iPhone SE (3rd gen) vs iPhone 18 Pro
Quick answer
The iPhone 18 Pro is 11.6 millimetres0.46 inches taller and 67 grams2.36 ounces heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
The iPhone 18 Pro on Amazon (paid link) delivers four generations of performance and lasting power that feels worth the bulk, while the SE (paid link) stays compact and affordable. Both run the current software, though one is a brand-new flagship and the other is a budget buy from years ago. Pick the Pro for endurance and speed, or the SE for fit and value.
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 18 Pro
from $1,199 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 · 2.2 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 18 Pro: 150 by 71.9 by 8.75 millimetres, 211 grams.
SE (3rd gen), 18 Pro 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 18 Pro
from $1,199 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: SE (3rd gen) 138.4 millimetres, 18 Pro 150.0 millimetres.Height: SE (3rd gen) 5.45 inches, 18 Pro 5.91 inches.Width: SE (3rd gen) 67.3 millimetres, 18 Pro 71.9 millimetres.Width: SE (3rd gen) 2.65 inches, 18 Pro 2.83 inches.Depth: SE (3rd gen) 7.30 millimetres, 18 Pro 8.75 millimetres.Depth: SE (3rd gen) 0.29 inches, 18 Pro 0.34 inches.Weight: SE (3rd gen) 144 grams, 18 Pro 211 grams.Weight: SE (3rd gen) 5.08 ounces, 18 Pro 7.44 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | SE (3rd gen) | 18 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 138.4 millimetres5.45 inches | 150.0 millimetres, 11.6 millimetres more5.91 inches, 0.46 inches more |
| Width | 67.3 millimetres2.65 inches | 71.9 millimetres, 4.6 millimetres more2.83 inches, 0.18 inches more |
| Depth | 7.30 millimetres0.29 inches | 8.75 millimetres, 1.45 millimetres more0.34 inches, 0.06 inches more |
| Weight | 144 grams5.08 ounces | 211 grams, 67 grams more7.44 ounces, 2.36 ounces more |
| Volume | 68.0 cubic centimetres4.15 cubic inches | 94.4 cubic centimetres, 26.4 cubic centimetres more5.76 cubic inches, 1.61 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 65 percent | 89 percent, 24 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 Fusion, variable aperture f/1.48-f/4.0 |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | 48MP Fusion f/2.2 |
| Rear telephoto | — | 48MP Fusion 100mm (4x optical, 8x optical-quality) |
| Front camera | 12MP | 18MP Center Stage f/1.9 |
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A20 Pro |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 15 hrs | 36 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi 7 · Bluetooth 6 · Apple C2 modem |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 256 GB | 256 GB – 2 TB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 429 dollars | 1,199 dollars, 770 dollars more |
| Released | Mar 2022 | Sep 2026 |
| Status | Discontinued | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 18 Pro is 11.6 mm (0.46 in) taller, 4.6 mm (0.18 in) wider, 1.45 mm (0.06 in) thicker and 67 g (2.36 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 18 Pro measures 150.0 × 71.9 × 8.75 mm (5.91 × 2.83 × 0.34 in) and weighs 211 g (7.44 oz).
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Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone 18 Pro than the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone 18 Pro is 11.6 mm taller and 4.6 mm wider than the iPhone SE (3rd gen). It also features a 6.3 inch screen compared to the 4.7 inch display on the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
Is the iPhone 18 Pro significantly heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
Yes, the iPhone 18 Pro weighs 211 g while the iPhone SE (3rd gen) weighs 144 g, a difference of 67 g. This weight difference is noticeable when holding the devices.
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is easier to use with one hand due to its smaller dimensions. The iPhone 18 Pro is larger and heavier, making it less convenient for one-handed operation.
Do these phones fit in a typical jeans pocket?
Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket but neither fits in a typical women's jeans pocket. The verdict indicates the iPhone SE (3rd gen) is more pocketable overall.
Which phone is better for small hands?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is better for small hands because it is more compact. The iPhone 18 Pro is significantly larger and may be harder to reach across.
Is upgrading from the iPhone SE (3rd gen) to the iPhone 18 Pro worth it for size alone?
It depends on whether you prefer a larger screen or a more compact device. The iPhone 18 Pro offers a bigger display but adds size and weight compared to the iPhone SE (3rd gen).