Apple iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE Specs Compared in Detail

Let’s not waste time pretending these two iPhones are even close. On paper, yeah, both are “iPhones.” But in real life? They live in totally different universes.

The iPhone 15 is that flashy, modern flagship — gorgeous screen, fancy cameras, the latest chip, USB-C (finally).

The iPhone SE? It’s like Apple went digging through the 2017 archives and said, “Let’s slap a new chip in this old chassis and call it a day.”

So if you're on the fence, let's cut through the noise and actually break this down. No techie jargon. No corporate marketing spin. Just an honest, detailed, human take on Apple iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE Specs.

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One Looks Modern, the Other Looks Like a Hand-Me-Down

We’ve gotta talk first abou design in Apple iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE Specs — because let’s be real, you notice that before anything else.

The iPhone 15? Clean lines, glass back, slim bezels, and that little black pill at the top (aka Dynamic Island) that morphs and moves while you use the phone. It feels futuristic — like the kind of device you’d expect from Apple in 2025.

Then there’s the iPhone SE. And — thick forehead, chunky chin, and that home button that screams “2016 called and wants its design back.” Some people find that comforting. Most of us? Not so much.

Holding both, the 15 feels sleek and balanced. The SE feels tiny, cramped, and kinda... sad. If design matters to you even a little, the 15's are the obvious winner.

OLED Magic vs. Basic LCD

Let’s talk screens because this is where the gap goes from noticeable to painfully obvious.

The iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch OLED screen that’s just chef’s kiss. Everything pops — blacks are inky, whites are crisp, and the colors are so rich they almost slap you in the face. 

Watching Netflix, scrolling TikTok, or even just reading text it all looks buttery smooth.

The SE? It’s rocking a 4.7-inch LCD. And while it’s not bad per se, it’s just... basic. Colors look flat. It’s not super bright. And the screen feels weirdly small when you try to do literally anything other than text.

Let’s keep it simple: once you go OLED, you’ll never wanna go back.

Both Fast, But Only One’s Future-Proof

Here’s the twist: Apple iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE Specs in performance — both phones are actually fast. 

The SE runs on Apple’s A15 chip (from the iPhone 13 Pro era), which means apps open quick, games run smooth, and day-to-day stuff feels snappy.

But the iPhone 15 comes with the A16 chip, and it just does everything a little better. Smoother multitasking. Faster animations. 

More headroom for iOS updates. It’s like comparing a brand-new sports car with last year’s model. Both are quick, but only one will still be killing it five years from now. If you're the type to keep your phone for a while, the 15’s definitely got the edge.

48MP Glory vs. 12MP Nostalgia

Let’s not even pretend this is close.

The iPhone 15’s 48MP camera is a total beast. Daytime, nighttime, action shots — it handles it all. The colors look stunning, the sharpness is next-level, and that 2x zoom crop? Super handy when you don’t wanna move but still want a tight shot.

The SE? One lonely 12MP rear camera. No night mode. No ultra-wide. No fun. It’s solid for a quick pic in good lighting, but that’s about it. As soon as the sun dips or the lights go dim, it struggles hard.

Selfies? iPhone 15’s front cam is 12MP and actually good. SE’s 7MP is... yeah. Just don’t expect Instagram bangers unless you’re standing in full daylight.

One Survives the Day. The Other Might Not.

Apple never tells us exact battery numbers, but we’ve all lived with iPhones long enough to know what’s up.

The iPhone 15? It’ll easily get you through a full day of heavy use. Watch YouTube, doomscroll, hop on calls, shoot a few videos still standing by bedtime.

The SE? It’s a light-use-only situation. Check your messages, make a call, browse for a bit... then boom 20% by afternoon. If you’re out and about without a charger, you’ll probably regret it.

Also, 15 has MagSafe so charging is not just wireless, it’s actually convenient. The SE? Lightning cable only, which already feels ancient.

Ports, Connectivity, and All That Nerdy Stuff

Okay, tech talk time. The iPhone 15 has USB-C. That means one charger for your iPad, MacBook, Android buds, whatever. And yes, it’s fast.

The SE still has Lightning, which at this point feels like using a DVD in 2025.

Wireless stuff? The 15 supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and newer 5G bands. The SE lags behind a little with Wi-Fi 5 and older 5G support. That probably won’t matter much right now, but a couple of years down the line, you’ll feel it.

Storage: 64GB? In This Economy?!

Honestly, this is where the SE just feels kinda insulting.

iPhone SE starts at 64GB. And in 2025, that fills up FAST. A few apps, a dozen videos, some pics — and boom, you're out of space. You’ll either be deleting stuff constantly or shelling out for iCloud.

