iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2020)
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15
Starting at
£416.19£699.00 new
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at
£75.11£289.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone SE (2020)?
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2020) starts at £75.11, £341.08 less than the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020).
- The iPhone 15 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 15 has a bigger screen: 6.1 inch vs 4.7 inch.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2020) specs
The iPhone 15 offers a larger and higher resolution Super Retina XDR OLED screen, more RAM at 6 GB, and higher megapixels for both front and main cameras, suited for users wanting a more detailed display and advanced photography. The iPhone SE (2020) has a smaller screen and fewer megapixels, fitting those who prefer a compact phone for everyday use. The iPhone 15 supports 5G and uses a USB-C connector, while the iPhone SE (2020) has 4G and a Lightning connector. Storage options for the iPhone 15 go up to 512GB, while the SE maxes out at 256GB. Weight differences may also appeal differently depending on your preference.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2020) price
Colour
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2020) battery life and software updates
Neither device is foldable, and each uses the same SIM card options.
Software Compatibility
This means both phones can stay up to date with Apple's software improvements.
SIM Card Options
Both phones support a combination of a physical SIM and eSIM, letting you use dual SIM capabilities. This is useful if you want to separate work and personal numbers or use local SIMs when travelling.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2020) performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2020) screen
Screen quality is a key difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone SE (2020). The iPhone 15 offers a larger, higher resolution screen with OLED technology, while the iPhone SE (2020) has a smaller IPS LCD screen with lower resolution. This affects how content looks and feels in everyday use.
Screen Size
The iPhone 15 has a 6.1 inch screen, which provides more space for watching videos, browsing, and typing. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 4.7 inch screen, making it easier to hold and use with one hand, which suits those who prefer compact phones.
Screen Resolution and Type
With a resolution of 1179 x 2556, the iPhone 15's Super Retina XDR OLED screen delivers sharper, more vibrant images and deeper blacks. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 750 x 1334 resolution Retina IPS LCD screen, which shows colours well but with less detail and contrast compared to the iPhone 15.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2020) camera
The iPhone 15 and iPhone SE (2020) differ in their camera capabilities, which affects photo and video quality. The iPhone 15 has higher megapixel counts on both front and main cameras, making it suitable for detailed photography and selfies.
Main Camera Megapixels
The iPhone 15's main camera has 48 megapixels, which can capture more detail and provide higher resolution photos. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 12 megapixel main camera, which is good for everyday photography but offers less detail compared to the iPhone 15.
Front Camera Megapixels
The iPhone 15 features a 12 megapixel front camera, providing clearer and more detailed selfies or video calls. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 7 megapixel front camera, which is suitable for basic selfies and video chats.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2020) size and design
Other factors like connectivity, charging, and device weight differ between the iPhone 15 and iPhone SE (2020). These can influence daily convenience and compatibility with accessories.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 15 supports 5G networks, which can provide faster data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone SE (2020) supports 4G, suitable for standard mobile internet needs.
Connector Type
The iPhone 15 uses a USB-C connector for charging and data transfer, which is common on many modern devices. The iPhone SE (2020) uses a Lightning connector, compatible with many existing Apple accessories.
Storage Capacity
The iPhone 15 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, offering more space for apps, media, and files. The iPhone SE (2020) comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB versions, which may suit users with lighter storage needs.
Device Weight
The iPhone 15 weighs 171 g, making it a bit heavier, which some may find adds solidity in hand. The iPhone SE (2020) weighs 148 g, making it lighter and potentially more comfortable for extended one-handed use.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 or iPhone SE (2020): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4.7 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone SE (2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £75.11, £341.08 less than the iPhone 15
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 171 g)
What our customers say
Customers buying the iPhone 15 often highlight how the phone looks like new even in fair condition, praising its excellent battery life and smooth performance. Many say the screen is clear and camera quality is impressive, capturing detailed images. Buyers appreciate the phone's responsiveness and ease of setup, with several noting that the phone feels like brand new and recommend it to others.
For the iPhone SE (2020), customers often mention it as a suitable first phone or gift, appreciating its affordability and reliable performance. Many say it works perfectly and looks spotless, with good battery health out of the box. The compact size suits those preferring a smaller phone, and some mention the device as ideal for everyday use without the need for high-end features.
Overall, the iPhone 15 fits users wanting a larger screen, more memory, and higher resolution cameras for detailed photos and videos. The iPhone SE (2020) suits those seeking a simpler, more compact iPhone for basic tasks and light use.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2020) FAQs
iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020). The iPhone 15 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £75.11 compared with £416.19 for the iPhone 15.
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. The iPhone SE (2020) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 15 adds more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4.7 inch) and an OLED screen. Refurbished, it costs £341.08 more (from £416.19 vs £75.11).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone SE (2020) in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
