Apple iPhone 17 vs Apple iPhone SE 4
Compare Apple iPhone 17 vs Apple iPhone SE 4 side by side: Apple A19 vs Apple A18 (3nm), 50MP vs 48MP camera, 3650mAh vs 3279mAh battery, $799 vs $499. Full…
Apple
iPhone 17
$799
10categories won
Apple
iPhone SE 4
$499
3categories won
7 categories tied · 20 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone SE 4 takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone SE 4 proves superior overall against the Apple iPhone 17, outperforming on measurable specifications. In camera testing, the iPhone SE 4 leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the iPhone 17. Choose the iPhone SE 4 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone 17 if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
iPhone 17 wins on endurance with 3,650 mAh and 45W fast charging.
Both handsets deliver top-tier speed with Apple A19 and smooth everyday multitasking.
iPhone SE 4 takes photography with 48MP optics and 1x optical telephoto capabilities.
iPhone SE 4 wins on budget and value at $499 compared to $799.
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 vs iPhone SE 4: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 17 | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.27" | 6.06" |
| Resolution | 1179 x 2556Winner | 1170 x 2532 |
| Pixel density | 449 ppi | 460 ppiWinner |
| Refresh rate | 120 HzWinner | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2500 nitsWinner | 1200 nits |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 17 | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A19 | Apple A18 (3nm) |
| Process node | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 2,400,000 | 2,400,000 |
| Geekbench multi | 8900 | 8900 |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Maximum storage | 512GBWinner | 128GB |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 17 | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 50 MPWinner | 48 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2Winner | 1 |
| Optical zoom | — | 1x |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Selfie camera | 16 MPWinner | 12 MP |
| Max video | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 17 | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3,650 mAhWinner | 3,279 mAh |
| Wired charging | 45 WWinner | 20 W |
| Wireless charging | 25 WWinner | 15 W |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 17 | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 171 g | 165 gWinner |
| Thickness | 7.8 mm | 7.8 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Aerospace-grade aluminum frame, color-infused matte glass back | Aerospace aluminum frame, glass front and back |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 17 | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 19 | iOS 18 |
| OS updates | 7 years | 7 years |
| Security updates | 7 years | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 17 | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | $799 | $499Winner |
Apple iPhone 17
The standard iPhone 17 represents the biggest upgrade to the base iPhone in years: 120Hz ProMotion is finally standard, accompanied by the 3nm A19 chip and 25W MagSafe fast charging.
- Display
- 6.27"
- Chipset
- Apple A19
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 3,650mAh
Apple iPhone SE 4
The iPhone SE 4 transforms Apple’s budget lineup: the home button and thick bezels are replaced with a 6.1-inch OLED, Face ID, USB-C, 48MP camera, and full Apple Intelligence capability for under $500.
- Display
- 6.06"
- Chipset
- Apple A18 (3nm)
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,279mAh