iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2022)
Shop iPhone
iPhone Air
Starting at
£687.30£999.00 new
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at
£113.85£429.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone Air and iPhone SE (2022)?
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2022) starts at £113.85, £573.45 less than the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022).
- The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone Air has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 4.7 inch.
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2022) specs
The iPhone Air and iPhone SE (2022) offer different experiences suited to varied needs. The iPhone Air has a larger, higher resolution screen with a Super Retina XDR panel, more RAM, and much higher megapixel counts on its cameras, making it a good choice for users who want a spacious display and detailed photos. The iPhone SE (2022) has a smaller screen with a Retina IPS LCD and fewer gigabytes of RAM, suiting those who prefer a compact phone for everyday tasks. The iPhone Air offers more storage options and uses USB-C, while the iPhone SE (2022) uses Lightning and has a physical SIM alongside eSIM support.
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2022) price
Colour
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2022) battery life and software updates
The iPhone Air was released in 2025 and the iPhone SE in 2022.
Software Compatibility
This means you can expect ongoing software support and access to the newest features on either device.
Build and Design
Neither phone folds, so both have a traditional smartphone design. The 2025 iPhone Air and the 2022 iPhone SE share this straightforward durability aspect.
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2022) performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2022) screen
Screen size, resolution, and type affect how you view content and interact with apps. The iPhone Air has a larger, higher resolution screen with a more advanced display type, while the iPhone SE (2022) offers a smaller screen with a Retina IPS LCD panel.
Screen Size
The iPhone Air has a 6.5 inch screen, making it more comfortable for watching videos or multitasking. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 4.7 inch screen, which suits users who prefer a compact device that fits easily in one hand.
Resolution and Display Type
The iPhone Air's 2736x1260 resolution combined with its Super Retina XDR screen delivers sharp images and deep colours, ideal for photo viewing and media. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 750x1334 Retina IPS LCD, which provides clear visuals suitable for everyday use but with less pixel density.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2022) camera
Camera quality influences how detailed your photos and selfies appear. Both phones have front and main cameras with different megapixel counts, affecting image clarity.
Main Camera Detail
The iPhone Air features a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail and potentially better photos in varied lighting. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 12 megapixel main camera, which is suitable for casual photography and everyday snapshots.
Front Camera Clarity
For selfies and video calls, the iPhone Air's 18 megapixel front camera provides higher resolution images compared to the 7 megapixel front camera on the iPhone SE (2022). This suits users who prioritise sharper front-facing photos.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2022) size and design
Other features such as connectivity, size, and storage options influence daily convenience and how you use your phone. The iPhone Air and iPhone SE (2022) differ in connectors, SIM card types, dimensions, weight, and storage capacities.
Connector Type
The iPhone Air uses a USB-C connector, which is common for many modern devices, while the iPhone SE (2022) uses Lightning. Your choice may depend on the cables and accessories you already have.
SIM and Network
The iPhone Air supports an eSIM, offering a digital way to connect to mobile networks. The iPhone SE (2022) supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving more flexibility if you want to use multiple plans or swap SIM cards.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone Air measures 156.2 mm tall, 74.7 mm wide, and 5.6 mm deep, weighing 165 g. The iPhone SE (2022) is smaller at 130 mm tall, 60 mm wide, and 7.3 mm deep, and lighter at 144 g. The iPhone SE suits users who want a compact and lighter phone.
Storage Options
The iPhone Air offers storage choices of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, accommodating users who need space for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone SE (2022) comes with 64GB, which is suitable for everyday use with moderate storage needs.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone Air or iPhone SE (2022): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone Air if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 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, £573.45 less than the iPhone Air
- you want a lighter build (144 g vs 165 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone Air looks like new and offers excellent battery health, often at 100 percent with very few charge cycles. Many appreciate its high storage capacity and premium condition. The large screen and camera quality impress users, who find it performs smoothly for all tasks. Some mention it as the best iPhone they have had, enjoying its appearance and battery life.
The iPhone SE (2022) receives praise for running smoothly and being easy to set up, with many users happy with its condition matching descriptions. Users often choose it for its compact size and 5G capability, making it a practical daily phone. Some note minor issues with battery health readings or scratches, but overall satisfaction is high for its price and reliability. It appeals to those wanting a smaller phone with the latest OS.
Both phones suit different preferences: the iPhone Air is for those wanting a spacious, detailed display and higher storage, while the iPhone SE (2022) fits users who value compactness and straightforward daily use.
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2022) FAQs
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022). The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone SE (2022) is cheaper refurbished, from £113.85 compared with £687.30 for the iPhone Air.
The iPhone Air has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone Air is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone SE (2022) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone Air adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 4.7 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £573.45 more (from £687.30 vs £113.85).
Refurbished, the iPhone Air comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone SE (2022) in 64GB.
