iPhone SE vs iPhone 14 Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPhone 14 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 14 Pro rather than the iPhone SE.

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 14 Pro

  • The iPhone 14 Pro includes the A16 Bionic chip with 6GB RAM for faster performance, better multitasking, and improved efficiency, while the iPhone SE uses the older A15 Bionic chip with 4GB RAM.
  • iPhone 14 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, whereas the iPhone SE uses a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • It has a 48MP triple-camera system with ultra-wide and telephoto lenses for versatile photography and detailed low-light shots, while the iPhone SE comes with a single 12MP wide camera that lacks optical zoom and Night Mode.
  • The iPhone 14 Pro supports Always-On Display technology for quick access to time and notifications without unlocking the phone, whereas the iPhone SE does not support Always-On Display.
  • iPhone 14 Pro supports MagSafe wireless charging for faster alignment and accessory compatibility, whereas the iPhone SE only supports standard Qi wireless charging.
  • It has Face ID facial recognition for secure, hands-free unlocking, while the iPhone SE relies on Touch ID fingerprint authentication built into the Home Button.
  • The iPhone 14 Pro features a larger 3200 mAh battery that delivers up to 23 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 14 Pro comes with an IP68 rating design for water resistance up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone SE has an IP67 rating and withstands only up to 1 meter of water for the same duration.

Maybe the iPhone SE price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 14 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 14 ProiPhone SE
Display TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDRetina HD LCD
Display Size6.1 inches4.7 inches
ProcessorA16 BionicA15 Bionic
RAM6GB4GB
Resolution2556 × 1179 pixels1334 × 750 pixels
Pixel Density~460 ppi~326 ppi
Refresh RateProMotion 120Hz adaptiveStandard 60Hz
Always-On DisplayYesNo
Dynamic IslandYesNo
BrightnessUp to 2000 nits HDR peak625 nits max
DesignFlat edges, thin bezelsThick bezels, Home Button
Frame MaterialStainless steelAluminum
Glass ProtectionCeramic Shield frontStandard strengthened glass
BiometricsFace IDTouch ID
Rear Camera SystemTriple (48MP wide + 12MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto)Single 12MP wide
Front Camera12MP with autofocus7MP fixed focus
Camera ModesProRAW, Night Mode, Cinematic 4K, ProRes videoPortrait Mode, Smart HDR 4
Optical Zoom3× in, 2× outNone
Digital ZoomUp to 15×Up to 5×
Storage Options128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB64GB, 128GB, 256GB
5G SupportSub-6 + mmWaveMostly Sub-6
Battery Video PlaybackUp to 23 hoursUp to 15 hours
Battery Audio PlaybackUp to 75 hoursUp to 50 hours
Wireless ChargingMagSafe + QiQi only
Weight206 g144 g
ColorsDeep Purple, Gold, Silver, Space BlackMidnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED
Water ResistanceIP68IP67
PriceCheck iPhone 14 Pro PriceCheck iPhone SE Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Operating System: Both phones run iOS, giving users the same interface, security updates, and access to Apple’s latest features.
  • 5G Connectivity: Both devices support 5G, enabling faster downloads, lower latency, and smoother streaming experiences.
  • Apple-Designed Chip: Each model uses an Apple A-series chip, ensuring efficient performance, strong app compatibility, and long-term support.
  • Wireless Charging: Both support Qi wireless charging, allowing users to recharge conveniently without plugging in cables.
  • Fast Wired Charging: Each phone supports 20W fast charging, enabling users to quickly recharge their device when needed.
  • 4K Video Recording: Both include 4K video recording, letting users capture sharp and detailed video content.
  • Stereo Audio Recording: Each device records in stereo, delivering richer sound for video capture and voice notes.
  • HDR Video Playback: Both support HDR10 and Dolby Vision, providing brighter highlights and deeper contrast in video playback.
  • Portrait Mode: Both devices include Portrait Mode, enabling photos with blurred backgrounds for a professional look.
  • Smart HDR: Each model processes photos with Smart HDR, balancing highlights and shadows for better image quality.
  • Retina Display: Both feature Retina-class screens, ensuring sharp text and visuals with no visible pixels to the eye.
  • Water Resistance: Both phones are water and dust resistant, helping protect against accidental splashes or brief submersion.
  • Apple Pay: Each device supports Apple Pay with NFC, allowing secure tap-to-pay transactions.
  • App Store Access: Both connect to the App Store, giving users full access to millions of apps and services.
  • Privacy Features: Both include Apple’s privacy protections, such as on-device Siri processing and FaceTime encryption for secure communication.
  • Wireless Standards: Each phone supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast internet connections and reliable wireless accessory pairing.
  • Stereo Speakers: Both have stereo speakers with Spatial Audio, delivering a more immersive sound experience for music and movies.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 14 ProiPhone SE
Operating SystemiOSiOS
5G ConnectivityYesYes
Chip FamilyApple-designed A-series chipApple-designed A-series chip
Wireless ChargingQi wireless chargingQi wireless charging
Wired Charging20W fast charging20W fast charging
Video Recording4K recording supported4K recording supported
Audio RecordingStereo audio recordingStereo audio recording
HDR SupportHDR10 and Dolby VisionHDR10 and Dolby Vision
Portrait ModeSupportedSupported
Smart HDRSmart HDR for photosSmart HDR for photos
Retina Display ClassRetina-quality screenRetina-quality screen
Water ResistanceRated with IP certificationRated with IP certification
Apple PaySupported via NFCSupported via NFC
App Store AccessFull App Store compatibilityFull App Store compatibility
Privacy FeaturesOn-device Siri & FaceTime encryptionOn-device Siri & FaceTime encryption
Software UpdatesLong-term iOS update supportLong-term iOS update support
Wireless StandardsWi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0
Audio PlaybackSpatial Audio and stereo speakersSpatial Audio and stereo speakers
Price Check iPhone 14 Pro Price Check iPhone SE Price

