iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2016)
Shop iPhone
iPhone 17
Starting at
£713.34£799.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 17 and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) starts at £192.40, £520.94 less than the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 17 and iPhone SE (2016) differ in many areas, making each suited to different needs. The iPhone 17 offers a much larger, higher resolution screen and stronger performance with more RAM and a newer chipset, suitable for those who want a roomy display and smooth multitasking. It also has a bigger battery and supports 5G networks, fitting for longer use and faster connectivity. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller with a simpler screen and lower storage, ideal if you prefer a compact phone for everyday use.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical design. These affect how long the phone works between charges and whether it will keep receiving software improvements.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 17 has a 3692 mAh battery, which supports longer use between charges compared to the iPhone SE (2016) with its 1624 mAh battery. If you often use your phone throughout the day without frequent charging, the iPhone 17 suits you better.
Software Updates
If staying current with software is important, the iPhone 17 is the choice.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance determines how smoothly a phone runs apps and handles multitasking. Storage capacity also shapes how much content and apps you can keep on the device.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 17 uses the Apple A19 chipset paired with 8 GB of RAM, which supports smooth multitasking and faster app performance. The iPhone SE (2016) has an Apple A9 chipset with 2 GB of RAM, fitting for everyday tasks but simpler use. If you run many apps at once or use demanding software, the iPhone 17 is suited to your needs.
Storage Options
The iPhone 17 comes in 256GB and 512GB storage options, offering plenty of space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone SE (2016) offers 64GB, which works if you store fewer files or prefer streaming content rather than saving it locally.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality impacts how you view videos, photos, and apps. Size, resolution, and screen type determine clarity and how much content fits on the display.
Screen Size and Resolution
With a 6.3 inch screen and 2622x1206 resolution, the iPhone 17 gives you a large and sharp display, ideal for watching videos, browsing, and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 4 inch screen at 640x1136 resolution, making it compact and easy to use with one hand.
Screen Type
The iPhone 17 features a Super Retina XDR display, which provides vibrant colours and deep contrast. The iPhone SE (2016) uses an IPS LCD screen that offers clear and consistent colours but with simpler technology. If a richer viewing experience matters, the iPhone 17 fits better.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Audiovisual specs focus on camera capabilities, affecting the detail and clarity of photos and video calls.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17's front camera has 18 megapixels, which means clearer and more detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, suitable for basic video chatting and snapshots.
Main Camera
The iPhone 17 offers a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail in photos. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 12 megapixel main camera, good for everyday photography but with fewer pixels capturing detail.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Other features include network support, physical size, connectivity, and SIM options. These affect how you use the phone day to day and what accessories you can connect.
Network Support
The iPhone 17 supports 5G networks, allowing faster data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone SE (2016) supports 4G, which still provides reliable internet but at lower speeds in comparison.
Connectivity Ports
The iPhone 17 uses a USB-C connector, a common standard for charging and accessories. The iPhone SE (2016) has both a Lightning connector and a 3.5mm headphone jack, giving you options for wired headphones without an adapter.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 17 supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing flexibility with mobile plans. The iPhone SE (2016) uses a physical SIM only.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 17 measures 149.6 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and 8 mm deep, weighing 177 g. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller at 123.8 mm tall, 58.6 mm wide, and 7.6 mm deep, weighing 113 g. Choose the iPhone 17 if you want a larger device, or the iPhone SE (2016) for a more compact, lighter phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17 or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 4 inch)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £192.40, £520.94 less than the iPhone 17
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 177 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 17 frequently mention that the phone looks and feels like new. Many highlight the excellent battery health and minimal signs of use, with some noting it performs like a brand new device. The larger screen and smooth performance are appreciated, especially by those upgrading from older models. Several customers were initially hesitant about refurbished phones but found the iPhone 17 met or exceeded their expectations for condition and speed.
For the iPhone SE (2016), customers appreciate the value and reliability for everyday tasks. Many find it fits well for simpler use, with good battery life described for normal daily use. The smaller size and lighter weight suit those looking for a compact phone. Some note that the phone performs well enough for basic apps and calls, and the condition often meets or surpasses their expectations for a refurbished device.
Overall, the iPhone 17 suits those wanting a larger, faster phone with longer battery life and newer features, while the iPhone SE (2016) fits buyers seeking a smaller, simpler device for everyday use at a lower price point.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone SE (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £192.40 compared with £713.34 for the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
The iPhone 17 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 17 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 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 1624 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £520.94 more (from £713.34 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
