Apple iPhone 14 Pro vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
iPhone 14 Pro commands premium pricing with substantial upgrades across nearly every dimension. Its 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, 2000-nit peak brightness, and LTPO technology vastly outpaces the iPhone SE's 4.7-inch 60Hz IPS LCD. Camera capabilities differ markedly: the Pro's 48MP main sensor with 3x telephoto and advanced computational photography crush the SE's single 12MP shooter. Processing power favors Pro via the A16 Bionic versus A15, delivering superior gaming and app performance. Battery capacity (3200mAh vs 2018mAh) and charging speeds (27W vs 20W) reflect the Pro's flagship positioning. However, iPhone SE remains compelling for budget-conscious buyers seeking current iOS, 5G connectivity, and reliable everyday performance. The $570 price gap requires honest assessment: casual users gain minimal practical benefit from Pro's capabilities, while power users will find the investment justified. For most consumers, iPhone SE delivers exceptional value; professionals need Pro's camera system.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple iPhone 14 Pro | Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 16 | iOS 15 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 206 g | 144 g |
| Material | Stainless steel frame | Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 147.5 x 71.5 x 7.85 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 12 MP |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 7 MP |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 12 MP 3x | — |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3200 mAh | 2018 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 20W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 7.5W Qi |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 4.7 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO | Retina IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 1334 x 750 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 625 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Hexa-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Apple GPU (4-core) |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic | Apple A15 Bionic |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | Lightning |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 14 Pro
Pros
- Introduced the Dynamic Island cutout design
- Massive 48 MP camera jump with ProRAW support
- Always-on display first on iPhone
- ProMotion 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Compact Pro form factor easy to handle one-handed
Cons
- Still uses Lightning connector at $999
- Heavy stainless steel frame
- Charging speeds lag far behind Android rivals
- Smaller battery than Pro Max model
Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Pros
- Most affordable iPhone with 5G
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- Compact and lightweight design
- Touch ID home button
- Long iOS software support
Cons
- Dated design with thick bezels
- Single rear camera
- Small 4.7-inch LCD display
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Modest battery life
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