iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016)
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iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at
£439.65£799.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) starts at £192.40, £247.25 less than the iPhone 15 Plus. The iPhone 15 Plus is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 15 Plus has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Plus has a bigger battery: 4383 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone SE (2016) offer very different experiences suited to different needs. The iPhone 15 Plus has a much larger and higher resolution screen, a more powerful chipset with more RAM, and significantly bigger battery capacity. It supports 5G and uses USB-C, making it more suitable for users who want a modern, feature-rich phone. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller with a simpler display and fewer features. It supports 4G and retains the Lightning connector and 3.5mm jack, which some users may prefer.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and the operating system. These factors affect how long the phone works between charges and how long it will continue receiving new features and security improvements.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 Plus has a battery capacity of 4383 mAh, which supports longer use between charges compared to the iPhone SE (2016) with a 1624 mAh battery. This means the iPhone 15 Plus suits users who need extended battery life for busy days or heavy use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance differences come from the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These influence how smoothly the phone runs apps, multitasks, and stores data.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 15 Plus has the Apple A16 Bionic chipset with 6 GB RAM, designed for handling demanding apps and multitasking with ease. The iPhone SE (2016) has the Apple A9 chipset with 2 GB RAM, suitable for everyday tasks and basic app use.
Storage Options
The iPhone 15 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, giving more space for photos, apps, and files. The iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB, which fits basic storage needs and suits users who do not store large amounts of data on their phone.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality affects how you view photos, videos, and apps. Size, resolution, and screen type all contribute to the visual experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 15 Plus has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1290 x 2796, offering a spacious and sharp display for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 4 inch screen at 640 x 1136 resolution, which suits users who prefer a compact device with a smaller display.
Screen Type
The iPhone 15 Plus uses Super Retina XDR OLED, which delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone SE (2016) has an IPS LCD screen, providing clear and consistent colours that work well for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Audiovisual features include the cameras on both phones. These affect the quality of photos and video calls.
Front Camera
The iPhone 15 Plus has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, suitable for basic video calling and casual selfies.
Main Camera
The iPhone 15 Plus features a 48 megapixel main camera for detailed photos and better zoom capability. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 12 megapixel main camera, which works well for straightforward photography without extra detail.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Miscellaneous features cover aspects like network compatibility, connectors, size, and weight, which influence daily convenience and connectivity.
Network and SIM
The iPhone 15 Plus supports 5G and offers both a physical SIM and eSIM, providing flexible options for mobile connectivity. The iPhone SE (2016) supports 4G and uses a physical SIM, fitting users with standard network needs.
Connector and Audio
The iPhone 15 Plus uses a USB-C connector, aligning with many modern devices. The iPhone SE (2016) includes a Lightning connector and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which suits those who use wired headphones without adapters.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 15 Plus measures 160.9 mm in height, 77.8 mm in width, and is 7.8 mm deep, weighing 201 g. This makes it larger and heavier, suitable for users who want a bigger display and a substantial feel. The iPhone SE (2016) measures 123.8 mm in height, 58.6 mm in width, and 7.6 mm in depth, weighing 113 g, making it compact and easy to carry for users who prefer a smaller phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 Plus or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 Plus if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4383 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4 inch)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £192.40, £247.25 less than the iPhone 15 Plus
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 201 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 15 Plus appreciate its large, clear screen and smooth performance. Many note the phone looks like new and mention good battery life that lasts around 24 hours. The camera quality and the switch to USB-C are also appreciated. Some users highlight the phone's size and weight, finding it a bit bigger but worth it for the screen and features. The phone runs the latest iOS updates and handles everyday and demanding tasks well, with fast data transfer and reliable network connectivity.
Customers of the iPhone SE (2016) value its compact size and simple use for everyday needs. The phone's battery life is generally considered good for basic tasks, though some users mention needing a power bank for extended use. The device performs well for its price point, handling common apps smoothly. Light scratches on bodywork are accepted by users who want a lower-priced phone. The 3.5mm headphone jack and Lightning connector are useful for those with older accessories.
The iPhone 15 Plus suits users who want a modern, feature-rich phone with a large screen and longer battery life. The iPhone SE (2016) fits those who prefer a smaller, simpler phone for everyday use or a lower priced option with essential features.
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 15 Plus has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone SE (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £192.40 compared with £439.65 for the iPhone 15 Plus.
The iPhone 15 Plus has a bigger battery: 4383 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Plus has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
The iPhone 15 Plus adds more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (4383 mAh vs 1624 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £247.25 more (from £439.65 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
