Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
iPhone 15 Plus delivers a substantially superior experience across nearly every metric, justifying its $470 premium. Its 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 2000 nits brightness vastly outperforms the SE's 4.7-inch IPS LCD panel, while the A16 Bionic processor and 6GB RAM provide noticeably faster performance. Camera capabilities are significantly enhanced with a 48MP main sensor, ultrawide lens, and Dolby Vision 4K recording versus the SE's basic 12MP setup. Battery life extends considerably thanks to the 4383mAh capacity and superior optimization. USB-C modernization and superior wireless charging (15W MagSafe vs 7.5W) round out the advantages. iPhone SE remains viable for budget-conscious users prioritizing essentials, but the 15 Plus is the clear choice for anyone seeking contemporary features, longevity, and capability. Its value proposition far exceeds the SE despite higher cost.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple iPhone 15 Plus | Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 17 | iOS 15 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 201 g | 144 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 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 |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4383 mAh | 2018 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 20W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 7.5W Qi |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 4.7 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Retina IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 | 1334 x 750 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 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 | USB-C 2.0 | Lightning |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Pros
- Outstanding battery life from large 4383 mAh cell
- Dynamic Island replaces notch on a non-Pro model
- 48 MP main camera is a major upgrade over iPhone 14 Plus
- First USB-C port on a standard Plus model
- Large display great for media consumption
Cons
- Capped at 60Hz with no ProMotion upgrade
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 transfer speeds
- No telephoto camera
- No always-on display
- Bulky and heavy for everyday use
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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