Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Google Pixel 7
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE 3rd gen delivers flagship A15 Bionic performance in a compact, affordable package with strong iOS integration and reliable 12MP camera capable of 4K@60fps recording. Google's Pixel 7 counters with a larger 6.3-inch OLED display (90Hz, 1400 nits), superior 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization, and advanced computational photography. Battery capacity heavily favors Pixel 7 at 4355mAh versus SE's modest 2018mAh, translating to significantly longer daily runtime. Pixel 7 also features faster 20W wireless charging via Pixel Stand 2, USB-C connectivity, and the powerful Tensor G2 chip optimized for AI tasks. iPhone SE targets users prioritizing compact size and ecosystem loyalty, while Pixel 7 suits those wanting premium specs, camera excellence, and all-day battery life. For most users, Pixel 7's comprehensive feature set and camera prowess justify the $170 premium.
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 7 if…
- →Clean Android experience with guaranteed updates
- →Excellent main camera with Tensor G2 processing
- →Compact flagship form factor
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 7
Pros
- Clean Android experience with guaranteed updates
- Excellent main camera with Tensor G2 processing
- Compact flagship form factor
- IP68 water resistance
- Competitively priced for a flagship
Cons
- No telephoto lens
- 90Hz is not adaptive (always-on)
- Only 8 GB RAM
- Slow 20W wired charging
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) | Google Pixel 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | Android 13 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 144 g | 197 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP, f/1.85, OIS |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 10.8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2, 114-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2018 mAh | 4355 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 20W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 20W (Pixel Stand 2nd gen) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 4.7 inches | 6.3 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | OLED |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 90Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 625 | 1400 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Google Tensor G2 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
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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