Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) vs Motorola razr (2023)
If you're looking for a budget-friendly phone, the iPhone SE is the entry-level option with solid performance,. This means you can enjoy more hours of use without fumbling for a charger, making it a no-brainer for anyone who uses their phone throughout the day.
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)

Motorola razr (2023)
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 SE (3rd Gen) vs Motorola razr (2023)

Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)

Motorola razr (2023)
| Criterion | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) | Motorola razr (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(225)Best Buy | ★4.3(513)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) | 3 Android OS upgrades and 4 years of bi-monthly security updates |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm) |
Graphics | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 644 |
RAM | 4GB | 8GB LPDDR4X |
Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe | 128GB UFS 2.2 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 4.7" | Main: 6.9" / External: 1.5" |
Screen Type | Retina HD LCD (IPS) | Main: FHD+ pOLED, LTPO, 144Hz / External: OLED, 60Hz |
Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) | Main: 2640 x 1080 (413 ppi) / External: 194 x 368 (282 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | Main: Up to 144Hz / External: 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 625 nits (Typical) | 1,400 nits (Main Peak) / 1,000 nits (External Peak) |
Main Camera | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x | 64MP, f/1.7, 0.7µm, OIS, Laser AF (Quad Pixel to 16MP) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | No (Not supported) | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Macro Vision |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps | 4K UHD @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.7µm (Quad Pixel to 8MP) |
Battery | 2,018mAh (Approximate) | 4,200mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning | 30W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in US retail box) |
Wireless Charging | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) | 5W Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave - Carrier Dependent), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass | IP52 (Water-repellent coating - Splash Resistant only) |
Dimensions | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) | Open: 6.73 x 2.91 x 0.29 in (170.8 x 74.0 x 7.35 mm) / Closed: 3.47 x 2.91 x 0.62 in |
Weight | 5.09 oz (144 g) | 6.65 oz (188.6 g) |
Biometrics | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock |
Extras | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support | Vegan Leather finish, Stereo Speakers (Dolby Atmos), Ready For (Wireless only) |
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
✓ 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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Motorola razr (2023)
✓ Pros:
- • Most accessible price point for a new foldable phone in the US
- • Battery life (4,200mAh) exceeds that of the premium Razr+ and Galaxy Z Flip5
- • Premium vegan leather design feels grippy and durable
- • Main screen is excellent: 144Hz LTPO with invisible crease mechanics
- • Includes wireless charging (albeit slow 5W)
✗ Cons:
- • External display (1.5") is tiny and only useful for basic notifications (unlike Razr+)
- • Charger is NOT included in the box (unlike previous Moto G phones)
- • Performance (Snapdragon 7 Gen 1) is mid-range, not flagship level
- • IP52 rating is weak compared to Samsung's IPX8 (submersion protection)
- • USB 2.0 port means slow data transfer and no wired video output
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Which one is better?
Grab the iPhone if you want a compact phone that's lightweight at just 5.09oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you prefer a compact design for one-handed use, want to enter the Apple ecosystem affordably, or need a phone that's easy to carry. (4.7" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Choose the Motorola razr (2023) if: you enjoy a large, vibrant display for gaming or streaming, need all-day battery life, or want a unique foldable design. (6.9" display, 144 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) and Motorola razr (2023) are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) excels if you value most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Motorola razr (2023) is better if you prioritize most accessible price point for a new foldable phone in the us. 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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