iPhone SE (2nd gen) vs iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Quick answer
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is the same size as the iPhone SE (2nd gen), 4 grams0.14 ounces lighter.
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) on Amazon (paid link) fits the same pocket as the 2nd gen, yet its newer chip and longer life make it worth hunting down on the renewed market. The older phone sits on the oldest supported silicon, meaning it is probably next to lose updates, so you should aim for the 3rd model if budget allows. If you want something more modern, you might also look at the iPhone 16e (paid link).
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: Same
Pocket: Same
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 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 · 1.6 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.4 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 SE (3rd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 144 grams.
SE (2nd gen), SE (3rd gen) shown at 2.4 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 SE (3rd gen)
from $429 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: SE (2nd gen) 138.4 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 138.4 millimetres.Height: SE (2nd gen) 5.45 inches, SE (3rd gen) 5.45 inches.Width: SE (2nd gen) 67.3 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 67.3 millimetres.Width: SE (2nd gen) 2.65 inches, SE (3rd gen) 2.65 inches.Depth: SE (2nd gen) 7.30 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 7.30 millimetres.Depth: SE (2nd gen) 0.29 inches, SE (3rd gen) 0.29 inches.Weight: SE (2nd gen) 148 grams, SE (3rd gen) 144 grams.Weight: SE (2nd gen) 5.22 ounces, SE (3rd gen) 5.08 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | SE (2nd gen) | SE (3rd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 138.4 millimetres5.45 inches | 138.4 millimetres, the same5.45 inches, the same |
| Width | 67.3 millimetres2.65 inches | 67.3 millimetres, the same2.65 inches, the same |
| Depth | 7.30 millimetres0.29 inches | 7.30 millimetres, the same0.29 inches, the same |
| Weight | 148 grams5.22 ounces | 144 grams, 4 grams less5.08 ounces, 0.14 ounces less |
| Volume | 68.0 cubic centimetres4.15 cubic inches | 68.0 cubic centimetres, the same4.15 cubic inches, the same |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 65 percent | 65 percent, the same |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 4.7 inches | 4.7 inches, the same |
| Resolution | 750 × 1334 | 750 × 1334 |
| Pixel density | 326 pixels per inch | 326 pixels per inch, the same |
| Cutout | None | None |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A13 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 13 hrs | 15 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 | 64 – 256 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 399 dollars | 429 dollars, 30 dollars more |
| Released | Apr 2020 | Mar 2022 |
| Status | Legacy | Discontinued |
Dimensions
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is the same size as the iPhone SE (2nd gen), 4 g (0.14 oz) lighter. 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 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 SE (2nd gen)
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Questions about these phones
Are the iPhone SE (2nd gen) and iPhone SE (3rd gen) the same size?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) and iPhone SE (2nd gen) have identical body dimensions. Both measure 138.4 mm in height and 67.3 mm in width.
Is the iPhone SE (3rd gen) lighter than the iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 4 grams lighter than the iPhone SE (2nd gen). This weight difference is not noticeable in daily use.
What is the screen size on the iPhone SE (2nd gen) and iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
Both the iPhone SE (2nd gen) and iPhone SE (3rd gen) have a 4.7-inch display. The screen resolution and pixel density are the same on both models.
Which phone is easier to use one-handed, the iPhone SE (2nd gen) or iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
Neither the iPhone SE (2nd gen) nor the iPhone SE (3rd gen) is easier to use one-handed. They share the same physical dimensions, making handling identical for an average adult hand.
Does the iPhone SE (3rd gen) fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) fits in a typical men's jeans pocket. It does not fit in a typical women's jeans pocket according to measured median sizes.
Is upgrading from iPhone SE (2nd gen) to iPhone SE (3rd gen) worth it for size alone?
Upgrading from iPhone SE (2nd gen) to iPhone SE (3rd gen) is not worth it for size alone. The body remains the same, so there is no size upgrade benefit.