Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) vs OnePlus 13
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE 4 delivers flagship performance in a compact, affordable package with its A18 chip and Super Retina XDR display, making it ideal for budget-conscious iOS users. OnePlus 13 commands a premium price but justifies it with a larger 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display (4500 nits brightness), significantly more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, superior camera system featuring 3x telephoto and 8K video, and exceptional 6000 mAh battery with 100W charging. iPhone SE 4 excels in processing efficiency, software optimization, and value proposition at $499. However, OnePlus 13's camera versatility, display quality, battery endurance, and raw performance capabilities position it as the superior all-around flagship. For users prioritizing affordability and iOS ecosystem, the SE 4 is excellent. For those seeking premium features and maximum capability, OnePlus 13 is the clear choice despite doubling the price.
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 OnePlus 13 if…
- →Massive 6000 mAh silicon-carbon battery
- →Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers class-leading performance
- →100W wired and 50W wireless fast charging
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
OnePlus 13
Pros
- Massive 6000 mAh silicon-carbon battery
- Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers class-leading performance
- 100W wired and 50W wireless fast charging
- Hasselblad-tuned triple Sony camera system
- IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance
Cons
- Only 4 years of OS updates (vs 7 from Google/Samsung)
- Telephoto is just 3x (no periscope)
- OxygenOS 15 has more bloat than past versions
- Curved display still polarizing for some users
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) | OnePlus 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 15 (OxygenOS 15) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 167 g | 210 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 7i |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68/IP69 |
| Dimensions | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm | 162.9 x 76.5 x 8.5 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP, f/1.6, OIS (Sony LYT-808) |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 32 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60/120fps |
| Telephoto | — | 50 MP, f/2.6, 3x optical zoom (Sony LYT-600) |
| Ultrawide | — | 50 MP, f/2.0, 120-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | ~3279 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 100W SuperVOOC wired (80W in US) |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 50W AirVOOC |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.82 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 3168 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 1-120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 4500 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L & 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Adreno 830 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
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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