iPhone 17e vs iPhone SE (2016)
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iPhone 17e
Starting at
£603.69
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 17e and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 17e vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) starts at £192.40, £411.29 less than the iPhone 17e. The iPhone 17e is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17e, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 17e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 17e has a bigger battery: 4005 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone 17e vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 17e and iPhone SE (2016) differ in several key areas that affect daily use. The iPhone 17e offers a larger, higher resolution screen with an OLED display, more powerful hardware including 8 GB of RAM and a newer chipset, and much larger battery capacity. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller screen and simpler specifications suited to everyday tasks. It features a Lightning connector plus a headphone jack, which is useful for wired audio. The SE's lower storage options and simpler performance make it a good choice for those who want a smartphone experience at a lower price point. The iPhone 17e fits users needing more power, a bigger screen, and longer battery life.
iPhone 17e vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 17e vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software support are important for how long a phone lasts daily and over time. These two iPhones differ notably in these areas.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 17e has a 4005 mAh battery, which gives it much more energy storage for longer use between charges. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1624 mAh battery, which suits lighter use or shorter screen time. If you rely on your phone for extended periods without charging, the iPhone 17e will better match your needs.
Software Updates
This suits users who prefer a stable, familiar system or have simpler app needs.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17e vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance determines how smoothly your apps run and how well the phone handles multitasking or demanding tasks. These devices have significant differences here.
Processor
The iPhone 17e is powered by the Apple A19 chipset, while the iPhone SE (2016) uses the Apple A9. The A19 offers more processing power, which supports quicker app launches and smoother performance for intensive tasks.
Memory
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 17e can keep more apps open at once and handle multitasking more efficiently. The iPhone SE (2016) has 2 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use and simpler app needs.
Storage Options
The iPhone 17e comes with higher storage options of 256GB and 512GB, ideal for users storing many apps, photos, or videos. The iPhone SE (2016) offers 64GB, which is suitable for lighter storage requirements.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17e vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen size, resolution and type affect how much you see and the quality of the display for video, photos and browsing.
Screen Size
The iPhone 17e features a 6.1 inch screen, offering more room for watching videos, reading, or gaming. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 4 inch screen, which is more compact and easier to use one-handed.
Resolution
The iPhone 17e has a resolution of 2532 x 1170, providing a sharper and clearer display with more detail. The iPhone SE (2016) offers 640 x 1136 resolution, which is suitable for basic viewing and everyday tasks.
Screen Type
The iPhone 17e uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, delivering deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone SE (2016) uses an IPS LCD screen, which provides good colour accuracy and brightness for its size.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17e vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Camera quality matters if you take many photos or video calls. Both front and main cameras differ significantly.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17e has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, suited for basic use.
Main Camera
The iPhone 17e's 48 megapixel main camera captures high detail photos and is good for those who want quality images. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 12 megapixel main camera, which performs well for everyday snapshots.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17e vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Other features like network compatibility, connectors and dimensions may influence your daily convenience and device compatibility.
Network Support
The iPhone 17e supports 5G networks, which offer faster mobile data speeds where available. The iPhone SE (2016) supports 4G, which is widely available and suits users with basic data needs.
Connectors
The iPhone SE (2016) uses a Lightning connector and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, accommodating wired headphones without an adapter.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 17e supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, providing flexibility if you want to use two numbers or carriers. The iPhone SE (2016) supports a physical SIM only.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 17e measures 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and 7.8 mm deep, weighing 169 g. It has a larger footprint and weight compared to the iPhone SE (2016), which measures 123.8 mm tall, 58.6 mm wide, 7.6 mm deep, and weighs 113 g. The SE's smaller size suits those wanting a compact phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17e or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17e if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4005 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4 inch)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £192.40, £411.29 less than the iPhone 17e
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 170 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 17e appreciate its condition and performance. Many mention the phone feels like new, with a perfect battery lifespan and no marks or scratches. Users find the phone the right size and appreciate its speed and ease of setup. Some customers highlight the quality and good condition of the screen and battery, enjoying the experience of a modern, capable device.
Those who bought the iPhone SE (2016) often value its good condition and fair price. Several mention the phone works well for everyday needs and has solid battery life. Some customers highlight it as a practical choice for simpler tasks, noting it runs smoothly and offers reliable performance. The SE is appreciated as a compact and light device with a well-maintained screen.
Overall, the iPhone 17e suits users looking for a larger, more powerful phone with longer battery life and up-to-date software. The iPhone SE (2016) is better suited to those who want a smaller, simpler phone for basic use or a lower price.
iPhone 17e vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 17e vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17e, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 17e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone SE (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £192.40 compared with £603.69 for the iPhone 17e.
The iPhone 17e has a bigger battery: 4005 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
The iPhone 17e has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 17e 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 17e adds more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (4005 mAh vs 1624 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £411.29 more (from £603.69 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17e comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
