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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 13 vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 4.7" and Battery: 3240 mAh vs 2018 mAh. The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is the budget option, offering a compact 4.7" Retina HD LCD display and a lightweight design at 5.09oz. If you're looking for an affordable entry into the Apple ecosystem, the SE might fit the bill, but you'll sacrifice some serious tech upgrades in the process.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 4.7"🔋 Battery: 3240 mAh vs 2018 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.14 oz vs 5.08 oz
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Apple iPhone 13
★4.8
(818)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5
(225)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple iPhone 13
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Display1 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 13
6.1"Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4.7"
Performance2 specs
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 13
4GB LPDDR4X
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4GB
Storage
Apple iPhone 13
128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMeWinner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 13
12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 13
12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 13
3,240mAh (approximate)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 13
15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 13
6.14 oz (174 g)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.09 oz (144 g)Winner
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 13
5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 13
5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
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
★4.8(818)Best Buy
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5(225)Best Buy
| 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 |
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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Apple iPhone 13
Rating:★4.8(818)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB LPDDR4X
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Display Size:6.1"
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision
Resolution:2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps)
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics)
Battery:3,240mAh (approximate)
Wired Charging:20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front
Dimensions:5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm)
Weight:6.14 oz (174 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
- • Strong battery life for its size (beat many Android competitors at launch)
- • A15 Bionic chip remains highly capable for everyday tasks and gaming
- • High-quality video recording with Dolby Vision HDR
- • Compact and lightweight 6.1-inch form factor
✗ Cons:
- • Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz)
- • Uses proprietary Lightning port instead of universal USB-C
- • Charging speed is relatively slow (Max ~20-23W)
- • No telephoto lens for optical zoom
- • Cinematic Mode video is limited to 1080p (Pro models support 4K)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Rating:★4.5(225)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB
Storage:64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Display Size:4.7"
Screen Type:Retina HD LCD (IPS)
Resolution:1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:625 nits (Typical)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps
Front Camera:7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wired Charging:20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass
Dimensions:5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Weight:5.09 oz (144 g)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button)
Extras:Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- • Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
- • A15 Bionic chip provides flagship-level performance for the price
- • Retains the classic Touch ID Home button (preferred by some users)
- • IP67 water resistance rating is rare in the budget category
✗ Cons:
- • Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- • Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
- • Base storage starts at a low 64GB
- • No Night Mode for the camera (struggles in low light)
- • Lacks 5G mmWave support (Sub-6 GHz only) unlike main iPhone models
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Which one is better?
Grab the iPhone SE if you want a lighter phone that's easier to use one-handed - it's lighter.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 if: you watch HDR content daily, you prioritize battery life for long trips, or you want a larger screen for gaming. (6.1" display, 3240 mAh battery)
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you need a compact phone for one-handed use, you want a more affordable entry into the iPhone ecosystem, or you prefer the classic Home button design. (4.7" display, 2018 mAh battery)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 13 excels if you value excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is better if you prioritize most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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