Apple iPhone 17e vs Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Our Verdict: If you've got the iPhone 17e, the iPhone SE (2020) is 2003 years of updates on from it. The 17e has a far higher-resolution main camera, 48MP against the SE (2020)'s 12MP, plus a 12MP selfie camera against 7MP, and only the 17e is a 5G phone; the SE (2020) maxes out at 4G. The 17e packs the bigger battery, 4005mAh against 1821mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use, and the 17e has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.1" against 4.7" and sharper at 457 PPI. If you're on the 17e, the SE (2020) is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
If you'd rather pay up front, the SE (2020) is the cheaper buy at £66 SIM-free.
11 reviews 4.2
25 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 17e
|
Apple iPhone SE (2020)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.9 11 reviews |
4.2 25 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 4.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Retina HD display |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1334 x 750 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 326 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 7 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 (3 nm) | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) |
| Battery | 4,005 mAh | 1,821 mAh |
| 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/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 169 grams | 148 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP67 - Dust and water resistant |
| Contracts |
£25.99/mo
£0.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £567.00 | £66.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17e or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 17e has the bigger screen at 6.1" compared to the Apple iPhone SE (2020)'s 4.7", the Apple iPhone 17e has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 326, and the Apple iPhone 17e uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) has a Retina HD display.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17e or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £66.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17e and Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 17e is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) comes in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17e and Apple iPhone SE (2020) use?
The Apple iPhone 17e is powered by the Apple A19 (3 nm), while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) uses the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17e or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is the more portable of the two: it's 21g 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 17e or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e and Apple iPhone SE (2020) run?
Both phones run Apple iOS.