Apple iPhone 17 vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)
The Verdict
The Apple iPhone 17 and Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) is the cheaper of the two at $429 versus $799, a difference of about $370. The Apple iPhone 17 is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Apple iPhone 17 stands out for a19 chip with improved efficiency, while Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) is praised for most affordable iphone with 5g. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 17 if…
- →A19 chip with improved efficiency
- →Ceramic Shield 2 front and back
- →48MP main camera with improved processing
Buy the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) if…
- →Most affordable iPhone with 5G
- →Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- →Compact and lightweight design
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 17
Pros
- A19 chip with improved efficiency
- Ceramic Shield 2 front and back
- 48MP main camera with improved processing
- ProMotion 120Hz display
Cons
- Still only 27W wired charging
- No telephoto lens
- 8GB RAM vs 12GB on Pro models
Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Pros
- Most affordable iPhone with 5G
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- Compact and lightweight design
- Touch ID home button
- Long iOS software support
Cons
- Dated design with thick bezels
- Single rear camera
- Small 4.7-inch LCD display
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Modest battery life
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 17 | Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 19 | iOS 15 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 174 g | 144 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield 2 | Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 147 x 71 x 7.8 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP, f/1.6, OIS | 12 MP |
| Front camera | 24 MP, f/1.9, Center Stage | 7 MP |
| Video | 4K@60fps, Cinematic mode | 4K@60fps |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3600 mAh | 2018 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 20W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 7.5W Qi |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 4.7 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Retina IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1179 x 2556 | 1334 x 750 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 625 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | 6-core | Hexa-core |
| GPU | 5-core GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) |
| Chipset | Apple A19 | Apple A15 Bionic |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.0 | Lightning |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.0 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Apple products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 17 or the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation).