Apple iPhone 15 vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
The Apple iPhone 15 is the mid-range option here, offering a standout 48MP camera and a vibrant 6.1" OLED display. In my testing, the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is a budget-friendly alternative, but it falls short with a 12MP camera and a smaller 4.7" LCD screen. What matters most here is the real-world performance. The iPhone 15's 3349mAh battery lasts up to 20 hours of video playback. If you're after photography or extended use, the numbers clearly favor the iPhone 15. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 4.7" and Battery: 3349 mAh vs 2018 mAh.
Why compare these? The Apple iPhone 15 (mid-range) and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (budget-friendly) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.8★ (951 reviews) | 4.5★ (225 reviews) |
| Top Strength | High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop | Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem |
| Main Drawback | Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz) | Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels |
| Market Position | ✓Mid-range | Budget |
Apple iPhone 15
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
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.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 15 vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple iPhone 15
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 15 | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(951)Best Buy | ★4.5(225)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | iOS |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) |
Processor | Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic) | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR5) | 4GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 4.7" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Retina HD LCD (IPS) |
Resolution | 2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi) | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) | 625 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 48MP Main (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP quad-pixel sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 3349 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed) | 2,018mAh (Approximate) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass |
Dimensions | 5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm) | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) |
Weight | 6.02 oz (171 g) | 5.09 oz (144 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) |
Extras | Dynamic Island; Ring/Silent switch; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Apple iPhone 15
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
6 GB (LPDDR5)
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Pros
- High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop
- Bright, color-accurate OLED display (up to 2000 nits outdoor)
Cons
- Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz)
- USB-C port limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds (480 Mb/s)
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 15 is the better buy for most people - its 48MP camera crushes the iPhone SE's 12MP.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 15 if: you shoot a lot of photos, need a larger and brighter display, or want longer battery life. (6.1" display, 3349 mAh battery)
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you want an affordable entry into the iPhone ecosystem, prefer a compact design, or mainly use your phone for texting and calls. (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 951 reviews vs 225
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 15 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 15 or Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Apple iPhone 15 is the better choice if you prioritize high-resolution 48mp main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop. 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 15 and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 15 offers high-resolution 48mp main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop, while Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) stands out with most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Consider that Apple iPhone 15 display limited to 60 hz (no promotion 120 hz). 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
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.