Size comparison

iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (3rd gen) size

The iPhone Air measures 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.64 mm and the iPhone SE (3rd gen) measures 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm. The iPhone Air is the bigger phone. Its front covers 25.3% more area than the iPhone SE (3rd gen).

Scaled to fit. Calibrate once to see real size.

iPhone Air165 g156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm
iPhone SE (3rd gen)144 g138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm

Outlines are drawn from published dimensions. Screen and camera shapes are simplified.

How the iPhone Air measures up

Height, iPhone Air

+17.8 mm

Width, iPhone Air

+7.4 mm

Thickness, iPhone Air

-1.66 mm

Weight, iPhone Air

+21 g

Spec	iPhone Air	iPhone SE (3rd gen)	Difference
Height	156.2 mm 6.15 in	138.4 mm 5.45 in	+17.8 mm (+12.9%)
Width	74.7 mm 2.94 in	67.3 mm 2.65 in	+7.4 mm (+11.0%)
Thickness	5.64 mm 0.22 in	7.3 mm 0.29 in	-1.66 mm (-22.7%)
Weight	165 g 5.8 oz	144 g 5.1 oz	+21 g (+14.6%)
Screen	6.5 in	4.7 in	+1.8 in (+38.3%)
Front footprint	116.7 cm²	93.1 cm²	+23.5 cm² (+25.3%)

What the difference feels like

The iPhone Air is 7.4 mm wider, an obvious difference in the hand. If you use your phone one-handed, the iPhone SE (3rd gen) will be easier to reach across.

In a jeans pocket the iPhone Air sits 17.8 mm higher, about 0.70 inches.

The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 1.66 mm thicker. Manufacturers measure thickness without the camera bump, so the real difference at the camera can be larger.

At 21 g heavier (0.7 oz), the iPhone Air is noticeably heftier when you hold it up to read.

Common questions

Is the iPhone Air bigger than the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?

The iPhone Air is the bigger phone. Its front covers 25.3% more area than the iPhone SE (3rd gen). Height differs by 17.8 mm and width by 7.4 mm.

Will a iPhone SE (3rd gen) case fit the iPhone Air?

No. A case is cut for one model's exact size, buttons and camera, and these two differ by 17.8 mm in height and 7.4 mm in width. Buy a case made for the iPhone Air.

Which is easier to use with one hand?

The iPhone SE (3rd gen), because it is 7.4 mm narrower. Width matters more than height for reaching across the screen with your thumb.

Cases and prices

iPhone Air cases on Amazon iPhone Air on Amazon iPhone SE (3rd gen) cases on Amazon iPhone SE (3rd gen) on Amazon

Shop links go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Related comparisons

Sources

iPhone Air: manufacturer spec page
iPhone SE (3rd gen): manufacturer spec page

See each phone's page for the full spec: iPhone Air and iPhone SE (3rd gen).