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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy A15 5G vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is the better buy for most people - its vibrant 6.5" Super AMOLED display crushes the iPhone SE (3rd Gen)'s small 4.7" LCD. If you prioritize an entry into the Apple ecosystem with a powerful processor, the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is your go-to. It features the A15 Bionic chip, delivering flagship performance, but you’ll feel the pinch with its dated design and limited display vibrancy.
📱 Display: 6.5" vs 4.7"⚡ Refresh: 90 Hz vs 60 Hz🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 2018 mAh
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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
★4.4
(950)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
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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
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
6.5"Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4.7"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
90HzWinner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
60Hz
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
4GB (Common US config)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4GB
Storage
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
50MP, f/1.8, AFWinner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5MP, f/2.2
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
No (Not supported)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
7.05 oz (200 g)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.09 oz (144 g)Winner
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in (160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Android
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
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: Samsung Galaxy A15 5G vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
★4.4(950)Best Buy
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5(225)Best Buy
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(950)Best Buy | ★4.5(225)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) |
Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core) | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Mali-G57 MC2 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 4GB (Common US config) | 4GB |
Storage | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.5" | 4.7" |
Screen Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | Retina HD LCD (IPS) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 800 nits (High Brightness Mode) | 625 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, AF | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Macro f/2.4 | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps |
Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.0 | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 5,000mAh (Typical) | 2,018mAh (Approximate) |
Wired Charging | 25W Super Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning |
Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) |
Durability | No official IP rating (Plastic frame/back) | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass |
Dimensions | 6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in (160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm) | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) |
Weight | 7.05 oz (200 g) | 5.09 oz (144 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) |
Extras | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Samsung Knox Vault, microSD slot | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support |
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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Rating:★4.4(950)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
RAM:4GB (Common US config)
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:90Hz
Peak Brightness:800 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, AF
Ultra-Wide Camera:5MP, f/2.2
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Macro f/2.4
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.0
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:No official IP rating (Plastic frame/back)
Dimensions:6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in (160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm)
Weight:7.05 oz (200 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:3.5mm Headphone Jack, Samsung Knox Vault, microSD slot
✓ Pros:
- • Unmatched software support in budget class (4 OS updates)
- • Vibrant Super AMOLED display (rare at this price point)
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
- • Includes 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage
- • Solid 50MP main camera performance for the price
✗ Cons:
- • No official IP rating for water/dust resistance
- • Charging adapter not included in the box
- • Performance can be sluggish with only 4GB RAM (base US model)
- • Thick bezels and outdated U-shaped notch design
- • Video recording limited to 1080p (No 4K support)
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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 compact design with a classic Home button - it's lighter at 5.09 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G if: you want a vibrant 6.5" display for media consumption, need long battery life for gaming or streaming, or prefer expandable storage options.
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you want a lightweight phone that's easy to use with one hand, need access to the latest iOS features, or prefer the classic Touch ID for security. (4.7" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G excels if you value unmatched software support in budget class (4 os updates). 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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