iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016)
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iPhone 17 Pro
Starting at
£1,074.24£1,099.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) starts at £192.40, £881.84 less than the iPhone 17 Pro. The iPhone 17 Pro is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 17 Pro has more RAM: 12 GB vs 2 GB.
- Battery: 3998 mAh, 4252 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro, 1624 mAh on the iPhone SE (2016).
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone SE (2016) differ significantly in many areas, reflecting their design for different users. The iPhone 17 Pro offers a larger, higher resolution screen and more advanced cameras, suiting those who want a device for content creation or multimedia. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller screen and fewer features but is simpler and easier to handle. Its smaller size and lower weight suit users who prefer a compact phone for everyday tasks without the extras of newer models.
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and physical design elements. These affect how long each phone lasts daily and over time, and how well it keeps up with updates.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 17 Pro has a battery capacity between 3998 mAh and 4252 mAh, offering longer use between charges. This suits users who spend much time away from charging points. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 1624 mAh battery, which fits well for users with lighter daily use or who prefer a smaller phone.
Software Updates
This benefits anyone wanting access to current software.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance is about processing power and memory, which affect how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking.
Chipset and Speed
The iPhone 17 Pro uses the Apple A19 Pro chipset built on 3 nm technology, offering faster and more efficient performance. This is ideal for users running demanding apps or multitasking heavily. The iPhone SE (2016) has the Apple A9 chipset on 14 nm, making it suitable for everyday use, such as calls, messaging, and simple apps.
RAM Capacity
With 12 GB of RAM, the iPhone 17 Pro can keep many apps open simultaneously without slowing down. This suits users who often switch between apps or use memory-intensive software. The iPhone SE (2016) has 2 GB of RAM, which works well for users focusing on basic tasks and fewer simultaneous apps.
Storage Options
The iPhone 17 Pro is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB versions, giving plenty of space for photos, videos, and apps. This fits users with large media collections or professional needs. The iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB, a practical size for everyday documents and apps without extensive media storage.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality influences how clear and spacious the display feels, important for watching videos, browsing, and reading.
Screen Size
The iPhone 17 Pro has a 6.3 inch screen, providing ample room for videos, games, and multitasking. This suits users who prefer a larger display for media and productivity. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 4 inch screen, which is easier to hold and use one-handed, fitting users who want a compact phone.
Resolution and Screen Type
The iPhone 17 Pro features a high-resolution 2622 by 1206 Super Retina XDR screen, offering sharper images and better contrast. This benefits users who value visual detail and vibrant colours. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 640 by 1136 IPS LCD screen, which provides clear and natural colours for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Audiovisual features include camera quality, important for photos, selfies, and video calls.
Main Camera
The iPhone 17 Pro has a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing highly detailed images. This suits photography enthusiasts and anyone who values sharp photos. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 12 megapixel main camera, which works well for standard photos and everyday snapshots.
Front Camera
With an 18 megapixel front camera, the iPhone 17 Pro is well suited for clear selfies and high-quality video calls. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, suitable for video calls and selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Miscellaneous details cover design, connectivity, and network compatibility, affecting how the devices fit into your daily routine.
Network and SIM
The iPhone 17 Pro supports 5G networks and uses an eSIM, offering the latest mobile connectivity and a digital SIM option. This suits users wanting fast internet and flexibility in managing plans. The iPhone SE (2016) supports 4G and uses a physical SIM card, matching users with standard mobile needs.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 17 Pro measures 150 mm in height, 71.9 mm in width, and 8.8 mm in depth, weighing 206 g. This larger size suits those who want a spacious screen and do not mind a heavier phone. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller at 123.8 mm height, 58.6 mm width, and 7.6 mm depth, weighing 113 g, fitting users who prefer a lighter, more compact device.
Connector Type
The iPhone 17 Pro uses a USB-C connector, common in many devices and accessories. The iPhone SE (2016) has a Lightning connector plus a 3.5 mm headphone jack, allowing use of traditional wired headphones without an adapter.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 4 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £192.40, £881.84 less than the iPhone 17 Pro
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 206 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the iPhone 17 Pro for its excellent condition and near-new feel. Many highlight the spotless screen and full battery health, which make it suitable for content creation, study, and daily use. Reviews mention the clearer, brighter display and the phone's comfortable size after switching from larger models. This device attracts users who want a modern phone with strong performance and a large, sharp screen.
The iPhone SE (2016) appeals to customers seeking a reliable, simpler phone at an accessible price. Users are satisfied with its solid battery life for everyday use and clean condition despite some light scratches. It fits well for those who want a smaller phone for tasks such as messaging and calls. Customers find it good value for its capabilities and practical for users who prefer a compact device.
Both phones suit different needs: the iPhone 17 Pro fits users who want advanced features and a larger display, while the iPhone SE (2016) fits those looking for a straightforward, easy-to-handle phone.
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 17 Pro has more RAM: 12 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone SE (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £192.40 compared with £1074.24 for the iPhone 17 Pro.
The iPhone 17 Pro has 3998 mAh, 4252 mAh and the iPhone SE (2016) has 1624 mAh.
The iPhone 17 Pro has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 17 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
The iPhone 17 Pro adds more RAM (12 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 4 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £881.84 more (from £1074.24 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 Pro comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