The iPhone 15 starts at 128GB, and you can upgrade up to 512GB. It’s way more practical, and for some people, it’s the deciding factor alone.

Software & Longevity: Same Today, Very Different Tomorrow

Sure, both phones are running iOS 17 now, and they’ll feel pretty similar on the surface. But here's the kicker:

The iPhone 15 will keep getting major updates for longer. And the A16 chip means it’ll handle new features better. Apple usually supports phones for 5–6 years, but the newer the chip, the longer you’re safe.

With the SE, you’ll probably lose out on major updates or cool new features a year or two sooner.

Price: Cheap Now or Worth It Later?

Alright, the big one — money.

The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) starts at $429. That’s insanely cheap for a new iPhone. If you just need the basics — calls, texts, iMessage, some light app use — it’ll do the job.

The iPhone 15? It starts at $799, so yeah, it’s a chunk of change. But you’re getting a modern display, better battery, superior camera, more storage, MagSafe, USB-C, better performance, and longer support.

So what’s it gonna be — save a few hundred now and feel the squeeze later, or invest up front and have a phone that’s actually enjoyable to use every day?

Money in Apple iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE Specs

Okay, let’s talk money in Apple iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE Specs.

• iPhone SE 2022 starts at $429

• iPhone 15 starts at $799

Big difference. But hear us out.

The SE is the best cheap iPhone out there—no question. If you just need calls, texts, email, and basic apps, you can’t go wrong. It’s reliable and does the essentials well.

But the iPhone 15? It earns that price tag. It’s not just about better specs—it’s a completely different experience. From the screen to the camera, from battery to daily performance, it just feels like a phone that was made for now.

If you're planning to keep your phone for 3–5 years, the iPhone 15 gives you more for longer.

iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE – Which One's Actually Worth It?

So, you're torn between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone SE (2022)—two wildly different iPhones aimed at completely different types of people. One’s fresh, modern, and packed with shiny features. The other? It's a throwback with solid performance, but feels a bit like using your dad’s old iPhone with a faster brain.

Let’s not sugarcoat it—you’re trying to get the most bang for your buck. Whether you're eyeing flashy photos, all-day battery, or just need something that does the basics without costing a kidney, we’ve broken down this face-off in a way that actually makes sense. No fluff. Just real talk.

Design: One’s Sleek, the Other’s... Stuck in 2016

Let’s start with the obvious: the iPhone 15 looks like it belongs in 2025. It's got that edge-to-edge OLED screen, a gorgeous aluminum frame, and a back that looks like it was carved from a single slab of glass. 

Oh, and that new thing at the top—the Dynamic Island—yeah, that’s a whole vibe in itself. Interactive, animated, actually useful. You’ll like it more than you think.

Now, the iPhone SE (2022)? It’s rocking the same design Apple’s been recycling since the iPhone 6. Thick bezels, a small 4.7-inch screen, and yes—a home button. 

For some, that's comforting. For others, it’s a bit like showing up to a party in flip-flops when everyone else is in Jordans.

Bottom line? If you want your phone to look and feel modern, the iPhone 15 is miles ahead. But if you're all about one-handed use and still love Touch ID, the SE’s simplicity could be your thing.

Display: OLED Magic vs LCD Meh

This part isn’t even a contest. The iPhone 15’s display is stunning—we’re talking 6.1 inches of Super Retina XDR OLED glory, punchy colors, deep blacks, and sharp AF text. 

Watching Netflix, scrolling Instagram, reading articles—it all looks ridiculously good. And when you're outside? It can hit 2000 nits of brightness. Basically, it laughs in the face of sunlight.

Meanwhile, the SE gives you an LCD screen that feels… okay. It’s serviceable, sure, but you’re definitely missing out on the wow factor. No HDR, no rich contrast, no OLED pop. If you’ve ever used a newer iPhone, going back to this screen feels like you’ve been downgraded.

No sugarcoating here—if you care even a little about how things look, you’ll want the iPhone 15’s screen in your life.

Performance: Both Fast, But One’s Built for the Long Haul

Here’s the funny thing—both phones are stupid fast. Like, "launch games instantly and swipe through a dozen apps with zero lag" fast. The SE 2022 rocks the A15 Bionic, the same chip that powered the iPhone 13 Pro. That’s impressive for a budget phone.

But the iPhone 15 has the A16 Bionic, which means it’s just that much more efficient and better at handling the future stuff—like real-time video edits, advanced camera processing, and keeping your battery happy under stress.

