iPhone SE vs iPhone 13 Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPhone 13 Pro & iPhone SE share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPhone 13 Pro rather than the iPhone SE.

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 13 Pro

  • The iPhone 13 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 120Hz ProMotion for smoother scrolling, sharper visuals, and a more immersive viewing experience, whereas the iPhone SE uses a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD at 60Hz with thicker bezels.
  • iPhone 13 Pro comes with A15 Bionic chip with a 5-core GPU for stronger graphics performance in gaming, video editing, and AR apps, while the iPhone SE has the same A15 Bionic chip with 4-core GPU.
  • It includes 6GB RAM for faster multitasking, smoother app switching, and better future-proofing, whereas the iPhone SE has 4GB RAM.
  • The iPhone 13 Pro has a triple 12MP camera system with wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses for versatile photography and optical zoom, while the iPhone SE comes with a single 12MP wide camera.
  • iPhone 13 Pro supports Night Mode and Deep Fusion on all cameras for brighter low-light photos and improved detail in dark environments, whereas the iPhone SE lacks Night Mode and produces less usable images at night.
  • It comes with a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with 4K video and Night Mode for sharper selfies and higher-quality video calls, while the iPhone SE uses a 7MP front camera limited to 1080p without Night Mode.
  • The iPhone 13 Pro features a larger 3095 mAh battery that delivers up to 22 hours of video playback for longer daily usage, while the iPhone SE uses a smaller 2018 mAh battery that lasts up to 15 hours of video playback.
  • iPhone 13 Pro features stainless steel and matte glass materials for premium durability and scratch resistance, while the iPhone SE uses aluminum and glossy glass.
  • It supports MagSafe charging and accessories for faster wireless charging and convenient snap-on cases or wallets, whereas the iPhone SE only supports standard Qi wireless charging without MagSafe compatibility.

Maybe the iPhone SE price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 13 Pro. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureiPhone 13 ProiPhone SE
Display TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDRetina HD LCD
Display Size6.1 inches4.7 inches
Refresh Rate120Hz ProMotion60Hz standard
Resolution2532 × 1170 pixels1334 × 750 pixels
Pixel Density~460 ppi~326 ppi
Peak Brightness1200 nits HDR / 1000 nits typical625 nits
BezelsSlim with notchThick with Home button
Biometric SystemFace IDTouch ID
Rear Camera SetupTriple 12MP (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto)Single 12MP wide
Optical Zoom3x in, 2x outNone
Night ModeSupportedNot supported
LiDAR ScannerPresentAbsent
Front Camera12MP with Night Mode7MP without Night Mode
Video FeaturesProRes, ProRAW, Cinematic Mode 4K HDRStandard 4K video, no ProRes/ProRAW
GPU5-core A15 GPU4-core A15 GPU
RAM6GB4GB
Storage Options128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Battery Life (Video Playback)Up to 22 hoursUp to 15 hours
Wireless ChargingMagSafe + QiQi only
Build MaterialStainless steel + matte glassAluminum + glossy glass
Weight203g144g
Water ResistanceIP68IP67
5G ConnectivitySub-6 + mmWaveSub-6 only
Color OptionsGraphite, Silver, Gold, Sierra Blue, Alpine GreenMidnight, Starlight, (Product)RED
PriceCheck iPhone 13 Pro PriceCheck iPhone SE Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • A15 Bionic Processor: Both devices run on Apple’s A15 Bionic, ensuring flagship-level performance in app loading, multitasking, and gaming, even though the GPU core count differs.
  • 6-core CPU: Each uses a 6-core CPU (2 high-performance, 4 efficiency cores), providing strong balance between speed and energy efficiency.
  • 16-core Neural Engine: Both integrate the same Neural Engine for advanced AI tasks like real-time translation, image recognition, and on-device machine learning.
  • 5G Support: Both support 5G connectivity for faster download, streaming, and lower latency, though the Pro model adds mmWave in some regions.
  • iOS Version: Both launched with iOS 15 and are eligible for long-term iOS updates, ensuring security patches and new features for years.
  • App Store Access: Both access the same App Store, meaning identical apps, games, and updates are available on either device.
  • Apple Services: Both integrate seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem services such as iCloud for storage, Apple Music for streaming, Apple Pay for contactless payments, and Apple TV+ for entertainment.
  • Secure Enclave: Each device has a Secure Enclave to protect sensitive data like Face ID/Touch ID credentials, passwords, and Apple Pay transactions.
  • NVMe Storage: Both use NVMe storage, which provides much faster read/write speeds compared to older storage types, improving app responsiveness and system performance.
  • 12MP Wide Camera: Each has a 12MP main wide camera, ensuring high-quality still photography with advanced computational photography features.
  • 4K Video Recording: Both can record 4K video at up to 60fps, enabling smooth, detailed video capture for professional-grade recording.
  • Qi Wireless Charging: Both support Qi wireless charging, making them compatible with the same third-party wireless charging pads.
  • 20W Fast Charging: Both support fast wired charging up to 20W, enabling about 50% charge in roughly 30 minutes with the right adapter.
  • Dual SIM (nano + eSIM): Both support using one physical SIM card and one eSIM at the same time, useful for travel or separating work and personal numbers.
  • Stereo Speakers: Both devices feature stereo speakers, enhancing movie watching, gaming, and music playback with spatial audio effects.
  • Lightning Connector: Both still use Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector for charging and wired accessories, keeping compatibility with existing cables.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 13 ProiPhone SE
Chip GenerationA15 Bionic processorA15 Bionic processor
CPU Architecture6-core CPU6-core CPU
Neural Engine16-core Neural Engine16-core Neural Engine
5G SupportSupportedSupported
iOS VersioniOS 15 at launch, upgradableiOS 15 at launch, upgradable
App Store AccessYesYes
Apple ServicesiCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple PayiCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Pay
Secure EnclaveIntegratedIntegrated
Storage TypeNVMe fast storageNVMe fast storage
Rear Camera Main12MP wide camera12MP wide camera
Video Recording4K up to 60fps4K up to 60fps
Wireless ChargingQi standard supportedQi standard supported
Fast Charging20W wired20W wired
Dual SIM CapabilityNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
Lightning ConnectorPresentPresent
Price Check iPhone 13 Pro Price Check iPhone SE Price

