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

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

FeatureiPhone 15iPhone SE
ProcessorA16 BionicA15 Bionic
GPU5-core4-core
RAM6GB4GB
Storage Options128GB, 256GB, 512GB64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Display TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDRetina HD LCD
Display Size6.1-inch4.7-inch
Resolution2556 × 1179 pixels1334 × 750 pixels
Pixel Density460 ppi326 ppi
Brightness1000 nits typical, 2000 nits peak outdoor625 nits typical
DesignAll-screen notch designClassic bezels with home button
Biometric SecurityFace IDTouch ID
Main CameraDual 48MP + 12MP ultrawideSingle 12MP wide
Front Camera12MP TrueDepth7MP FaceTime HD
Camera FeaturesNight mode, Photonic Engine, Action mode, Cinematic modeNo Night mode, limited HDR, no Cinematic mode
Video Recording4K Dolby Vision HDR, Cinematic 4K HDR 30fps4K up to 60fps, no Dolby Vision
Battery LifeUp to 20 hours video playbackUp to 15 hours video playback
Charging PortUSB-CLightning
MagSafeSupportedNot supported
Weight171 g144 g
Dimensions147.6 × 71.6 × 7.8 mm138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm
5G BandsSub-6GHz + mmWaveSub-6GHz only
ColorsPink, Yellow, Green, Blue, BlackMidnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED
PriceCheck iPhone 15 PriceCheck 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

FeatureiPhone 15iPhone SE
Operating SystemiOS 17iOS 17
Processor FamilyApple Silicon Bionic seriesApple Silicon Bionic series
Wireless ChargingQi standard supportedQi standard supported
Fast ChargingUp to 50% in ~30 minutes with 20W adapterUp to 50% in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter
5G ConnectivitySupportedSupported
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6
BluetoothBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.0
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
NFCSupportedSupported
Apple PaySupportedSupported
App StoreFull accessFull access
iMessageSupportedSupported
FaceTimeSupportedSupported
SiriSupportedSupported
CarPlayWired and WirelessWired and Wireless
Location ServicesGPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDouGPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
SIM OptionsDual SIMDual SIM
Build MaterialAluminum frame and glass backAluminum 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?
Yes, the iPhone 15 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display that offers higher resolution and brightness, while the iPhone SE has a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD panel that looks less sharp and modern.

Which device has better cameras, iPhone 15 or iPhone SE?
The iPhone 15 has a dual-camera system with a 48MP main lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens, while the iPhone SE only has a single 12MP wide camera, making the iPhone 15 much more versatile for photography.

Do both iPhone 15 and iPhone SE support 5G?
Yes, both devices support 5G connectivity, but the iPhone 15 supports both Sub-6GHz and mmWave bands, while the iPhone SE only supports Sub-6GHz, which can limit coverage in certain regions.

Is the battery life longer on the iPhone 15 compared to the iPhone SE?
Yes, the iPhone 15 offers up to 20 hours of video playback, while the iPhone SE is rated for up to 15 hours, giving the iPhone 15 better endurance for heavy use.

What is the difference in design between iPhone 15 and iPhone SE?
The iPhone 15 has a modern all-screen design with Face ID and thinner bezels, while the iPhone SE retains the older design with larger bezels and a Touch ID home button.

Do both phones support wireless charging?
Yes, both iPhone 15 and iPhone SE support Qi wireless charging, but only the iPhone 15 is compatible with MagSafe accessories for magnetic alignment and faster wireless charging speeds.

Which device is more powerful, iPhone 15 or iPhone SE?
The iPhone 15 is powered by the newer A16 Bionic chip with a 5-core GPU and 6GB of RAM, whereas the iPhone SE uses the older A15 Bionic with a 4-core GPU and 4GB of RAM, making the iPhone 15 faster and more efficient.

Do both iPhone 15 and iPhone SE run the latest iOS?
Yes, both devices run iOS 17 and will continue to receive Apple’s software updates for several years, giving users access to the same system features and security patches.

Which device has the better front camera?
The iPhone 15 has a 12MP TrueDepth camera with 4K video support, while the iPhone SE has a 7MP front camera limited to 1080p video, making the iPhone 15 significantly better for selfies and video calls.

Are both iPhone 15 and iPhone SE water resistant?
Yes, both are water resistant, but the iPhone 15 is rated IP68, meaning it can survive up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone SE is only IP67, limited to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Do both phones support Apple Pay?
Yes, both devices support Apple Pay through NFC, enabling secure contactless payments in stores and apps without needing physical cards.

Which device has more storage options available?
The iPhone 15 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants, while the iPhone SE comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, giving the iPhone 15 the advantage for users who need higher storage capacity.

Do both devices support fast charging?
Yes, both phones can charge up to 50% in about 30 minutes using a 20W adapter, making them equally practical for quick top-ups.

Is the iPhone 15 heavier than the iPhone SE?
Yes, the iPhone 15 weighs 171 grams due to its larger display and dual-camera system, while the iPhone SE is lighter at 144 grams, making it easier to use one-handed.

Do both iPhone 15 and iPhone SE support CarPlay?
Yes, both phones support CarPlay, including wired and wireless options, allowing seamless integration with car infotainment systems for navigation, calls, and music.

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