Apple iPhone 17 vs Apple iPhone SE (2020)

Our verdict: Choosing the Apple iPhone SE (2020) on contract will save you £485.84 compared to the Apple iPhone 17. On the screen front, the Apple iPhone 17 pulls ahead with 6.3" and 458 PPI. For photography, the Apple iPhone 17 leads with a 48MP main camera. For video calls and selfies, the Apple iPhone 17 offers a 18MP front camera.

Expert Rating
4.5
12 reviews
4.2
25 reviews
Screen
6.3" 4.7"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Retina HD display
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1334 x 750
Pixels Per Inch
458 326
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 7 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+)
Storage
256GB, 512GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 4G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight
177 grams 148 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP67 - Dust and water resistant
Contracts
£11.95/mo (£505.00 upfront) £7.99/mo (£69.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£654.00 £64.99
Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone SE (2020) Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Expert Rating 4.5
12 reviews
4.2
25 reviews
Screen 6.3" 4.7"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Retina HD display
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1334 x 750
Pixels Per Inch 458 326
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 7 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+)
Storage 256GB, 512GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 4G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight 177 grams 148 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP67 - Dust and water resistant
Contracts £11.95/mo
£505.00 upfront
£7.99/mo
£69.00 upfront
SIM-free £654.00 £64.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17 or Apple iPhone SE (2020) cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper on contract at £275.96 over the life of the deal from £7.99 per month with £69.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 17 has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone SE (2020)'s 4.7", the Apple iPhone 17 has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 326, and the Apple iPhone 17 uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) has a Retina HD display.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 17 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) has a 12 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 17 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £64.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 and Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) comes in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Apple iPhone SE (2020) use?

The Apple iPhone 17 is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) uses the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is the more portable of the two — it's 29g lighter at 148 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm, and is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 17 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17 and Apple iPhone SE (2020) run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.