iPhone XR vs iPhone 17e
Quick answer
The iPhone 17e is 4.2 millimetres0.17 inches narrower and 25 grams0.88 ounces lighter than the iPhone XR.
The iPhone 17e on Amazon (paid link) is narrower and lighter, so it feels smaller in the hand despite the same screen size. It lasts notably longer between charges, and while the XR (paid link) has stopped receiving iOS updates, the 17e supports the current version. The 17e is far more expensive, but if you need an iPhone that will remain supported, it is the clear pick.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone 17e
Pocket: iPhone 17e
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone XR
from $749 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 · 1.4 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 XR: 150.9 by 75.7 by 8.3 millimetres, 194 grams. iPhone 17e: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.8 millimetres, 169 grams.
XR, 17e shown at 2.2 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone XR
from $749 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: XR 150.9 millimetres, 17e 146.7 millimetres.Height: XR 5.94 inches, 17e 5.78 inches.Width: XR 75.7 millimetres, 17e 71.5 millimetres.Width: XR 2.98 inches, 17e 2.81 inches.Depth: XR 8.30 millimetres, 17e 7.80 millimetres.Depth: XR 0.33 inches, 17e 0.31 inches.Weight: XR 194 grams, 17e 169 grams.Weight: XR 6.84 ounces, 17e 5.96 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | XR | 17e |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 150.9 millimetres5.94 inches | 146.7 millimetres, 4.2 millimetres less5.78 inches, 0.17 inches less |
| Width | 75.7 millimetres2.98 inches | 71.5 millimetres, 4.2 millimetres less2.81 inches, 0.17 inches less |
| Depth | 8.30 millimetres0.33 inches | 7.80 millimetres, 0.50 millimetres less0.31 inches, 0.02 inches less |
| Weight | 194 grams6.84 ounces | 169 grams, 25 grams less5.96 ounces, 0.88 ounces less |
| Volume | 94.8 cubic centimetres5.79 cubic inches | 81.8 cubic centimetres, 13.0 cubic centimetres less4.99 cubic inches, 0.79 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 79 percent | 86 percent, 7 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches, the same |
| Resolution | 828 × 1792 | 1170 × 2532 |
| Pixel density | 326 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 134 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | Notch | Notch |
| Rear main | 12MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A12 Bionic | A19 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 16 hrs | 26 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP67 (1m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 256 GB | 256 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 749 dollars | 599 dollars, 150 dollars less |
| Released | Oct 2018 | Mar 2026 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 17e is 4.2 mm (0.17 in) shorter, 4.2 mm (0.17 in) narrower, 0.50 mm (0.02 in) thinner and 25 g (0.88 oz) lighter than the iPhone XR. The iPhone XR measures 150.9 × 75.7 × 8.30 mm (5.94 × 2.98 × 0.33 in) and weighs 194 g (6.84 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).
Also compared with iPhone XR
Questions about these phones
How much smaller is the iPhone 17e than the iPhone XR?
The iPhone 17e is 4.2 mm shorter and 4.2 mm narrower than the iPhone XR. Both phones have the same 6.1 inch display size.
Is the iPhone 17e lighter than the iPhone XR?
Yes, the iPhone 17e weighs 169 g while the iPhone XR weighs 194 g. This 25 g difference is noticeable in the hand.
Do the iPhone XR and iPhone 17e have the same screen size?
Both phones have a 6.1 inch display. The iPhone 17e has a higher pixel density than the iPhone XR.
Which phone is easier to use one handed?
The iPhone 17e is easier to hold one handed than the iPhone XR. It is also better suited for small hands due to its smaller body.
Do both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Yes, both the iPhone XR and iPhone 17e fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. The iPhone 17e is more pocketable because it is smaller overall.
Is the size-only upgrade from iPhone XR to iPhone 17e worth it?
The page verdicts say a size only upgrade from the iPhone XR to the iPhone 17e is worth it. It results in a lighter device that is easier to hold.