iPhone SE (3rd 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 (3rd gen).
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) on Amazon (paid link) is much easier to manage in one hand and fits pockets more naturally than the iPhone 17 Air (paid link). Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Air delivers a massive screen upgrade, far better battery life, and modern performance that feels generations ahead. If you prefer holding a compact classic, stick with the SE, but otherwise the iPhone 17 Air is a total reinvention.
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 · 2.1 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 Air: 156.2 by 74.7 by 5.64 millimetres, 165 grams.
SE (3rd gen), 17 Air shown at 2.1 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 Air
from $999 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 Air 156.2 millimetres.Height: SE (3rd gen) 5.45 inches, 17 Air 6.15 inches.Width: SE (3rd gen) 67.3 millimetres, 17 Air 74.7 millimetres.Width: SE (3rd gen) 2.65 inches, 17 Air 2.94 inches.Depth: SE (3rd gen) 7.30 millimetres, 17 Air 5.64 millimetres.Depth: SE (3rd gen) 0.29 inches, 17 Air 0.22 inches.Weight: SE (3rd gen) 144 grams, 17 Air 165 grams.Weight: SE (3rd gen) 5.08 ounces, 17 Air 5.82 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | SE (3rd 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 | 144 grams5.08 ounces | 165 grams, 21 grams more5.82 ounces, 0.74 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 | A15 Bionic | A19 Pro |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 15 hrs | 27 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 GB – 1 TB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 429 dollars | 999 dollars, 570 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 SE (3rd gen) and iPhone 17 Air compare?
The iPhone 17 Air is 17.8 mm taller, 7.4 mm wider, and 21 g heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is easier to use with one hand compared to the iPhone 17 Air.
Which phone is better for small hands?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is better suited for small hands than the iPhone 17 Air.
Which phone is more pocketable?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is more pocketable than the iPhone 17 Air.
Do both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both the iPhone SE (3rd gen) and the iPhone 17 Air fit in a typical men's jeans pocket.
What are the screen sizes of the iPhone SE (3rd gen) and iPhone 17 Air?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) has a 4.7-inch display, while the iPhone 17 Air features a larger 6.5-inch display.