iPhone 7 & 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 7 rather than the iPhone SE.
Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 7?
- The iPhone 7 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display for a larger and more comfortable viewing experience when browsing, gaming, and streaming, whereas the iPhone SE has a smaller 4.0-inch Retina display that feels more restrictive for multimedia use.
- iPhone 7 comes with a 7 MP front camera for sharper selfies and 1080p video calls, while the iPhone SE uses a 1.2 MP front camera limited to 720p video quality.
- It has an f/1.8 rear camera aperture with optical image stabilization for clearer low-light photos and reduced blur, whereas the iPhone SE has an f/2.2 aperture without stabilization.
- The iPhone 7 supports stereo speakers for louder and more immersive sound during music, videos, and calls, while the iPhone SE uses a single bottom speaker.
- iPhone 7 has a larger ~1960 mAh battery for longer video playback and daily endurance, while the iPhone SE has a smaller ~1624 mAh battery.
- It includes a solid-state Home button with Taptic Engine feedback for durability and faster response, whereas the iPhone SE uses a mechanical clickable button.
- The iPhone 7 runs on the A10 Fusion chip with M10 coprocessor for smoother multitasking and higher gaming performance, while the iPhone SE uses the older A9 chip with M9 coprocessor.
- iPhone 7 comes with IP67 water and dust resistance for protection against accidental spills and splashes, whereas the iPhone SE lacks any official water or dust resistance rating.
Maybe the iPhone SE price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 7. 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 7 | iPhone SE |
| Display Size | 4.7-inch Retina HD | 4.0-inch Retina |
| Display Resolution | 1334 × 750 pixels | 1136 × 640 pixels |
| Display Brightness | 625 nits maximum | 500 nits maximum |
| Contrast Ratio | 1400:1 | 800:1 |
| Wide Color (P3) | Supported | Not supported |
| 3D Touch | Included | Not available |
| Design | Rounded aluminum body with slimmer antenna bands | Classic iPhone 5s-style squared aluminum body |
| Home Button | Solid-state with Taptic Engine feedback | Mechanical clickable button |
| Processor | A10 Fusion chip with M10 motion coprocessor | A9 chip with M9 motion coprocessor |
| Storage Variants | 32 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB |
| Rear Camera Aperture | 12 MP, f/1.8 with optical image stabilization | 12 MP, f/2.2 without optical image stabilization |
| Camera Flash | Quad-LED True Tone | Dual-LED True Tone |
| Front Camera | 7 MP, f/2.2 | 1.2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Front Camera Video | 1080p HD recording | 720p HD recording |
| Audio Output | Stereo speakers (earpiece + bottom) | Single bottom speaker |
| Water & Dust Resistance | IP67 certified | No official resistance |
| Battery Capacity | ~1960 mAh | ~1624 mAh |
| Battery Performance | Longer playback time | Shorter playback time |
| Weight | 138 g | 113 g |
| Color Options | Jet Black, Black, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Red | Silver, Space Gray, Gold, Rose Gold |
| LTE Speed | LTE Advanced | Standard LTE |
| Price | Check iPhone 7 Price | Check iPhone SE Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Retina Display: Both iPhone 7 and iPhone SE feature Retina display technology, ensuring sharp text, vibrant images, and consistent clarity across the screen.
- Pixel Density: Both models include a pixel density of 326 ppi, giving equally crisp visuals and smooth edges for reading and viewing content.
- Touch ID: Both devices feature Touch ID integrated into the Home button, allowing secure unlocking, purchases, and app authentication.
- Rear Camera Resolution: Both models include a 12 MP rear camera sensor, providing detailed still photos suitable for everyday and professional use.
- 4K Video Recording: Both iPhone 7 and iPhone SE support 4K video recording at 30 fps, enabling high-resolution video capture.
- Slow-Motion Video: Both devices allow slow-motion video at 1080p at 120 fps and 720p at 240 fps, offering creative motion capture.
- Panorama Mode: Both include a panorama mode supporting up to 63 MP panoramas, making it possible to capture wide scenic shots.
- Live Photos: Both phones feature Live Photos, recording a few seconds of motion and sound around still shots for a dynamic photo experience.
- True Tone Flash: Both devices come with True Tone flash, balancing color and brightness when taking photos in low-light environments.
- Wi-Fi Standard: Both support 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO, delivering fast wireless connectivity and stable streaming.
- Bluetooth: Both iPhone 7 and iPhone SE use Bluetooth 4.2, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of wireless accessories.
- Apple Pay: Both phones support Apple Pay through NFC combined with Touch ID, allowing secure contactless payments.
- Lightning Connector: Both devices rely on the Lightning port for charging, syncing, and connecting accessories.
- Build Material: Both use an aluminum unibody with a glass front, providing durability and a premium Apple design.
- iOS Ecosystem: Both models run iOS with access to the App Store, updates, and integration with Apple’s services such as iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime.
Common Features
| Feature | iPhone 7 | iPhone SE |
| Operating System | iOS, upgradable to latest supported versions | iOS, upgradable to latest supported versions |
| Retina Display | Uses Retina technology for sharp text and visuals | Uses Retina technology for sharp text and visuals |
| Pixel Density | 326 pixels per inch for crisp viewing | 326 pixels per inch for crisp viewing |
| Touch ID | Integrated into the Home button for secure unlocking | Integrated into the Home button for secure unlocking |
| Rear Camera Resolution | 12 MP rear camera sensor | 12 MP rear camera sensor |
| 4K Video Recording | Records 4K video at 30 fps | Records 4K video at 30 fps |
| Slow-Motion Video | Supports 1080p at 120 fps and 720p at 240 fps | Supports 1080p at 120 fps and 720p at 240 fps |
| Panorama Mode | Allows capturing up to 63 MP panoramas | Allows capturing up to 63 MP panoramas |
| Live Photos | Captures Live Photos with motion and sound | Captures Live Photos with motion and sound |
| True Tone Flash | Uses True Tone flash system for balanced lighting | Uses True Tone flash system for balanced lighting |
| Wi-Fi Standard | 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO support | 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO support |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless accessories | Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless accessories |
| Apple Pay | Supports Apple Pay via NFC and Touch ID | Supports Apple Pay via NFC and Touch ID |
| Lightning Port | Uses Lightning connector for charging and data | Uses Lightning connector for charging and data |
| Build Material | Made of aluminum with glass front | Made of aluminum with glass front |
| Price | Check iPhone 7 Price | Check iPhone SE Price |
FAQ
Which phone has the larger display, iPhone 7 or iPhone SE? Do both iPhone 7 and iPhone SE support Touch ID? Which device has the better processor, iPhone 7 or iPhone SE? Is there a difference in camera quality between iPhone 7 and iPhone SE? Which phone has the better front camera, iPhone 7 or iPhone SE? Do either of the phones support water resistance? Which iPhone has a headphone jack, iPhone 7 or iPhone SE? Is the display quality different between the iPhone 7 and iPhone SE? Do both iPhone 7 and iPhone SE record 4K video? Which phone has stereo speakers, iPhone 7 or iPhone SE? Is there a weight difference between iPhone 7 and iPhone SE? Which device has a larger battery, iPhone 7 or iPhone SE? Do both iPhones support Apple Pay? Are both phones made with the same materials? Which phone was more expensive at launch, iPhone 7 or iPhone SE? |
