Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) vs Samsung Galaxy A55
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE 4 delivers a premium experience at an aggressive price point, leveraging the powerful A18 chip and stunning 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1200 nits brightness. Its 48MP main camera with 4K@60fps video recording and compact form factor appeal to those prioritizing performance and iOS ecosystem. Samsung's Galaxy A55 counters with a larger 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen featuring 120Hz refresh rate, a bigger 5000mAh battery lasting considerably longer, and versatile quad-camera setup including macro and ultrawide lenses. The A55's 25W charging slightly edges the iPhone's 20W wired speed. However, the Exynos 1480 processor trails Apple's A18 in gaming and demanding apps. For users valuing raw performance, display quality, and ecosystem integration, the iPhone SE 4 offers exceptional value. Those wanting extended battery life, higher refresh rate scrolling, and multi-lens photography flexibility should choose the Galaxy A55. Both phones deliver solid 5G connectivity and modern design,it ultimately depends on whether you prioritize iOS or Android, along with battery versus performance priorities.
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 Samsung Galaxy A55 if…
- →Premium aluminum and Gorilla Glass build
- →Vibrant 120Hz Super AMOLED display
- →Large 5000 mAh battery with great endurance
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 A55
Pros
- Premium aluminum and Gorilla Glass build
- Vibrant 120Hz Super AMOLED display
- Large 5000 mAh battery with great endurance
- Four years of OS upgrades and five years of security
- IP67 water and dust resistance
Cons
- Exynos 1480 lags behind Snapdragon rivals
- Heavy at 213 g
- No dedicated telephoto camera
- Only 25W charging with no charger included
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) | Samsung Galaxy A55 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 167 g | 213 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm | 161.1 x 77.4 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 | 6.6 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 (4x2.75 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Xclipse 530 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Exynos 1480 |
| 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 |
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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