FAQ

Does the iPhone 13 Pro have a better display than the iPhone SE?
Yes, the iPhone 13 Pro features a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and HDR brightness up to 1200 nits, while the iPhone SE uses a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD limited to 60Hz and lower brightness.

Do both iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone SE use the same processor?
Both models run on Apple’s A15 Bionic processor, but the iPhone 13 Pro includes a 5-core GPU for stronger graphics performance, whereas the iPhone SE has a 4-core GPU, making the Pro more capable for gaming and graphics-heavy tasks.

Which iPhone has better battery life, the 13 Pro or SE?
The iPhone 13 Pro delivers up to 22 hours of video playback thanks to its larger battery and efficiency, while the iPhone SE offers up to 15 hours, making the Pro a better choice for heavy users who prioritize endurance.

How do the cameras differ between iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone SE?
The iPhone 13 Pro has a triple-lens system with wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, along with Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and LiDAR, enabling professional photography and zoom versatility. The iPhone SE only has a single 12MP wide lens without Night Mode or telephoto options.

Does the iPhone SE support MagSafe accessories like the iPhone 13 Pro?
The iPhone 13 Pro is fully compatible with MagSafe, enabling snap-on charging and accessories such as wallets and cases, while the iPhone SE supports Qi wireless charging but does not include MagSafe compatibility.

Which iPhone is more durable in terms of water resistance?
The iPhone 13 Pro is rated IP68, surviving depths of up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone SE is rated IP67, handling only up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, giving the Pro greater durability in wet conditions.

Do both models support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both support 5G, but the iPhone 13 Pro works with both Sub-6GHz and mmWave bands for higher speeds in supported regions, whereas the iPhone SE only supports Sub-6GHz, limiting its peak performance.

Which front camera is better between the iPhone 13 Pro and SE?
The iPhone 13 Pro has a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with Night Mode and 4K recording, while the iPhone SE has a 7MP front camera limited to 1080p recording without Night Mode, making selfies and video calls sharper on the Pro.

Do both iPhones support iOS updates equally?
Yes, since both were released with iOS 15 and share the A15 Bionic chip, they will receive iOS updates for many years, though the iPhone 13 Pro may benefit more from features that use its additional hardware.

What are the storage options for each model?
The iPhone 13 Pro offers larger capacities with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, while the iPhone SE is limited to 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, making the Pro more suitable for users with high storage needs like video recording.

Is there a weight difference between the iPhone 13 Pro and SE?
Yes, the iPhone 13 Pro weighs 203 grams due to its larger display, triple cameras, and stainless steel build, while the iPhone SE is much lighter at 144 grams, making it easier to use one-handed.

Which iPhone has better audio performance?
Both phones feature stereo speakers, but the iPhone 13 Pro supports spatial audio with Dolby Atmos playback for a more immersive sound experience, while the iPhone SE delivers solid stereo sound without Dolby Atmos enhancement.

How do the build materials compare between the two phones?
The iPhone 13 Pro is made with surgical-grade stainless steel and textured matte glass for a premium look and durability, whereas the iPhone SE uses aluminum with glossy glass, making it lighter but less premium in hand.

Can both iPhones use two SIMs?
Yes, both models support dual SIM functionality with one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM, allowing users to manage two numbers or carriers at the same time.

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