iPhone SE vs iPhone 15 Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPhone 15 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 15 Pro rather than the iPhone SE.

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 15 Pro

  • The iPhone 15 Pro has the A17 Pro 3nm chip for faster processing, advanced gaming performance, and improved energy efficiency, while the iPhone SE uses the older A15 Bionic 5nm chip.
  • iPhone 15 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and sharper visuals, whereas the iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD with only 60Hz refresh.
  • It comes with a triple-lens system including a 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, and 12MP telephoto for professional-level photography versatility, while the iPhone SE has only a single 12MP wide camera.
  • The iPhone 15 Pro supports Night Mode and ProRAW photography for capturing detailed, low-light, and professional-quality photos, whereas the iPhone SE lacks Night Mode and advanced shooting formats.
  • iPhone 15 Pro includes Face ID with a 12MP TrueDepth camera for secure facial recognition and advanced AR capabilities, while the iPhone SE uses Touch ID with a 7MP front camera.
  • It has a USB-C port with USB 3 speeds up to 10Gbps for faster data transfer, while the iPhone SE uses a Lightning port limited to USB 2 speeds.
  • The iPhone 15 Pro features a larger 3274 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 15 Pro supports Always-On display and Dynamic Island for real-time notifications and easier multitasking, while the iPhone SE lacks Always-On functionality and does not include Dynamic Island.

Maybe the iPhone SE price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 15 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 15 ProiPhone SE
Display Size6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED4.7-inch Retina HD LCD
Display Refresh RateProMotion 120Hz adaptive60Hz standard
Display Resolution2556 × 1179 pixels1334 × 750 pixels
Brightness2000 nits peak HDR625 nits max brightness
MaterialGrade 5 titanium frameAluminum frame
BezelsSlim, edge-to-edgeThick top and bottom bezels
ProcessorA17 Pro 3nmA15 Bionic 5nm
GPU6-core with hardware ray tracing4-core without ray tracing
RAM8GB4GB
Storage Options128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Rear Camera SetupTriple: 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephotoSingle: 12MP wide
Front Camera12MP TrueDepth with Face ID7MP with Touch ID
Night ModeSupportedNot supported
Video RecordingProRes, 4K 60fps, spatial video4K 60fps, no ProRes, no spatial
LiDAR ScannerYesNo
Zoom Capability3x optical zoomDigital zoom only
BiometricsFace IDTouch ID
Weight187g144g
Charging PortUSB-C with USB 3Lightning with USB 2
Wireless StandardsWi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
5GmmWave + Sub-6Sub-6 only
Display FeaturesAlways-On, Dynamic IslandNo Always-On, no Dynamic Island
Battery Life (Video)Up to 23 hoursUp to 15 hours
MagSafeSupportedNot supported
Build DurabilityCeramic Shield + titaniumGlass + aluminum
OS LongevityLonger updates due to newer chipShorter updates due to older chip
PriceCheck iPhone 15 Pro PriceCheck iPhone SE Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Operating System: Both iPhones run iOS 17, ensuring the same interface, features, and long-term software improvements.
  • App Store Access: Both devices have full access to the App Store, allowing users to install the same apps and enjoy identical experiences.
  • Chip Family: Both use Apple’s A-series processors, delivering optimized performance and efficiency tailored for iOS.
  • Security Updates: Both models receive multi-year Apple security and system updates, keeping the devices secure and up to date.
  • Wireless Charging: Both support Qi wireless charging, giving users convenient cable-free charging options.
  • 5G Connectivity: Both include 5G support, providing faster download speeds and better mobile connectivity.
  • NFC: Both integrate NFC for Apple Pay, allowing contactless payments in stores, apps, and public transport.
  • Water Resistance: Both carry water-resistant ratings, protecting the devices from accidental splashes and short water exposure.
  • Siri Integration: Both feature Siri voice control, enabling hands-free commands, reminders, and smart assistant functions.
  • iMessage & FaceTime: Both support iMessage and FaceTime, ensuring seamless communication with other Apple users.
  • Software Features: Both include iOS features such as Focus Mode, Live Text, and Visual Lookup, enhancing productivity and convenience.
  • Privacy Features: Both provide App Tracking Transparency and other privacy protections, giving users control over app permissions.
  • Smart HDR: Both utilize Smart HDR in their cameras, improving photos with better color balance and detail in high-contrast scenes.
  • Stereo Speakers: Both are equipped with stereo speakers, delivering clear and immersive sound for media playback.
  • MagSafe-Compatible Cases: Both support a wide range of MagSafe-compatible cases, ensuring accessory flexibility and protection.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 15 ProiPhone SE
Operating SystemiOS 17iOS 17
App Store AccessFull App StoreFull App Store
Chip FamilyApple Silicon A-seriesApple Silicon A-series
Security UpdatesMulti-year Apple supportMulti-year Apple support
Wireless ChargingQi wireless chargingQi wireless charging
5G ConnectivitySupportedSupported
NFCApple Pay via NFCApple Pay via NFC
Water ResistanceIP67–IP68 ratingIP67 rating
Siri IntegrationYesYes
iMessage & FaceTimeYesYes
Software FeaturesFocus Mode, Live Text, Visual LookupFocus Mode, Live Text, Visual Lookup
Privacy FeaturesApp Tracking TransparencyApp Tracking Transparency
Smart HDRSupportedSupported
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
MagSafe-Compatible CasesAvailable for bothAvailable for both
Price Check iPhone 15 Pro Price Check iPhone SE Price