FAQ

How do the displays compare between the two models?
The iPhone 14 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion technology and up to 2000 nits peak brightness, whereas the iPhone SE has a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display with standard 625 nits brightness and no high refresh rate.

Which phone has the more advanced camera system?
The iPhone 14 Pro comes with a triple-camera system including a 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, and 12MP telephoto lens with support for Night Mode, ProRAW, and ProRes, while the iPhone SE has a single 12MP wide camera without advanced modes like Night Mode or optical zoom.

Do both phones support 5G?
Yes, both models support 5G connectivity, but the iPhone 14 Pro includes more band coverage with both sub-6GHz and mmWave, whereas the iPhone SE mainly supports sub-6GHz 5G, making the Pro more versatile in different regions.

What is the difference in performance between the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone SE?
The iPhone 14 Pro is powered by the newer A16 Bionic chip with 6GB RAM, giving it more headroom for multitasking and demanding apps, while the iPhone SE uses the slightly older A15 Bionic with 4GB RAM, which is still very fast but not at the same flagship level.

Which model has better battery life?
The iPhone 14 Pro delivers up to 23 hours of video playback and up to 75 hours of audio playback, whereas the iPhone SE lasts up to 15 hours of video playback and 50 hours of audio, making the Pro significantly better for endurance.

Do both phones support wireless charging?
Yes, both the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone SE support Qi wireless charging, but the iPhone 14 Pro additionally supports MagSafe, which provides stronger magnetic alignment and faster wireless charging speeds.

How do the front cameras compare between the two models?
The iPhone 14 Pro includes a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus, which produces sharper selfies and enables Face ID, while the iPhone SE has a simpler 7MP front camera with fixed focus and uses Touch ID instead of facial recognition.

Are both phones water resistant?
Yes, both are water and dust resistant, but the iPhone 14 Pro has a higher IP68 rating, allowing submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes, while the iPhone SE is rated IP67 and can withstand up to 1 meter of water for the same duration.

What are the differences in storage options?
The iPhone 14 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models, catering to heavy storage users, while the iPhone SE is limited to 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, which may be restrictive for those storing lots of media.

How does the weight and size differ between them?
The iPhone 14 Pro weighs 206 grams and has a larger 6.1-inch form factor, whereas the iPhone SE is much lighter at 144 grams with a compact 4.7-inch design, making the SE easier to use one-handed and more pocket-friendly.

Do both devices support iOS updates long term?
Yes, both will receive long-term iOS updates as Apple typically supports devices for many years, though the iPhone 14 Pro will naturally be supported for a longer time since it launched later with a newer chip.

How do the speakers compare between the two?
Both phones include stereo speakers and support Spatial Audio, but the iPhone 14 Pro provides a louder and richer audio experience thanks to its larger body and enhanced hardware tuning.

What are the price differences at launch?
The iPhone 14 Pro launched at $999, positioning it as a flagship device, while the iPhone SE launched at $429, making it one of the most affordable iPhones in Apple’s lineup.

Which phone is better for photography and videography enthusiasts?
The iPhone 14 Pro is far superior for photography and videography with its triple-lens system, Night Mode, Cinematic 4K recording, ProRAW, and ProRes video options, while the iPhone SE provides only the basics with a single camera and lacks advanced professional tools.

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