iPhone 15 & 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 rather than the iPhone SE.
Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 15?
- The iPhone 15 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display for sharper detail, higher brightness, and a more immersive viewing experience, while the iPhone SE uses a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display with lower resolution and brightness.
- iPhone 15 has a 48MP main camera with advanced low-light performance and a 12MP ultrawide lens for versatile photography, whereas the iPhone SE has only a single 12MP wide camera with no ultrawide option.
- It comes with a 12MP TrueDepth front camera capable of 4K recording for clearer video calls and sharper selfies, while the iPhone SE uses a 7MP front camera limited to 1080p video.
- The iPhone 15 has A16 Bionic chip with a 5-core GPU for faster gaming, smoother multitasking, and longer-term performance, compared to the iPhone SE’s A15 Bionic chip with a 4-core GPU.
- iPhone 15 supports Night mode and Cinematic mode in photography and video for professional-looking low-light shots and cinematic depth-of-field videos, whereas the iPhone SE lacks Night mode and has no cinematic recording capability.
- It comes with a larger 3349 mAh battery for up to 20 hours of video playback to support extended daily use, while the iPhone SE has a 2018 mAh battery.
- The iPhone 15 includes USB-C with MagSafe support for faster, more universal charging and compatibility with magnetic accessories, whereas the iPhone SE retains the older Lightning port without MagSafe support.
- iPhone 15 has IP68 water resistance to withstand submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, whereas the iPhone SE is limited to IP67.
Maybe the iPhone SE price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 15. 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
| Feature | iPhone 15 | iPhone SE |
| Processor | A16 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| GPU | 5-core | 4-core |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Retina HD LCD |
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 4.7-inch |
| Resolution | 2556 × 1179 pixels | 1334 × 750 pixels |
| Pixel Density | 460 ppi | 326 ppi |
| Brightness | 1000 nits typical, 2000 nits peak outdoor | 625 nits typical |
| Design | All-screen notch design | Classic bezels with home button |
| Biometric Security | Face ID | Touch ID |
| Main Camera | Dual 48MP + 12MP ultrawide | Single 12MP wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 7MP FaceTime HD |
| Camera Features | Night mode, Photonic Engine, Action mode, Cinematic mode | No Night mode, limited HDR, no Cinematic mode |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR, Cinematic 4K HDR 30fps | 4K up to 60fps, no Dolby Vision |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours video playback | Up to 15 hours video playback |
| Charging Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| MagSafe | Supported | Not supported |
| Weight | 171 g | 144 g |
| Dimensions | 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm |
| 5G Bands | Sub-6GHz + mmWave | Sub-6GHz only |
| Colors | Pink, Yellow, Green, Blue, Black | Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED |
| Price | Check iPhone 15 Price | Check iPhone SE Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Operating System: Both smartphones run on iOS 17, ensuring users get the same interface, updates, and access to Apple’s latest features and services.
- Processor Family: Both devices use Apple’s Bionic chip family, providing efficient performance and smooth app handling tailored for iOS.
- Wireless Charging: Both support Qi wireless charging, allowing users to charge conveniently on compatible pads without cables.
- Fast Charging: Each phone supports fast charging with a 20W adapter, enabling about 50% battery charge in roughly 30 minutes.
- 5G Connectivity: Both models include 5G support, giving users faster mobile data speeds for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
- Wi-Fi Standard: Each device comes with Wi-Fi 6, providing reliable high-speed wireless connections for home and public networks.
- Bluetooth: Both smartphones include Bluetooth connectivity, allowing seamless pairing with headphones, speakers, and accessories.
- Stereo Speakers: Each model has stereo speakers, delivering balanced sound for music, calls, and media playback.
- NFC: Both devices feature NFC, enabling secure wireless transactions and tap-to-pair functionality with accessories.
- Apple Pay: Each phone supports Apple Pay, allowing secure and convenient contactless payments at stores and online.
- App Store: Both smartphones grant full access to the App Store, ensuring availability of the same apps and services.
- iMessage: Each device supports iMessage, enabling encrypted messaging and multimedia sharing between Apple users.
- FaceTime: Both phones support FaceTime, allowing high-quality video and audio calls over Wi-Fi or cellular.
- Siri: Each model includes Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, enabling hands-free commands, reminders, and quick tasks.
- CarPlay: Both devices support CarPlay, allowing seamless integration with car infotainment systems for navigation and media control.
- Location Services: Each model uses GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou, providing precise location tracking worldwide.
- SIM Options: Both phones support dual SIM with nano-SIM and eSIM, giving flexibility for travel and multiple numbers.
- Build Material: Each device is built with an aluminum frame and glass back, providing durability and a premium feel.
Common Features
| Feature | iPhone 15 | iPhone SE |
| Operating System | iOS 17 | iOS 17 |
| Processor Family | Apple Silicon Bionic series | Apple Silicon Bionic series |
| Wireless Charging | Qi standard supported | Qi standard supported |
| Fast Charging | Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter | Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter |
| 5G Connectivity | Supported | Supported |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Supported | Supported |
| Apple Pay | Supported | Supported |
| App Store | Full access | Full access |
| iMessage | Supported | Supported |
| FaceTime | Supported | Supported |
| Siri | Supported | Supported |
| CarPlay | Wired and Wireless | Wired and Wireless |
| Location Services | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou |
| SIM Options | Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| Build Material | Aluminum frame and glass back | Aluminum frame and glass back |
| Price | Check iPhone 15 Price | Check iPhone SE Price |
FAQ
Does the iPhone 15 have a better display than the iPhone SE? Which device has better cameras, iPhone 15 or iPhone SE? Do both iPhone 15 and iPhone SE support 5G? Is the battery life longer on the iPhone 15 compared to the iPhone SE? What is the difference in design between iPhone 15 and iPhone SE? Do both phones support wireless charging? Which device is more powerful, iPhone 15 or iPhone SE? Do both iPhone 15 and iPhone SE run the latest iOS? Which device has the better front camera? Are both iPhone 15 and iPhone SE water resistant? Do both phones support Apple Pay? Which device has more storage options available? Do both devices support fast charging? Is the iPhone 15 heavier than the iPhone SE? Do both iPhone 15 and iPhone SE support CarPlay? |
