Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) vs Samsung Galaxy A54
Side-by-side specifications, scores and verdict.
Quick Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE 4 delivers superior processing power via the A18 chip and a brighter Super Retina XDR OLED display (1200 nits vs 1000 nits), making it exceptional for gaming and demanding apps. Samsung's Galaxy A54 counters with a larger 6.4-inch screen, 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling, a more capable camera system featuring optical image stabilization and multiple lenses, and a substantially larger 5000 mAh battery with faster 25W charging. The iPhone SE weighs just 167g compared to the A54's 202g, offering better portability. Price-wise, both hover around $450, with the SE at $499 and A54 at $449.99. Choose the iPhone SE for raw performance and premium display quality, or select the Galaxy A54 for battery longevity, smoother display refresh, and versatile multi-lens photography.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) | Samsung Galaxy A54 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 167 g | 202 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm | 158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 32 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Telephoto | — | 5 MP macro |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | ~3279 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | — |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 1000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Exynos 1380 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
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
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
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