Apple iPhone 13 vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
If you're weighing the Apple iPhone 13 against the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen), the iPhone 13 is the smarter buy for most people. It packs a 6.1" OLED display compared to the SE’s smaller 4.7" LCD, delivering vibrant colors that make media pop. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 4.7" and Battery: 3240 mAh vs 2018 mAh.
Why compare these? Both the Apple iPhone 13 and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) are budget-friendly smartphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for budget-friendly features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.8★ (818 reviews) | 4.5★ (225 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating | Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem |
| Main Drawback | Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz) | Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels |
| Market Position | Budget | Budget |
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 13 vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple iPhone 13
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 13 | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(818)Best Buy | ★4.5(225)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | iOS |
Software Support | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021) | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 4GB LPDDR4X | 4GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.1" | 4.7" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision | Retina HD LCD (IPS) |
Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak) | 625 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps) | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics) | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 3,240mAh (approximate) | 2,018mAh (Approximate) |
Wired Charging | 20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning |
Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
USB | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) |
Durability | IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass |
Dimensions | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm) | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) |
Weight | 6.14 oz (174 g) | 5.09 oz (144 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) |
Extras | MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support |
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Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
4GB LPDDR4X
128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Pros
- Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
- Strong battery life for its size (beat many Android competitors at launch)
Cons
- Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz)
- Uses proprietary Lightning port instead of universal USB-C
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
4GB
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Pros
- Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
Cons
- Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
Which one is better?
The Apple iPhone 13 is the better buy for most people - its 6.1" OLED display crushes the SE's smaller 4.7" LCD. That said, grab the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if you want a lighter phone at 5.09oz and are okay with a smaller screen.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 if: you want a vibrant 6.1" OLED display for gaming, need better battery life for all-day use, or shoot a lot of video with its advanced recording features.
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you prefer a compact design for one-handed use, want to save money while still getting flagship performance, or appreciate the classic Touch ID Home button. (4.7" display, 2018 mAh battery)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 818 reviews vs 225
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Excellent build quality Priority
Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Most affordable entry Priority
Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 13 edges ahead with a 4.8★ rating compared to 4.5★. However, Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 13 or Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Apple iPhone 13 is the better choice if you prioritize excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) wins if you value most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 13 and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 13 offers excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating, while Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) stands out with most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Consider that Apple iPhone 13 stuck on 60hz refresh rate (competitors offer 120hz). Meanwhile, Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) dated design with thick top and bottom bezels. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
Affiliate disclosure
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