iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE: How Do the Specs Compare?
Apple’s iPhone 15 series promises major upgrades in nearly all areas when it launched last year. But bargain hunters may be wondering – should I splurge on the latest and greatest, or save money and get the new iPhone SE? Let’s take an in-depth look at how the specs of the iPhone 15 measure up against the recently released iPhone SE (2022).
With over a decade in the making, Apple’s iconic iPhone series has revolutionized the smartphone industry. Each new iPhone release brings cutting-edge hardware and innovative features that set the bar for premium mobiles. Later this year, the iPhone 15 line promises to continue this legacy with major upgrades across the board from displays to cameras to performance.
But for budget-focused buyers, Apple has also released the third-generation iPhone SE packing the fast A15 Bionic chip into a compact and affordable package starting at just $429.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE: How Do the Specs Compare?
The iPhone 15 plays in a different league with rumored specs that outmatch not only the iPhone SE but nearly all flagship Android phones as well. The real question you should be asking is: do you need that much phone?
The little iPhone SE will handle most everyday usage just fine at a fraction of the upcoming iPhone 15’s price. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison highlighting exactly what you stand to gain or lose by choosing one over the other.
Display: Sleek OLED vs Classic LCD
The iPhone 15 is rumored to feature a 6.1” flexible OLED display with slimmer bezels while the iPhone SE sports a classic 4.7” LCD panel. Catering to users who prefer large, high-end screens, the iPhone 15 is expected to have a higher resolution display capable of up to 120Hz refresh rate for super-smooth scrolling and graphics.
The OLED technology will provide richer colors, higher brightness of up to 2000 nits for excellent outdoor visibility, and better contrast with inkier blacks. For media consumption, its expansive screen coupled with HDR support will put the iPhone 15 in a different league altogether versus the small LCD on the budget iPhone SE.
Camera: Triple Lenses Provide Flexibility
Apple has stepped up its camera game in recent years, and the iPhone 15 is set to raise the bar even higher. Rumors point to a triple camera array comprising 12MP wide, ultra-wide and telephoto lenses with upgraded sensors and imaging capabilities for excellent photos and videos in all conditions. A much improved low-light performance is to be expected along with advanced features like support for 8K video recording.
The iPhone SE’s single 12MP rear camera is still impressive given its low price, benefitting from Apple’s latest image processing. But creative shots like landscape panoramas will need you to manually stitch frames together unlike the seamless ultrawide camera experience on the iPhone 15.
Performance: Faster Speed for Enhanced Experience
The iPhone 15 is set to use Apple’s new A17 chip expected to be built on the cutting-edge 3nm process for improved performance and efficiency over the already blazing fast A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone SE. With a faster 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, you can count on the iPhone 15 for smooth operation whether gaming or juggling multiple demanding apps.
The expected 6GB memory on the iPhone 15 vs 4GB on the iPhone SE also ensures stable performance under heavy loads. So if challenging applications like video editing and 3D design appeal to your workflow, the superior horsepower of the iPhone 15 has you covered.
Also Read: Apple M2 vs M2 Pro vs M2 Max: What are the Differences?
Battery Life and Charging: Power Up Faster and Longer
While the iPhone SE delivers respectable battery life for the average user, the iPhone 15 should drive far superior longevity on a single charge thanks to a bigger physical battery and improved power efficiency of the new processor. Fast charging support will let you juice up in a hurry; a 50% charge in just 30 minutes according to rumors!
In contrast, with the iPhone SE, you’ll be plugged into a standard 5W charger for up to 3 hours from empty to full. So if you have no patience for waiting and want to maximize the time between charges, the iPhone 15 wins in the battery stakes.
Biometrics and Durability: Futuristic Options Aplenty
Apple is testing both under-display Touch ID and Face ID facial recognition options for the iPhone 15. Either way, you should be able to unlock securely in an instant without a physical home button getting in the way as on the iPhone SE.
For added toughness against spills, drops, and splashes there are likely to be major enhancements in water and dust resistance ratings over the iPhone SE. Construction-wise as well you can expect a stronger front and back glass frame on the iPhone 15 for extra impact absorption, ideal if you have a track record of cracking phone screens!
5G and Connectivity: Blazing Fast but Broadly Available
5G connectivity headlines the wireless communication capabilities on both the iPhone 15 and iPhone SE, but performance differs depending on region and mobile network. Only the iPhone 15 is rumored to feature cutting-edge mmWave technology enabling up to 2-4Gbps downloads where supported – over 10x 4G LTE speeds! But in most neighborhoods, the slower yet still sizeable boost from 5G over 4G will benefit basic usage like web browsing and video streaming equally on both phones.
Support for speedy Wi-Fi 6 wireless networks is also common to both models. So while only the iPhone 15 offers a glimpse into the very fastest 5G connections possible, the iPhone SE still delivers highly usable speeds.
Price and Value Comparison: Premium Power vs Smart Savings
Given all the above factors, it is no surprise that Apple positions the iPhone series at a premium price point usually starting around $800. Comparatively, the iPhone SE is an incredible value at just $429. Ultimately your choice comes down to budget and priorities around desired features. Performance seekers who want cutting-edge photography flexibility, silky gameplay graphics, stunning video and display quality will happily pay more for the iPhone 15.
But if you just want reliable software, solid cameras, and usable 5G in a compact form, saving money with the iPhone SE makes perfect sense too! Hopefully, this detailed look at their respective specs helps determine which iPhone suits your needs best.
Final Verdict:
In conclusion, while the iPhone 15 leaves the iPhone SE far behind in raw capabilities befitting a 2024 flagship, Apple’s budget model remains a very capable device, especially for more casual smartphone users. Unless blazing-fast 5G networks, console-quality gaming, or professional-grade photography top your priority list, the little iPhone SE should satisfy nicely while saving you a chunk of cash. But for those who want the very best iPhone experience without compromise, the upcoming iPhone 15 promises to again push the boundaries of innovation.
