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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) vs Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro

The Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is the budget option here, but its compact design and A15 Bionic chip deliver impressive performance. While the iPhone SE is lightweight at 5.09oz, the XCover6 Pro weighs 8.29oz but offers military-grade durability and a larger 6.6" display for better viewing experiences.

📱 Display: 4.7" vs 6.6"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 2018 mAh vs 4050 mAh

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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)

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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Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro

Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro

3.9
(215)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (Enterprise Edition standard)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 642L
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Key spec differences

Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.

Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4.7"
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
6.6"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
60Hz
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
120HzWinner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4GB
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
6GBWinner
Storage
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
No (Not supported)
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
2,018mAh (Approximate)
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
4,050mAh (User-Removable)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
No (Standard Qi not supported; POGO charging cradles used instead)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.09 oz (144 g)Winner
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
8.29 oz (235 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
6.65 x 3.15 x 0.39 in (168.8 x 79.9 x 9.9 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, PTT (Push-to-Talk)
+

Full specs, pros, and cons

Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.

Comparison: Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) vs Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro

Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)

Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)

4.5(225)Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro

Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro

3.9(215)Amazon
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)

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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Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro

Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro

Rating:3.9(215)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (Enterprise Edition standard)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 642L
RAM:6GB
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.6"
Screen Type:PLS LCD, 120Hz, Wet Touch & Glove Mode
Resolution:2408 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:120Hz
Peak Brightness:480 nits (Typical) / 500 nits (Peak) — optimized for indoor/industrial use
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash
Ultra-Wide Camera:8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K UHD @ 30fps; 1080p @ 60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2
Battery:4,050mAh (User-Removable)
Wired Charging:15W Fast Charging (Support up to 25W with specific adapters); POGO Pin Charging
Wireless Charging:No (Standard Qi not supported; POGO charging cradles used instead)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, PTT (Push-to-Talk)
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (Supports DeX)
Durability:IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); MIL-STD-810H Certified; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+
Dimensions:6.65 x 3.15 x 0.39 in (168.8 x 79.9 x 9.9 mm)
Weight:8.29 oz (235 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Recognition
Extras:Two Programmable Keys (XCover Key, Top Key), Samsung DeX, Dual Microphones, Barometer

✓ Pros:

  • User-removable battery is a rare and critical feature for field work
  • Rugged build (IP68/MIL-STD-810H) survives drops without a case
  • Physical programmable keys are excellent for Push-to-Talk or app launching
  • Supports Wi-Fi 6E and Samsung DeX for desktop-like productivity
  • Touchscreen works with gloves and in wet conditions

✗ Cons:

  • Display brightness (~500 nits) is low for outdoor use compared to S-series
  • No standard Qi wireless charging (requires proprietary POGO docks)
  • Charging speed is modest (15W included, 25W capable)
  • Cameras are functional but lack optical stabilization (OIS)
  • Price is high relative to raw performance specs (paying for ruggedness)

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Which one is better?

Grab the iPhone SE if you want a lightweight, compact phone that fits easily in your pocket - it's lighter and easier to use one-handed.

Who should buy each?

Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you want a compact design for one-handed use, prefer the iPhone ecosystem, or value a lightweight phone. (4.7" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Choose the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro if: you need a rugged phone for field work, want a removable battery for convenience, or prefer a larger display for productivity. (6.6" display, 120 Hz refresh)

Conclusion

Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) and Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro 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. Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro is better if you prioritize user-removable battery is a rare and critical feature for field work. 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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