Apple iPhone 15 vs Apple iPhone SE (4th generation)
The Verdict
Both phones share a 6.1-inch OLED display and identical 48MP main cameras, but diverge significantly in key areas. iPhone 15 delivers superior display brightness (2000 nits vs 1200), faster A16 Bionic processor, and premium 15W MagSafe charging versus SE's 7.5W Qi wireless. SE counters with the newer A18 chipset, iOS 18 software, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and 8GB RAM for $300 less. Display refresh rates cap at 60Hz on both. iPhone 15 excels for users prioritizing processing power and wireless charging speed, while SE offers exceptional value for those willing to accept slower wireless charging and slightly dimmer display. For budget-conscious buyers, SE delivers impressive performance at a compelling price point.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 15 if…
- →Dynamic Island brought to base model
- →48 MP main camera upgrade
- →Switched to USB-C port
Buy the Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) if…
- →First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- →A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- →Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 15
Pros
- Dynamic Island brought to base model
- 48 MP main camera upgrade
- Switched to USB-C port
- Strong A16 Bionic performance
- Comfortable lightweight design
Cons
- Stuck at 60Hz refresh rate
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No telephoto camera
- No always-on display
Apple iPhone SE (4th generation)
Pros
- First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
- USB-C replaces Lightning for universal compatibility
- Most affordable iPhone with A18 performance
Cons
- No telephoto or ultrawide camera — single rear lens only
- Capped at 60Hz with no ProMotion
- No Dynamic Island; uses standard notch
- No MagSafe support, only standard Qi wireless
- Modest battery life compared to standard iPhone 16
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 15 | Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 17 | iOS 18 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 171 g | 167 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3349 mAh | ~3279 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 20W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 7.5W Qi |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 2532 x 1170 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Hexa-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Apple GPU (5-core) |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic | Apple A18 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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