Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Google Pixel 6 Pro
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE 3rd gen delivers remarkable value at $429, pairing the flagship A15 Bionic chip with solid 12MP camera and wireless charging in a compact 4.7-inch form factor. Google's Pixel 6 Pro ($899) commands premium pricing with its 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED display, superior computational photography via the Tensor chip, and comprehensive camera system including 48MP telephoto with 4x optical zoom. Battery capacity heavily favors the Pixel (5003 mAh vs 2018 mAh), though both support 5G and NFC. Display technology represents the largest gap,Pixel's 1000-nit LTPO OLED vastly outperforms the iPhone's 625-nit IPS LCD. Camera systems are incomparable; Pixel's triple setup with advanced processing dominates the SE's single lens. Performance is genuinely close thanks to the A15's efficiency, yet Pixel's 12GB RAM and Tensor's AI capabilities edge ahead. For budget-conscious users prioritizing performance and wireless charging, the iPhone SE excels. Those demanding flagship features, superior photography, and larger screens should choose the Pixel 6 Pro.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) if…
- →Most affordable iPhone with 5G
- →Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- →Compact and lightweight design
Buy the Google Pixel 6 Pro if…
- →First-generation Tensor chip brings impressive AI photography
- →LTPO display with variable refresh rate
- →4x telephoto for versatile zoom range
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Google Pixel 6 Pro
Pros
- First-generation Tensor chip brings impressive AI photography
- LTPO display with variable refresh rate
- 4x telephoto for versatile zoom range
- Large battery with wireless charging
- Distinctive two-tone design
Cons
- First-gen Tensor has thermal management issues
- Software bugs at launch damaged reputation
- Heavy and slippery curved glass back
- Aging chip limits longevity
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) | Google Pixel 6 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | Android 12 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 144 g | 210 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP, f/1.85, OIS |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 11.1 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | — | 48 MP, f/3.5, 4x optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2, 114-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2018 mAh | 5003 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 33W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd gen) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 4.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | LTPO OLED |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 | 3120 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 10-120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 625 | 1000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Google Tensor |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
Related Comparisons
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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