Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Samsung Galaxy A54
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE 3rd generation delivers flagship performance through its A15 Bionic chip, enabling smooth iOS 15 operation and impressive app speeds despite modest hardware specs. Samsung's Galaxy A54 counters with a larger 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display refreshing at 120Hz, substantially better cameras (50MP main with OIS plus ultrawide and macro), and a massive 5000 mAh battery versus the SE's 2018 mAh. Display quality heavily favors Samsung at 1000 nits peak brightness compared to 625 nits. However, the iPhone SE's compact 4.7-inch form factor, wireless charging, and superior processor efficiency appeal to users prioritizing portability and premium software experience. Camera quality differs: iPhone delivers cleaner processing while Galaxy offers versatility through multiple lenses. Battery life strongly advantages the Galaxy A54. At nearly identical pricing, the Galaxy A54 provides better overall specifications and daily usability, making it the stronger choice for most consumers, though iPhone SE suits those valuing compact design and iOS ecosystem.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) | Samsung Galaxy A54 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 144 g | 202 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 32 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Telephoto | — | 5 MP macro |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2018 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 4.7 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 625 | 1000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Exynos 1380 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
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
Samsung Galaxy A54
Pros
- IP67 dust and water resistance at mid-range price
- Bright 120Hz Super AMOLED display
- Large 5000 mAh battery for multi-day use
- Four years of OS and five years of security updates
- OIS on the main camera improves low-light shots
Cons
- Exynos 1380 trails Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 rivals
- No telephoto camera, only a macro lens
- No wireless charging
- 25W charging is slow compared to Chinese competitors
Related Comparisons
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) or the Samsung Galaxy A54.
