iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2016)
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15
Starting at
£416.19£699.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) starts at £192.40, £223.79 less than the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 15 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 15 has a bigger battery: 3349 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 15 and iPhone SE (2016) serve different needs based on their design and features. The iPhone 15 offers a larger, higher-resolution OLED screen, a more powerful chipset with more RAM, and bigger cameras for sharper photos. It supports 5G networks and has a bigger battery, making it suitable for those who want a more capable and modern device. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller with a simpler display and fewer megapixels on its cameras, and it works on 4G. It suits buyers who prefer a compact phone for everyday use and are content with straightforward performance and features.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Battery size, operating system updates and basic durability features matter for how long a phone stays useful and how you use it day to day. The iPhone 15 and iPhone SE (2016) differ clearly in these areas.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 has a battery capacity of 3349 mAh, offering longer use between charges compared to the iPhone SE (2016) with its 1624 mAh battery. This makes the iPhone 15 well suited for users who rely on their phone throughout the day without frequent charging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM and storage options available. These affect how smoothly apps run, multitasking, and storage for files and apps.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 15 has the Apple A16 Bionic chipset with 6 GB of RAM, which supports fast processing and smooth multitasking. The iPhone SE (2016) uses the Apple A9 chipset with 2 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks but with fewer resources for running multiple or demanding apps.
Storage Options
The iPhone 15 offers storage choices of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, allowing more space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB, which fits basic storage needs but requires more frequent management of files.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen size, resolution and technology affect how much you see and how sharp and vivid images appear. The two devices differ strongly in these respects.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 15 has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1179 x 2556, providing a larger and sharper display for videos, reading and browsing. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 4 inch screen with 640 x 1136 resolution, offering a more compact viewing area suited for users who prefer smaller phones.
Screen Type
The iPhone 15 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which produces deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone SE (2016) has an IPS LCD screen, suitable for everyday use but with less contrast and colour depth compared to OLED.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Camera quality and front-facing cameras are important for photography and video calls. The iPhone 15 and iPhone SE (2016) have differences that affect image detail and clarity.
Main Camera
The iPhone 15 features a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing much more detail and clarity in photos compared to the iPhone SE (2016) with its 12 megapixel camera. This suits users who value high-quality photography.
Front Camera
The iPhone 15 includes a 12 megapixel front camera, ideal for sharp selfies and clear video calls. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, which covers video calling needs and simple selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Other features such as network compatibility, connectors, size and weight influence daily use and convenience. Differences here affect how you connect to networks and accessories, and how the phone feels in your hand.
Mobile Network and SIM
The iPhone 15 supports 5G networks and includes both a physical SIM and eSIM, which offers greater flexibility for mobile plans. The iPhone SE (2016) operates on 4G and uses a physical SIM only, fitting users with simpler network needs.
Connector Type
The iPhone 15 uses a USB-C connector, common for modern devices. The iPhone SE (2016) has a Lightning connector plus a 3.5mm headphone jack, which suits users with traditional headphones or accessories.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 15 measures 147.6 mm in height, 71.6 mm in width, and 7.8 mm in depth, weighing 171 g. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter at 123.8 mm height, 58.6 mm width, 7.6 mm depth, and 113 g weight. The SE suits users who prefer a smaller, lighter phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3349 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4 inch)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £192.40, £223.79 less than the iPhone 15
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 171 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 15 often mention that it looks like new even in fair condition, with battery life that lasts well and consistent performance. Many find the screen quality and camera sharpness stand out, and they appreciate the smooth setup and reliable functioning. The phone feels responsive and well suited for demanding daily use. Some customers note the battery health remains high and the phone's condition is excellent even after weeks of use.
Customers buying the iPhone SE (2016) value its affordability and suitability for daily tasks. They note the phone works well for messaging, calls, and light use. Several mention the smaller size fits well in the hand and pocket, and the battery life is adequate for their needs. Some customers acknowledge the phone's simpler performance but find it reliable and good value for its price.
The iPhone 15 suits users who want a modern device with a larger screen, higher performance and photography features. The iPhone SE (2016) fits those looking for a smaller phone for everyday use with straightforward features and a lower price.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 15 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone SE (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £192.40 compared with £416.19 for the iPhone 15.
The iPhone 15 has a bigger battery: 3349 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
The iPhone 15 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 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 adds more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3349 mAh vs 1624 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £223.79 more (from £416.19 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
