iPhone SE size: 138.4×67.3×7.3 mm (2022/2020); the 2016 SE is 123.8×58.6×7.6 mm.
Looking for a small iPhone that still feels familiar? The iPhone SE keeps a compact footprint with a 4.7-inch screen on the 2022 and 2020 models and a tinier 4-inch screen on the 2016 classic. This guide translates the specs into hand feel, pocket fit, and case choices so you can pick with confidence.
How Big Is The iPhone SE? Size Breakdown
Quick answer: Two modern generations share the same body. The 2022 iPhone SE and the 2020 iPhone SE each measure 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm. Weight differs a bit: 144 g for 2022 and 148 g for 2020. Apple lists these numbers on its spec pages for the 2022 model and the 2020 model.
The original 2016 iPhone SE is much smaller at 123.8 × 58.6 × 7.6 mm and 113 g, with a 4-inch Retina display. You’ll find those figures on Apple’s archived spec sheet for the 2016 model.
If you came wondering “how big is the iphone se?”, the short version is: recent SE phones match the iPhone 8 body, while the 2016 SE mirrors the older iPhone 5s frame.
Screen Diagonal Versus Body Size
Clarify the units: Apple quotes screen diagonal in inches and body in millimetres. The 4.7-inch panel doesn’t mean a 4.7-inch tall phone; it’s the corner-to-corner display measure. Bezels and the Home button add height without increasing viewable area, which is why a smaller phone like the 13 mini can show more content.
Why The 2020 And 2022 Weights Differ
Small parts add up: The chassis is the same, but radios, battery pack, and camera shielding vary by year. That explains the 4-gram spread between the two recent SE models without any change to dimensions.
iPhone SE Size And Dimensions — Quick Compare
Use this table: It condenses the body measurements and screen diagonals for each SE generation so you can scan and decide fast.
| Model | Body (H × W × D) | Screen |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (2022) | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm, 144 g (5.45 × 2.65 × 0.29 in) | 4.7-inch Retina HD |
| iPhone SE (2020) | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm, 148 g (5.45 × 2.65 × 0.29 in) | 4.7-inch Retina HD |
| iPhone SE (2016) | 123.8 × 58.6 × 7.6 mm, 113 g (4.87 × 2.31 × 0.30 in) | 4-inch Retina |
Sources: Apple Support spec pages for the 2022, 2020, and 2016 models.
What The Measurements Mean In Real Life
Pocket carry: The 2022/2020 body slides into front jeans pockets without bulging more than older 4.7-inch iPhones. The 2016 SE feels tiny by modern standards and disappears in a coin pocket or a slim crossbody.
One-hand use: The 4.7-inch SE allows thumb reach across most of the keyboard. The rounded edges and Reachability help with top-row taps. The 2016 model is true one-hand territory for nearly everyone.
Grip and weight: The 2022 SE drops a few grams from the 2020 run, which you’ll feel with a bare phone. Add a case and the difference fades.
Screen vs. body: The SE keeps the Home button and bezels, so the display is smaller than newer all-screen iPhones with similar heights. If you want the smallest body that still shows more content, the 13 mini body is shorter than the SE yet delivers a 5.4-inch display.
That last point is why many shoppers compare the SE to the iPhone 13 mini. Apple lists the 13 mini at 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.65 mm with a 5.4-inch OLED panel, which is physically shorter and slightly narrower than the SE while showing more pixels.
- Check your reach — Hold the SE in your dominant hand and try the top-left app icon; if you can’t tap it without re-gripping, enable Reachability.
- Tune display zoom — Try Display Zoom in Display & Brightness to make UI elements larger without changing the body size you carry.
- Mind glove season — Touch ID works with many thin gloves; a smaller phone plus gloves can still be easier than face unlock on big models.
How The iPhone SE Compares To Modern iPhones
Screen space: The SE’s 4.7-inch LCD shows fewer rows in apps and less map area. If you move from an all-screen iPhone, you’ll notice less canvas for text and photos at the same zoom.
Body size: Height is close to the iPhone 13 mini, but the SE is taller than it needs to be because of the forehead and chin. If you want the tiniest footprint with modern internals and Face ID, the mini wins. If you prefer Touch ID and a classic feel, the SE wins on comfort.
Typing comfort: Portrait typing is steady on the SE thanks to flat sides and a narrow width. Landscape typing is cramped unless you tilt the phone or use swipe.
- Test reachability — Toggle Reachability in Settings → Accessibility → Touch, then swipe down on the Home button to pull the top into reach.
- Adjust text size — Bump the font one step in Display & Brightness to squeeze more readability from the 4.7-inch panel.
- Try swipe typing — Glide over letters in the built-in keyboard to avoid stretching your thumb.
For a size anchor: Apple lists the iPhone 13 mini at the dimensions above on its spec sheet. You can check the numbers on the Apple page.
Case And Accessory Fit For iPhone SE
Good news: Cases for iPhone SE (2022) and iPhone SE (2020) are interchangeable in nearly all brands because the outer shell and button layout match. Camera cutouts align, and screen protectors sized for one will fit the other.
- Share cases smartly — If you upgrade from the 2020 SE to 2022 SE, keep your favorite case and tempered glass; they fit.
- Match the right SE — Cases for the 2016 SE will not fit the 2020/2022 body. The older phone is shorter and much narrower.
- Check wireless charging — Both 2022 and 2020 models support Qi; most thin cases pass charge without fuss.
Screen protectors: Flat glass for iPhone 6/6s/7/8 and SE (2020/2022) share the same front shape. Edge-to-edge films designed for curved glass may vary, so pick SE-labeled versions for a tidy border.
Mounts and grips: The SE’s width pairs well with PopGrip-style accessories and narrow car-vent mounts. If your mount uses spring arms sized for large phones, shift the arms one notch inward for a firmer hold.
Everyday Fit Scenarios
Small pockets: The SE slips into fitted pants and gym shorts better than big-screen phones. The 2016 SE almost disappears, which is handy on runs or travel days.
Car mounts: Shorter height means less bounce on vent clips. The SE’s light weight helps on magnetic plates; use a thin case for the best hold.
Bags and slings: Narrow width keeps the SE easy to draw from a tight slot. If you often check transit cards or QR codes, the physical Home button is fast to press without looking.
Reading and maps: On commutes, the 4.7-inch panel is fine for short bursts. For long reading or heavy maps, rotate to landscape and bump text size one notch.
So when someone asks “how big is the iphone se?”, you can answer with precise measurements and quick fit notes that match daily use.
How Big Is The iPhone SE? Size, Weight, And Feel Tips
Pick the right body: If you want Touch ID and a light handset, SE 2022 is the sweet spot at 144 g. If you carry a power bank or thick case, the gram savings fade, so base the choice on features.
- Choose the 2016 classic — You crave the smallest frame and don’t mind older parts. It’s the pocket champ, but app layouts feel tighter.
- Choose the 2020 model — You can find a deal and you’re fine with a few extra grams. Accessories and repairs are widely available.
- Choose the 2022 model — You want 5G and the lightest recent SE body. It shares cases with the 2020 phone.
Balance screen and size: If you need a compact phone with more screen, the 13 mini body is smaller yet shows a taller OLED panel. Apple’s spec page confirms the 131.5 × 64.2 × 7.65 mm footprint.
Final sizing tip: If you’re between sizes, try a cardboard cutout that matches the body footprint and hold it during daily tasks—typing, camera, and maps. It’s a fast way to sense grip and reach before you buy. Test pockets, jackets, and car mounts before committing to a size choice.