 134 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Notch | 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. | 26 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. | 599 dollars | 429 dollars, 170 dollars less |
| Released | Mar 2026 | Mar 2022 |
| Status | Current | Discontinued |
Dimensions
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 8.3 mm (0.33 in) shorter, 4.2 mm (0.17 in) narrower, 0.50 mm (0.02 in) thinner and 25 g (0.88 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 SE (3rd gen) measures 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.30 mm (5.45 × 2.65 × 0.29 in) and weighs 144 g (5.08 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 17e
- iPhone 17e vs iPhone 16e
- iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17
- iPhone 17e vs iPhone Duo
- iPhone 17e vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone 17e vs iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 17e vs iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 17e vs iPhone 16
- iPhone 17e vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 17e vs iPhone 16 Pro
Questions about these phones
How much larger is the iPhone 17e compared to the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone 17e is 8.3 mm taller and 4.2 mm wider than the iPhone SE (3rd gen). It also weighs 25 g more.
What is the difference in screen size between the iPhone 17e and iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone 17e has a 6.1 inch screen while the iPhone SE (3rd gen) has a 4.7 inch screen.
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is easier to use with one hand. The iPhone 17e is larger and may require two hands for some tasks.
Do the iPhone 17e and iPhone SE (3rd gen) fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is more pocketable overall.
Is the weight difference between the iPhone 17e and iPhone SE (3rd gen) noticeable?
Yes, the weight difference is noticeable. The iPhone 17e weighs 25 g more than the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
Is upgrading from the iPhone SE (3rd gen) to the iPhone 17e worth it for size alone?
It depends on your preference. The iPhone 17e offers a larger screen but is significantly bigger than the iPhone SE (3rd gen).