iPhone SE vs iPhone 6 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPhone SE & iPhone 6 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 SE rather than the iPhone 6.

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone SE

  • The iPhone SE has the Apple A9 chip with the M9 motion coprocessor for faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved efficiency, whereas the iPhone 6 uses the older A8 chip with the M8 motion coprocessor.
  • iPhone SE features 2 GB of RAM for more stable performance to run multiple apps simultaneously, while the iPhone 6 includes only 1 GB of RAM.
  • It has a 12 MP rear camera capable of 4K video recording for sharper photos and higher resolution videos, whereas the iPhone 6 has an 8 MP rear camera limited to 1080p recording.
  • The iPhone SE supports Bluetooth 4.2 for stronger and more energy-efficient wireless connections with accessories, while the iPhone 6 uses Bluetooth 4.0.
  • iPhone SE comes with Live Photos for capturing short motion clips alongside still images, whereas the iPhone 6 does not support Live Photos.
  • It includes a wider range of LTE bands for better global roaming and faster data connectivity, while the iPhone 6 supports fewer LTE bands.

Maybe the iPhone 6 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone SE. 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 SEiPhone 6
ProcessorApple A9 with M9 motion coprocessorApple A8 with M8 motion coprocessor
RAM2 GB1 GB
Rear Camera Resolution12 MP iSight camera8 MP iSight camera
Rear Camera FeaturesLive Photos, Focus Pixels, 4K video recordingNo Live Photos, 1080p max video recording
Video Recording4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, 720p at 240fps1080p at 60fps, 720p at 240fps
Bluetooth VersionBluetooth 4.2Bluetooth 4.0
LTE SupportWider LTE band coverageFewer LTE bands
Storage Variants16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB16 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
Weight113 g129 g
Thickness7.6 mm6.9 mm
DesignCompact iPhone 5s-style with flat edgesSlim rounded design
Colors AvailableSilver, Space Gray, Gold, Rose GoldSilver, Space Gray, Gold
PriceCheck iPhone SE PriceCheck iPhone 6 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Operating System: Both iPhone SE and iPhone 6 run on iOS, ensuring a consistent user interface, access to the App Store, and compatibility with Apple services.
  • Touch ID: Both include a first-generation Touch ID sensor in the Home button, allowing secure unlocking and authentication for Apple Pay and apps.
  • Front Camera Resolution: Each device features a 1.2 MP FaceTime HD camera, delivering similar selfie and video call quality.
  • Front Camera Video: Both support 720p HD video recording on the front camera, providing smooth and clear FaceTime and video chats.
  • Retina Display: Each phone uses a Retina LCD panel with 326 ppi, giving crisp text and sharp visuals for everyday use.
  • Aspect Ratio: Both come with a 16:9 aspect ratio, making them ideal for widescreen video playback and traditional app layouts.
  • Contrast Ratio: Each device has a typical contrast ratio of 1400:1, ensuring similar black levels and color depth on the screen.
  • Brightness: Both displays reach a maximum brightness of 500 nits, making them equally viewable in indoor and outdoor settings.
  • Battery Talk Time: Each phone delivers up to 14 hours of talk time on 3G, providing reliable calling endurance.
  • Internet Use on LTE: Both devices allow up to 12 hours of internet browsing on LTE, ensuring comparable mobile web usage.
  • Audio Playback: Each supports up to 50 hours of audio playback, giving long-lasting music listening without frequent charging.
  • Charging Port: Both rely on the Lightning connector, making them compatible with the same charging cables and accessories.
  • SIM Type: Each uses a nano-SIM card, standardizing setup for mobile network access.
  • Sensors: Both include an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and digital compass, enabling the same motion and orientation features.
  • Audio Jack: Each phone has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, allowing the use of wired headphones and accessories without adapters.
  • Apple Pay: Both support Apple Pay via NFC with Touch ID, enabling secure and convenient mobile payments.
  • Wi-Fi: Each device includes Wi-Fi 802.11ac with MIMO, providing strong wireless connectivity speeds.
  • VoLTE: Both support Voice over LTE, delivering clearer call quality on supported networks.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone SEiPhone 6
Operating SystemRuns iOS, upgradeable to later versionsRuns iOS, upgradeable to later versions
Touch IDFirst-generation fingerprint sensor in Home buttonFirst-generation fingerprint sensor in Home button
Front Camera Resolution1.2 MP FaceTime HD1.2 MP FaceTime HD
Front Camera Video720p HD recording720p HD recording
Retina DisplayRetina LCD with 326 ppiRetina LCD with 326 ppi
Aspect Ratio16:9 widescreen16:9 widescreen
Contrast Ratio1400:1 typical1400:1 typical
Brightness500 nits maximum500 nits maximum
Battery Talk TimeUp to 14 hours on 3GUp to 14 hours on 3G
Internet Use on LTEUp to 12 hoursUp to 12 hours
Audio PlaybackUp to 50 hoursUp to 50 hours
Charging PortLightning connectorLightning connector
SIM TypeNano-SIMNano-SIM
SensorsAccelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, ambient light, compassAccelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, ambient light, compass
Audio Jack3.5 mm headphone jack3.5 mm headphone jack
Apple PaySupported via NFC and Touch IDSupported via NFC and Touch ID
Wi-Fi802.11ac with MIMO802.11ac with MIMO
Voice over LTE (VoLTE)SupportedSupported
Price Check iPhone SE Price Check iPhone 6 Price