The SE can still hang for a while, but as Apple keeps rolling out software updates and new features, the iPhone 15’s chip will carry you further. It’s just better suited for the long game.

Camera: Are You Into Photos or Nah?

This is where the iPhone 15 leaves the SE behind in the dust.

iPhone 15:

• A huge 48MP main camera that takes crazy detailed shots

• 2x Telephoto zoom (without needing a second lens!)

• Night Mode, Smart HDR 5, Deep Fusion, and all the fancy processing

• Cinematic video, 4K everything, Action Mode for steady video on the go

iPhone SE:

• Just a 12MP camera, no ultra-wide, no telephoto

• No Night Mode

• Basic Portrait Mode and HDR

• Decent in daylight, but falls apart in dim light

Basically, if you post on Instagram, take videos, shoot photos at night, or just want to capture your dog doing something cute without it looking like a potato—the iPhone 15 is the obvious pick.

The SE? It’ll get the job done, but you’re working with training wheels in 2025.

Battery Life: One Survives, One Thrives

If you hate having your phone die before dinner, go with the iPhone 15. It’s got a bigger battery, more efficient chip, and OLED screen that sips power instead of guzzling it. You’ll get all-day battery easily, and probably have enough left for TikTok scrolling in bed.

The SE’s battery is okay at best, but if you’re a heavy user—using maps, watching videos, streaming music—you’ll be scrambling for a charger before the day’s over. It's just not built to last from dawn to dusk.

Also, let’s talk charging in Apple iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE Specs: both support fast charging, both do wireless, but only the iPhone 15 has MagSafe. That means magnetic chargers, snap-on wallets, car mounts—it’s just easier and cleaner.

Verdict: iPhone 15 is the phone you trust to get you through the day.

Ports and Connectivity: USB-C is Finally Here

Apple finally made the move: the iPhone 15 has a USB-C port. That’s the same one your MacBook, iPad, and maybe even Android friends are using. It’s faster, more universal, and means you don’t need 5 different cables just to stay charged.

The SE? Still stuck with Lightning. It's fine, but also feels outdated. And if you’re looking forward to the accessories of the future, USB-C is where things are headed.

Also worth noting: the iPhone 15 has a newer Ultra-Wideband chip, better 5G support, and more advanced Bluetooth for things like AirPods.

If you're into convenience and future-proofing, the iPhone 15 clearly has the edge.

Software Experience: They Both Run iOS, But…

Apple’s software support is legendary—you’ll get updates for years. So both phones are good on that front. But here's the thing: not every feature will come to both phones.

Some cool new features, like Dynamic Island interactions, live voice isolation, or certain camera enhancements, are exclusive to newer hardware. So yeah, the SE will still get updates, but the iPhone 15 will feel newer for way longer.

Plus, just using the 15 feels better. It’s faster, more fluid, and more fun to use. It’s like using the same app on a high-end gaming laptop vs. a Chromebook—it runs, but one’s just… better.

Who Should Buy What?

So based on the above discussion about Apple iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE Specs which one is worth buying?

Go for the iPhone 15 if:

• You care about screen quality, photos, and battery

• You want a phone that’ll still feel new in 2028

• You’re using your phone all day—for work, content, social, the works

• You want to join the USB-C, MagSafe, Dynamic Island club

Stick with the iPhone SE if:

• You're on a tight budget

• You don’t care about fancy cameras or screens

• You just need a reliable iPhone that works

• You like the home button and smaller siz

Is the iPhone 15 Worth the Extra Cash?

Look, if you're just trying to spend the least and still get an iPhone, the SE 2022 is a solid pick. It’s fast, it works, and it’ll get you through the day (if you’re not too hard on it).

But if you want something modern—something that feels exciting every time you pick it up—the iPhone 15 is the move. It’s the better phone in nearly every way: display, camera, battery, design, even charging.

Yeah, it’s more expensive—but it delivers way more, too. And if you're someone who keeps phones for years, that extra spend upfront saves you from wanting to upgrade 12 months in.

Conclusion: Which One’s Actually Worth It?

Let’s keep it real about Apple iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE Specs.

• The iPhone SE is perfect if you literally just want an iPhone for calls, texts, and the occasional Google search. Maybe you’re giving it to your kid. Maybe your grandma wants an iMessage. Cool. It’ll handle that. And it’s cheap.
  
  

• But if you actually use your phone photos, content, social, video, browsing, apps, all of it, don't even think twice. Get the iPhone 15. It’s not just better, it's better in every single way that actually matters.

This isn’t a “both are good” situation. One of these phones is future-proof, exciting, and built for now. The other’s barely hanging on.