iPhone SE (3rd gen) vs iPhone 17e
Quick answer
The iPhone 17e is 4.2 millimetres0.17 inches wider and 25 grams0.88 ounces heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
You keep the iPhone SE (3rd gen) on Amazon (paid link) for its tiny grip and low cost on the used market. The iPhone 17e (paid link) brings lasting battery life, modern features like Apple Intelligence, and a bigger view, but it is a much higher buy when you want it new. Choose the SE for size and savings, or the 17e for endurance and modern tech. You might also want to check out the iPhone 16e (paid link) as a middle ground.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone SE (3rd gen)
from $429 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 17e
from $599 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.5 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.3 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 17e: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.8 millimetres, 169 grams.
SE (3rd gen), 17e shown at 2.3 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 17e
from $599 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: SE (3rd gen) 138.4 millimetres, 17e 146.7 millimetres.Height: SE (3rd gen) 5.45 inches, 17e 5.78 inches.Width: SE (3rd gen) 67.3 millimetres, 17e 71.5 millimetres.Width: SE (3rd gen) 2.65 inches, 17e 2.81 inches.Depth: SE (3rd gen) 7.30 millimetres, 17e 7.80 millimetres.Depth: SE (3rd gen) 0.29 inches, 17e 0.31 inches.Weight: SE (3rd gen) 144 grams, 17e 169 grams.Weight: SE (3rd gen) 5.08 ounces, 17e 5.96 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | SE (3rd gen) | 17e |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 138.4 millimetres5.45 inches | 146.7 millimetres, 8.3 millimetres more5.78 inches, 0.33 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 | 7.80 millimetres, 0.50 millimetres more0.31 inches, 0.02 inches more |
| Weight | 144 grams5.08 ounces | 169 grams, 25 grams more5.96 ounces, 0.88 ounces more |
| Volume | 68.0 cubic centimetres4.15 cubic inches | 81.8 cubic centimetres, 13.8 cubic centimetres more4.99 cubic inches, 0.84 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 65 percent | 86 percent, 21 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 4.7 inches | 6.1 inches, 1.4 inches more |
| Resolution | 750 × 1334 | 1170 × 2532 |
| Pixel density | 326 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 134 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | None | Notch |
| 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 | 26 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 | 599 dollars, 170 dollars more |
| Released | Mar 2022 | Mar 2026 |
| Status | Discontinued | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 17e is 8.3 mm (0.33 in) taller, 4.2 mm (0.17 in) wider, 0.50 mm (0.02 in) thicker and 25 g (0.88 oz) heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen). 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). The iPhone 17e measures 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.80 mm (5.78 × 2.81 × 0.31 in) and weighs 169 g (5.96 oz).
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Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone 17e than the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone 17e is 8.3 mm taller and 4.2 mm wider than the iPhone SE (3rd gen). It also has a 0.5 mm greater depth.
Is the iPhone 17e heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
Yes, the iPhone 17e weighs 25 g more than the iPhone SE (3rd gen). This weight difference is noticeable in use.
What is the screen size difference between these phones?
The iPhone 17e has a 6.1 inch display while the iPhone SE (3rd gen) has a 4.7 inch display. The iPhone 17e screen is 1.4 inches larger.
Which phone is easier to use one handed?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is easier to use one handed than the iPhone 17e. It is also better for small hands.
Do these phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is more pocketable than the iPhone 17e. Both fit in a typical men's jeans pocket but neither fits in a women's pocket.
Is upgrading from the iPhone SE (3rd gen) to the iPhone 17e worth it for size?
Whether the upgrade is worth it depends on your needs. The iPhone 17e is larger and heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen).