iPhone SE (3rd gen) vs iPhone 17
Quick answer
The iPhone 17 is 11.2 millimetres0.44 inches taller and 33 grams1.16 ounces heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) on Amazon (paid link) is the oldest iPhone still getting updates, which means it is probably next to go. Moving to the iPhone 17 (paid link) brings a dramatically larger, smoother display and a battery that lasts vastly longer. It is a completely different class of device.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
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 (3rd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 144 grams. iPhone 17: 149.6 by 71.5 by 7.95 millimetres, 177 grams.
SE (3rd gen), 17 shown at 2.2 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone SE (3rd gen)
from $429 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 (3rd gen) 138.4 millimetres, 17 149.6 millimetres.Height: SE (3rd gen) 5.45 inches, 17 5.89 inches.Width: SE (3rd gen) 67.3 millimetres, 17 71.5 millimetres.Width: SE (3rd gen) 2.65 inches, 17 2.81 inches.Depth: SE (3rd gen) 7.30 millimetres, 17 7.95 millimetres.Depth: SE (3rd gen) 0.29 inches, 17 0.31 inches.Weight: SE (3rd gen) 144 grams, 17 177 grams.Weight: SE (3rd gen) 5.08 ounces, 17 6.24 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | SE (3rd 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 | 144 grams5.08 ounces | 177 grams, 33 grams more6.24 ounces, 1.16 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 | A15 Bionic | A19 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 15 hrs | 30 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 | 64 – 256 GB | 256 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 429 dollars | 799 dollars, 370 dollars more |
| Released | Mar 2022 | Sep 2025 |
| Status | Discontinued | Current |
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Questions about these phones
How do the dimensions of the iPhone 17 compare to the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone 17 is 11.2 mm taller, 4.2 mm wider, and 0.65 mm thicker than the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
Which phone is lighter between the iPhone 17 and the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is lighter, weighing 144 g compared to the 177 g weight of the iPhone 17.
Is the iPhone 17 easier to use with one hand than the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
No, the iPhone SE (3rd gen) is easier to use with one hand due to its smaller body and 4.7-inch screen.
Do both the iPhone 17 and iPhone SE (3rd gen) fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Yes, both the iPhone 17 and the iPhone SE (3rd gen) fit into a typical men's jeans pocket.
What is the screen size difference between the iPhone SE (3rd gen) and the iPhone 17?
The iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch display, which is 1.6 inches larger than the 4.7-inch display on the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
Is the iPhone 17 much heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
Yes, the iPhone 17 is 33 g heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen), making the weight difference noticeable.