iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2022)
Shop iPhone
iPhone 17
Starting at
£713.34£799.00 new
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at
£113.85£429.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 17 and iPhone SE (2022)?
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2022) starts at £113.85, £599.49 less than the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022).
- The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 17 has a bigger screen: 6.3 inch vs 4.7 inch.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2022) specs
The iPhone 17 offers a larger 6.3 inch Super Retina XDR display with higher resolution, making it better suited for watching videos or browsing with more detail. It has twice the RAM at 8 GB, supporting smoother multitasking and app performance. The cameras on the iPhone 17 have higher megapixel counts, capturing more detailed photos and selfies. The iPhone SE (2022) is smaller and lighter, with a 4.7 inch Retina IPS LCD screen and fewer storage options. It suits buyers who want a compact phone with 5G and a familiar form factor for everyday use.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2022) price
Colour
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2022) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software updates and the physical form of each phone.
Latest Software Compatibility
This means either device will receive current software features and security improvements, keeping them up to date for daily use.
Form Factor
Neither the iPhone 17 nor the iPhone SE (2022) is foldable, so both offer traditional smartphone designs. Buyers looking for a straightforward, durable shape will find both models suitable.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2022) performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2022) screen
Screen quality is a key difference between these phones. The iPhone 17 offers a larger and higher resolution display with an advanced screen type, while the iPhone SE (2022) has a smaller and simpler screen.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 17 has a 6.3 inch screen with a resolution of 2622 by 1206 pixels, providing a spacious and sharp display more comfortable for video watching and detailed browsing. The iPhone SE (2022) features a 4.7 inch screen at 750 by 1334 pixels, making it more compact and easier to use with one hand.
Screen Type
The iPhone 17 uses a Super Retina XDR screen, which offers richer colours and higher contrast. The iPhone SE (2022) has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which is reliable for everyday viewing but delivers less vivid visuals compared to the iPhone 17.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2022) camera
Camera capabilities differ in megapixel counts for both front and main cameras, which affects photo and video detail.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17 has an 18 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE (2022) offers a 7 megapixel front camera, which suits typical video chat and selfie needs but with fewer pixels.
Main Camera
The iPhone 17 features a 48 megapixel main camera, allowing for more detailed photos and better clarity. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 12 megapixel main camera, which works well for everyday photography but with fewer pixels for fine detail.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2022) size and design
Several features like connectivity, size, and storage shape how each phone fits different uses and preferences.
Connector Type
The iPhone 17 uses a USB-C connector, which is widely compatible with modern chargers and accessories. The iPhone SE (2022) features the Lightning connector, which is common on many Apple devices but less universal than USB-C.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 17 measures 149.6 millimetres tall, 71.5 millimetres wide, and 8 millimetres deep, weighing 177 grams. The iPhone SE (2022) is smaller and lighter, with a height of 130 millimetres, width of 60 millimetres, depth of 7.3 millimetres, and a weight of 144 grams. The SE is easier to hold and carry for those preferring a compact phone.
Storage Options
The iPhone 17 comes in larger storage capacities of 256GB and 512GB, suitable for users who store many apps, photos, or videos. The iPhone SE (2022) is stocked with 64GB, providing enough space for everyday use and lighter storage needs.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G mobile networks and include both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexibility for different carriers and plans. Both come unlocked, ready for use with any compatible network.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17 or iPhone SE (2022): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 4.7 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone SE (2022) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £113.85, £599.49 less than the iPhone 17
- you want a lighter build (144 g vs 177 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 17 looks like new and often comes with full battery health. Many appreciate its almost new condition and excellent screen, calling it a big upgrade with smooth performance. Setup is straightforward and users note the phone feels like a new device for the price of refurbished. The larger screen and higher resolution impress those who watch videos or multitask. The battery health is consistently good, and the camera quality meets expectations for detailed photos.
For the iPhone SE (2022), customers find the phone in good condition and working well for everyday use. They comment on easy setup and smooth operation with the familiar design and 5G support. The smaller size suits those preferring a compact phone, often replacing previous models. Some mention a slight scratch or battery indicator issues but overall satisfaction with the device's reliability and value. The SE is praised for running the latest operating system and meeting essential smartphone needs.
The iPhone 17 suits buyers wanting a larger, high-resolution display with more storage and advanced cameras. The iPhone SE (2022) fits those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone for everyday tasks with essential features and simpler storage.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2022) FAQs
iPhone 17 vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022). The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone SE (2022) is cheaper refurbished, from £113.85 compared with £713.34 for the iPhone 17.
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. The iPhone SE (2022) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 17 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 4.7 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £599.49 more (from £713.34 vs £113.85).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone SE (2022) in 64GB.
