Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Motorola Edge 40
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE 3rd gen delivers exceptional value at $429 with the flagship A15 Bionic chip, IP67 water resistance, and wireless charging in a compact 4.7-inch form factor. Motorola's Edge 40 ($499) counters with a significantly larger 6.55-inch pOLED display running at 144Hz, superior 50MP camera with OIS, 8GB RAM, and a substantially larger 4400mAh battery with 68W fast charging. Performance-wise, both excel in their respective ecosystems, though the A15 outpaces the Dimensity 8020 in raw speed. Display quality heavily favors the Edge 40's vibrant pOLED panel at 1200 nits versus the iPhone's 625-nit IPS LCD. Camera versatility goes to Motorola with its ultrawide and macro modes, while iPhone offers more polished computational photography. Battery life differences are substantial, favoring the Edge 40's 2.2x larger capacity. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing performance and ecosystem loyalty, the iPhone SE wins. Those wanting larger screens, better displays, and longer battery life should choose the Motorola Edge 40.
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 Motorola Edge 40 if…
- →Ultra-slim at 7.49 mm and light at 167 g with IP68 protection
- →144Hz pOLED display is exceptionally smooth
- →f/1.4 main camera aperture captures excellent low-light photos
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
Motorola Edge 40
Pros
- Ultra-slim at 7.49 mm and light at 167 g with IP68 protection
- 144Hz pOLED display is exceptionally smooth
- f/1.4 main camera aperture captures excellent low-light photos
- 68W fast charging with wireless charging at this price
- Vegan leather option provides a unique, grippy texture
Cons
- Dimensity 8020 is a mid-range chip — not flagship performance
- Only one OS update promised by Motorola
- 4400 mAh battery is modest for heavy users
- No telephoto camera for zoom shots
- 256 GB single storage option with no expansion
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) | Motorola Edge 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | Android 13 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 144 g | 167 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, vegan leather or glass back |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 158.4 x 72 x 7.49 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP, f/1.4, OIS, PDAF |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 32 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Ultrawide | — | 13 MP, f/2.2, macro mode |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2018 mAh | 4400 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 68W wired (TurboPower) |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 4.7 inches | 6.55 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | pOLED |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 | 2400 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 144Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 625 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | MediaTek Dimensity 8020 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| 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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