FAQ

What year were the iPhone SE and iPhone 6 released?
The iPhone SE was released in 2016, while the iPhone 6 came out in 2014, making the SE a newer device with updated internal hardware.

Which phone has the better processor?
The iPhone SE uses the Apple A9 chip with the M9 motion coprocessor, while the iPhone 6 runs on the older A8 chip with M8, meaning the SE delivers faster performance and smoother multitasking.

How much RAM do the iPhone SE and iPhone 6 have?
The iPhone SE comes with 2 GB of RAM, while the iPhone 6 only has 1 GB, giving the SE an advantage in handling apps and system stability.

Do both models support Touch ID?
Yes, both the iPhone SE and iPhone 6 feature a first-generation Touch ID fingerprint sensor integrated into the Home button for unlocking and secure payments.

What are the rear camera differences between the two phones?
The iPhone SE includes a 12 MP rear camera with 4K recording and Live Photos, while the iPhone 6 has an 8 MP rear camera limited to 1080p video.

Are the front cameras the same on both models?
Yes, both the iPhone SE and iPhone 6 feature a 1.2 MP FaceTime HD camera capable of 720p video recording.

Which phone has the larger display?
The iPhone 6 has a 4.7-inch Retina display, while the iPhone SE has a smaller 4.0-inch Retina display, giving the iPhone 6 more screen space for media and apps.

Do either of them support 3D Touch?
Only the iPhone 6 includes support for 3D Touch, while the iPhone SE does not have this pressure-sensitive screen feature.

Which phone has the better video recording capability?
The iPhone SE supports 4K video at 30fps and slow-motion 720p at 240fps, whereas the iPhone 6 maxes out at 1080p video at 60fps.

How do the batteries compare in capacity and endurance?
The iPhone SE has a 1624 mAh battery and the iPhone 6 has an 1810 mAh battery, but both provide up to 14 hours of talk time and up to 12 hours of LTE browsing.

Do both models have the same display quality?
Yes, both phones feature Retina LCD panels with a pixel density of 326 ppi, 500 nits brightness, and a 1400:1 contrast ratio, ensuring similar clarity and color accuracy.

Are the phones the same weight?
No, the iPhone SE is lighter at 113 g compared to the iPhone 6 at 129 g, making the SE more compact and easier to handle.

What storage options are available for each model?
The iPhone SE was sold in 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB versions, while the iPhone 6 came in 16 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB configurations.

Do both support Apple Pay?
Yes, both the iPhone SE and iPhone 6 support Apple Pay using NFC technology combined with Touch ID for secure transactions.

Which design is more modern?
The iPhone SE follows the compact, flat-edged design of the iPhone 5s, while the iPhone 6 features a slimmer, rounded-edge look that set the stage for future iPhones.

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