FAQ

What operating system do the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone SE run on?
Both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone SE run on iOS 17 and will receive future updates for several years, ensuring access to Apple’s latest features and security improvements.

Do both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone SE support 5G?
Yes, both models support 5G connectivity, but the iPhone 15 Pro works with both mmWave and Sub-6 bands, while the iPhone SE is limited to Sub-6 only.

Are the displays the same on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone SE?
No, the iPhone 15 Pro has a 6.1-inch OLED display with ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, while the iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch LCD display at 60Hz.

Which phone has better camera capabilities?
The iPhone 15 Pro features a triple-camera system with 48MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, and 12MP telephoto lenses, while the iPhone SE has a single 12MP wide camera.

How different are the front cameras on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone SE?
The iPhone 15 Pro uses a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with Face ID and advanced features, while the iPhone SE has a 7MP front camera paired with Touch ID.

Do both models support wireless charging?
Yes, both support Qi wireless charging, but the iPhone 15 Pro also supports MagSafe charging and accessories, while the iPhone SE does not.

Is there a difference in build materials between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone SE?
Yes, the iPhone 15 Pro uses a titanium frame with Ceramic Shield glass for strength and lighter weight, while the iPhone SE uses an aluminum frame with glass.

Which phone has longer battery life?
The iPhone 15 Pro lasts up to 23 hours of video playback, compared to the iPhone SE which lasts up to 15 hours of video playback.

Do both phones have water resistance?
Yes, both are water resistant, with the iPhone 15 Pro rated at IP68 and the iPhone SE rated at IP67, meaning the Pro has slightly better protection.

How do the processors compare in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone SE?
The iPhone 15 Pro uses the new A17 Pro chip built on 3nm technology with a 6-core GPU, while the iPhone SE uses the older A15 Bionic chip with a 4-core GPU.

Do both phones support Apple Pay?
Yes, both support Apple Pay with NFC technology, allowing secure and contactless payments in stores, apps, and online.

What are the storage options for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone SE?
The iPhone 15 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB models, while the iPhone SE is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB models.

How do users unlock each phone?
The iPhone 15 Pro uses Face ID facial recognition through its TrueDepth camera, while the iPhone SE uses Touch ID fingerprint recognition built into the Home button.

What charging ports do the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone SE use?
The iPhone 15 Pro comes with a USB-C port that supports USB 3 speeds up to 10Gbps, while the iPhone SE uses the older Lightning port at USB 2 speeds.

Is there a significant price difference between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone SE?
Yes, the iPhone 15 Pro is positioned as a premium flagship device with a much higher starting price, while the iPhone SE is Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone option.

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