Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) vs Honor Magic 5 Pro
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE 4 delivers impressive value at $499, featuring the premium A18 chip, Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1200 nits peak brightness, and a capable 48MP main camera with 4K60 video. Its lighter 167g design and iOS 18 ecosystem appeal to Apple loyalists seeking affordability. Honor's Magic 5 Pro commands double the price but justifies it substantially: larger 6.81-inch LTPO OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and superior 1800 nits brightness, significantly more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, quad camera setup including 3.5x telephoto with OIS, massive 5100mAh battery with 50W wireless charging versus iPhone's 7.5W, and 66W wired charging. Photography enthusiasts and power users benefit from Magic 5 Pro's versatile camera system and faster refresh rate. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing core performance and simplicity, iPhone SE 4 excels. Those wanting flagship features, larger screen, and superior charging should invest in the Magic 5 Pro.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Honor Magic 5 Pro if…
- →Triple 50 MP camera system with excellent 3.5x periscope telephoto
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 delivers flagship performance
- →50W wireless charging is among the fastest available
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Honor Magic 5 Pro
Pros
- Triple 50 MP camera system with excellent 3.5x periscope telephoto
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 delivers flagship performance
- 50W wireless charging is among the fastest available
- IP68 water resistance with 5100 mAh battery
- 3D face unlock via ToF sensor is fast and secure
Cons
- Thick and heavy at 219 g and 8.77 mm
- MagicOS software is heavily skinned — not stock Android
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung or Apple in Western markets
- 66W wired charging is slower than competitors like OnePlus 100W
- Limited global after-sales service network
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) | Honor Magic 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 13 (MagicOS 7.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 167 g | 219 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, nano-crystal glass back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm | 162.9 x 76.7 x 8.77 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP, f/1.6, OIS, Sony IMX906 |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP, f/2.4, 3D ToF |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | — | 50 MP, f/3.0, 3.5x optical zoom, OIS |
| Ultrawide | — | 50 MP, f/2.0 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | ~3279 mAh | 5100 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 66W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 50W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.81 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2848 x 1312 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 1800 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Adreno 740 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| 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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