iPhone SE (2nd gen) vs iPhone 17
Quick answer
The iPhone 17 is 11.2 millimetres0.44 inches taller and 29 grams1.02 ounces heavier than the iPhone SE (2nd gen).
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) on Amazon (paid link) is the oldest iPhone still getting updates, which means it's probably next to go. The iPhone 17 (paid link) feels instantly more powerful and its larger frame extends battery life enough to forget the charger. Apple sells the 17 for $899 now; if you want modern support, it's the call.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone SE (2nd gen)
from $399 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 17
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (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 SE (2nd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 148 grams. iPhone 17: 149.6 by 71.5 by 7.95 millimetres, 177 grams.
SE (2nd gen), 17 shown at 2.2 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone SE (2nd gen)
from $399 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 17
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: SE (2nd gen) 138.4 millimetres, 17 149.6 millimetres.Height: SE (2nd gen) 5.45 inches, 17 5.89 inches.Width: SE (2nd gen) 67.3 millimetres, 17 71.5 millimetres.Width: SE (2nd gen) 2.65 inches, 17 2.81 inches.Depth: SE (2nd gen) 7.30 millimetres, 17 7.95 millimetres.Depth: SE (2nd gen) 0.29 inches, 17 0.31 inches.Weight: SE (2nd gen) 148 grams, 17 177 grams.Weight: SE (2nd gen) 5.22 ounces, 17 6.24 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | SE (2nd gen) | 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 138.4 millimetres5.45 inches | 149.6 millimetres, 11.2 millimetres more5.89 inches, 0.44 inches more |
| Width | 67.3 millimetres2.65 inches | 71.5 millimetres, 4.2 millimetres more2.81 inches, 0.17 inches more |
| Depth | 7.30 millimetres0.29 inches | 7.95 millimetres, 0.65 millimetres more0.31 inches, 0.03 inches more |
| Weight | 148 grams5.22 ounces | 177 grams, 29 grams more6.24 ounces, 1.02 ounces more |
| Volume | 68.0 cubic centimetres4.15 cubic inches | 85.0 cubic centimetres, 17.0 cubic centimetres more5.19 cubic inches, 1.04 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 65 percent | 90 percent, 25 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 4.7 inches | 6.3 inches, 1.6 inches more |
| Resolution | 750 × 1334 | 1206 × 2622 |
| Pixel density | 326 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 134 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | None | Dynamic Island |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A13 Bionic | A19 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 13 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 256 GB | 256 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 399 dollars | 799 dollars, 400 dollars more |
| Released | Apr 2020 | Sep 2025 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 17 is 11.2 mm (0.44 in) taller, 4.2 mm (0.17 in) wider, 0.65 mm (0.03 in) thicker and 29 g (1.02 oz) heavier than the iPhone SE (2nd gen). 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). 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).
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Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone 17 than the iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
The iPhone 17 is 11.2 mm taller and 4.2 mm wider than the iPhone SE (2nd gen). It also has a 1.6 inch larger display.
Is the iPhone 17 heavier than the iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
Yes, the iPhone 17 weighs 29 grams more than the iPhone SE (2nd gen). This weight difference is noticeable in the hand.
What is the screen size difference between these phones?
The iPhone 17 has a 6.3 inch display while the iPhone SE (2nd gen) has a 4.7 inch display. This makes the iPhone 17 screen about 1.6 inches larger.
Which phone is easier to use one-handed?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is easier to use one-handed than the iPhone 17. It is also better suited for small hands.
Do both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both the iPhone SE (2nd gen) and the iPhone 17 fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. Neither fits in a typical women's jeans pocket.
Is upgrading to the iPhone 17 worth it for size alone?
The page verdicts state that a size-only upgrade to the iPhone 17 is worth it. You get a larger screen and modern features in exchange for the added bulk.