iPhone SE (2nd gen) vs iPhone 17 Air
Quick answer
The iPhone 17 Air is 7.4 millimetres0.29 inches wider and 17.8 millimetres0.70 inches taller 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 Air (paid link) lasts longer and feels faster, but you pay a premium to leave the budget line behind. Keep the SE if budget is tight, or move to the 17 if you want longevity. If you want an even newer entry option, the iPhone 16e (paid link) is worth a look.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Weight difference: Not 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 Air
from $999 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 · 2.1 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 Air: 156.2 by 74.7 by 5.64 millimetres, 165 grams.
SE (2nd gen), 17 Air shown at 2.1 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 Air
from $999 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 Air 156.2 millimetres.Height: SE (2nd gen) 5.45 inches, 17 Air 6.15 inches.Width: SE (2nd gen) 67.3 millimetres, 17 Air 74.7 millimetres.Width: SE (2nd gen) 2.65 inches, 17 Air 2.94 inches.Depth: SE (2nd gen) 7.30 millimetres, 17 Air 5.64 millimetres.Depth: SE (2nd gen) 0.29 inches, 17 Air 0.22 inches.Weight: SE (2nd gen) 148 grams, 17 Air 165 grams.Weight: SE (2nd gen) 5.22 ounces, 17 Air 5.82 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | SE (2nd gen) | 17 Air |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 138.4 millimetres5.45 inches | 156.2 millimetres, 17.8 millimetres more6.15 inches, 0.70 inches more |
| Width | 67.3 millimetres2.65 inches | 74.7 millimetres, 7.4 millimetres more2.94 inches, 0.29 inches more |
| Depth | 7.30 millimetres0.29 inches | 5.64 millimetres, 1.66 millimetres less0.22 inches, 0.07 inches less |
| Weight | 148 grams5.22 ounces | 165 grams, 17 grams more5.82 ounces, 0.60 ounces more |
| Volume | 68.0 cubic centimetres4.15 cubic inches | 65.8 cubic centimetres, 2.2 cubic centimetres less4.02 cubic inches, 0.13 cubic inches less |
| 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 | 6.5 inches, 1.8 inches more |
| Resolution | 750 × 1334 | 1260 × 2736 |
| 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 Pro |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 13 hrs | 27 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 GB – 1 TB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 399 dollars | 999 dollars, 600 dollars more |
| Released | Apr 2020 | Sep 2025 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 17 Air is 17.8 mm (0.70 in) taller, 7.4 mm (0.29 in) wider, 1.66 mm (0.07 in) thinner and 17 g (0.60 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 Air measures 156.2 × 74.7 × 5.64 mm (6.15 × 2.94 × 0.22 in) and weighs 165 g (5.82 oz).
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Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone 17 Air than the iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
The iPhone 17 Air is 17.8 mm taller and 7.4 mm wider than the iPhone SE (2nd gen). It has a 6.5 inch display compared to the 4.7 inch screen on the iPhone SE (2nd gen).
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is easier to use with one hand than the iPhone 17 Air. This makes it better suited for smaller hands.
Do both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Yes, both the iPhone SE (2nd gen) and the iPhone 17 Air fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. Neither phone fits in a typical women's jeans pocket.
How much heavier is the iPhone 17 Air compared to the iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
The iPhone 17 Air is 17 grams heavier than the iPhone SE (2nd gen). The verdicts state this weight difference is not noticeable.
Which phone is more pocketable?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is more pocketable than the iPhone 17 Air. It is smaller overall despite both fitting in men's pockets.
Is upgrading to the iPhone 17 Air worth it for size only?
Whether upgrading to the iPhone 17 Air for size only is worth it depends on your needs. The iPhone SE (2nd gen) remains a compact option if you prefer a smaller device.