iPhone SE vs iPhone 7 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureiPhone 7iPhone SE
Display Size4.7-inch Retina HD4.0-inch Retina
Display Resolution1334 × 750 pixels1136 × 640 pixels
Display Brightness625 nits maximum500 nits maximum
Contrast Ratio1400:1800:1
Wide Color (P3)SupportedNot supported
3D TouchIncludedNot available
DesignRounded aluminum body with slimmer antenna bandsClassic iPhone 5s-style squared aluminum body
Home ButtonSolid-state with Taptic Engine feedbackMechanical clickable button
ProcessorA10 Fusion chip with M10 motion coprocessorA9 chip with M9 motion coprocessor
Storage Variants32 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB
Rear Camera Aperture12 MP, f/1.8 with optical image stabilization12 MP, f/2.2 without optical image stabilization
Camera FlashQuad-LED True ToneDual-LED True Tone
Front Camera7 MP, f/2.21.2 MP, f/2.4
Front Camera Video1080p HD recording720p HD recording
Audio OutputStereo speakers (earpiece + bottom)Single bottom speaker
Water & Dust ResistanceIP67 certifiedNo official resistance
Battery Capacity~1960 mAh~1624 mAh
Battery PerformanceLonger playback timeShorter playback time
Weight138 g113 g
Color OptionsJet Black, Black, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, RedSilver, Space Gray, Gold, Rose Gold
LTE SpeedLTE AdvancedStandard LTE
PriceCheck iPhone 7 PriceCheck 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

FeatureiPhone 7iPhone SE
Operating SystemiOS, upgradable to latest supported versionsiOS, upgradable to latest supported versions
Retina DisplayUses Retina technology for sharp text and visualsUses Retina technology for sharp text and visuals
Pixel Density326 pixels per inch for crisp viewing326 pixels per inch for crisp viewing
Touch IDIntegrated into the Home button for secure unlockingIntegrated into the Home button for secure unlocking
Rear Camera Resolution12 MP rear camera sensor12 MP rear camera sensor
4K Video RecordingRecords 4K video at 30 fpsRecords 4K video at 30 fps
Slow-Motion VideoSupports 1080p at 120 fps and 720p at 240 fpsSupports 1080p at 120 fps and 720p at 240 fps
Panorama ModeAllows capturing up to 63 MP panoramasAllows capturing up to 63 MP panoramas
Live PhotosCaptures Live Photos with motion and soundCaptures Live Photos with motion and sound
True Tone FlashUses True Tone flash system for balanced lightingUses True Tone flash system for balanced lighting
Wi-Fi Standard802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO support802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO support
BluetoothBluetooth 4.2 for wireless accessoriesBluetooth 4.2 for wireless accessories
Apple PaySupports Apple Pay via NFC and Touch IDSupports Apple Pay via NFC and Touch ID
Lightning PortUses Lightning connector for charging and dataUses Lightning connector for charging and data
Build MaterialMade of aluminum with glass frontMade 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?
The iPhone 7 has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, providing more screen space for videos, apps, and browsing, while the iPhone SE comes with a more compact 4.0-inch Retina display.

Do both iPhone 7 and iPhone SE support Touch ID?
Yes, both models use a Touch ID fingerprint sensor integrated into the Home button, but the iPhone 7 has a solid-state button with haptic feedback whereas the iPhone SE uses a physical clickable button.

Which device has the better processor, iPhone 7 or iPhone SE?
The iPhone 7 runs on the A10 Fusion chip with an M10 motion coprocessor for faster performance and improved efficiency, while the iPhone SE is powered by the older A9 chip with an M9 motion coprocessor.

Is there a difference in camera quality between iPhone 7 and iPhone SE?
Both phones have a 12 MP rear camera, but the iPhone 7 has a wider f/1.8 aperture with optical image stabilization for better low-light shots, while the iPhone SE has an f/2.2 aperture without stabilization.

Which phone has the better front camera, iPhone 7 or iPhone SE?
The iPhone 7 has a 7 MP front camera capable of recording 1080p video, while the iPhone SE uses a 1.2 MP front camera limited to 720p recording.

Do either of the phones support water resistance?
The iPhone 7 is IP67 water and dust resistant, meaning it can withstand splashes and short submersion, while the iPhone SE does not have any official water resistance rating.

Which iPhone has a headphone jack, iPhone 7 or iPhone SE?
The iPhone SE includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, making it compatible with traditional wired earphones, whereas the iPhone 7 removed the headphone jack and relies on Lightning or wireless audio.

Is the display quality different between the iPhone 7 and iPhone SE?
Yes, the iPhone 7 has a brighter 625-nit Retina HD display with wider color (P3) support and a 1400:1 contrast ratio, while the iPhone SE reaches 500 nits with an 800:1 contrast ratio and no wide color.

Do both iPhone 7 and iPhone SE record 4K video?
Yes, both models support 4K video recording at 30 fps, along with 1080p and 720p recording options, giving users high-quality video capture on either device.

Which phone has stereo speakers, iPhone 7 or iPhone SE?
The iPhone 7 includes stereo speakers using the bottom speaker and earpiece, providing louder and richer sound, while the iPhone SE has a single bottom-firing speaker.

Is there a weight difference between iPhone 7 and iPhone SE?
Yes, the iPhone 7 weighs 138 grams due to its larger size and extra components, while the iPhone SE is lighter at 113 grams, making it easier to hold for long periods.

Which device has a larger battery, iPhone 7 or iPhone SE?
The iPhone 7 has a larger ~1960 mAh battery for longer video and audio playback, whereas the iPhone SE has a smaller ~1624 mAh battery with shorter endurance.

Do both iPhones support Apple Pay?
Yes, both the iPhone 7 and iPhone SE support Apple Pay through NFC and Touch ID, allowing users to make secure contactless payments.

Are both phones made with the same materials?
Yes, both the iPhone 7 and iPhone SE use an aluminum unibody with a glass front, ensuring durability and a premium Apple finish.

Which phone was more expensive at launch, iPhone 7 or iPhone SE?
The iPhone 7 launched as a premium flagship device at a higher price point, while the iPhone SE was marketed as a budget-friendly option with flagship performance in a smaller body.

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