Apple iPhone 17 Air vs Apple iPhone SE (2022)

Compare Apple iPhone 17 Air vs Apple iPhone SE (2022) side by side: Apple A19 Pro (2nm) vs Apple A15 Bionic (4-core GPU), 48MP vs 12MP camera, 3150mAh vs…

Apple

iPhone SE (2022)

$429

4categories won

2 categories tied · 20 scored in total · add a third phone

Information Gain

Which one wins?

MxMob Algorithmic Verdict

Apple iPhone 17 Air takes the overall win

Overall Pick

The Apple iPhone 17 Air claims the overall win over the Apple iPhone SE (2022), delivering a stronger technical package across battery endurance and core hardware. For battery longevity and charging speed, the iPhone 17 Air takes the lead, while the iPhone SE (2022) is the clear choice for demanding 3D gaming and heavy multitasking. Choose the iPhone 17 Air if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone SE (2022) if its lower retail price better fit your budget.

🔋 BatteryiPhone 17 Air

iPhone 17 Air wins on endurance with 3,150 mAh and 25W fast charging.

🎮 GamingiPhone SE (2022)

iPhone SE (2022) provides greater sustained gaming output with its Apple A15 Bionic (4-core GPU) and 4GB RAM.

📸 CameraiPhone 17 Air

iPhone 17 Air wins photography with 48MP main imaging and 1x dedicated optical zoom.

🏷️ ValueiPhone SE (2022)

iPhone SE (2022) wins on budget and value at $429 compared to $1099.

Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.

iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone SE (2022): specifications compared

Display

Display comparison between the Apple iPhone 17 Air, Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Specification	iPhone 17 Air	iPhone SE (2022)
Screen size	6.6"	4.7"
Resolution	1260 x 2740Winner	750 x 1334
Pixel density	457 ppiWinner	326 ppi
Refresh rate	120 HzWinner	60 Hz
Peak brightness	2800 nitsWinner	625 nits

Performance

Performance comparison between the Apple iPhone 17 Air, Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Specification	iPhone 17 Air	iPhone SE (2022)
Chipset	Apple A19 Pro (2nm)	Apple A15 Bionic (4-core GPU)
Process node	2 nmWinner	5 nm
AnTuTu score	2,400,000	3,200,000Winner
Geekbench multi	8900	10800Winner
Maximum RAM	12 GBWinner	4 GB
Maximum storage	256GB	256GB

Camera

Camera comparison between the Apple iPhone 17 Air, Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Specification	iPhone 17 Air	iPhone SE (2022)
Main sensor	48 MPWinner	12 MP
Rear cameras	1	1
Optical zoom	1x	—
Selfie camera	24 MPWinner	7 MP
Max video	8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps	4K at 60fps

Battery and charging

Battery and charging comparison between the Apple iPhone 17 Air, Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Specification	iPhone 17 Air	iPhone SE (2022)
Capacity	3,150 mAhWinner	2,018 mAh
Wired charging	25 WWinner	20 W
Wireless charging	25 WWinner	7.5 W

Design

Design comparison between the Apple iPhone 17 Air, Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Specification	iPhone 17 Air	iPhone SE (2022)
Weight	149 g	144 gWinner
Thickness	5.5 mmWinner	7.3 mm
Water resistance	IP68	IP67
Build	Grade 5 Titanium mid-plate, ultra-thin ceramic back, Ceramic Shield 2 front	Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame

Software and support

Software and support comparison between the Apple iPhone 17 Air, Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Specification	iPhone 17 Air	iPhone SE (2022)
Operating system	iOS 19	iOS 15.4, upgradable to iOS 18
OS updates	7 yearsWinner	6 years
Security updates	7 yearsWinner	6 years

Connectivity and value

Connectivity and value comparison between the Apple iPhone 17 Air, Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Specification	iPhone 17 Air	iPhone SE (2022)
5G	Yes	Yes
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth)	Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth)
Storage expansion	None	None
3.5mm jack	No	No
Launch price	$1,099	$429Winner